Jim Norick Arena Explained

Stadium Name:Jim Norick Arena
Nickname:The Big House
Location:Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA
Address:333 Gordon Cooper Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Opened:1965
Operator:Oklahoma State Fair Park
Former Names:Fairgrounds Arena
Tenants:Oklahoma City Blazers (CHL) (1965 - 1972)
Seating Capacity:10,944

Jim Norick Arena (formerly Fairgrounds Arena) is a large multi-purpose arena located at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Completed in 1965 at a cost of $2.4 million, it was the largest indoor facility in Oklahoma City until the construction of the Myriad Convention Center. It is named for Jim Norick, the mayor of Oklahoma City during the building's construction.[1] [2] [3] [4]

The building was unique in that it had the largest roof of its type in the world. It is the second largest city-owned multi-purpose arena, after Paycom Center, and it has the largest impact for a publicly owned facility in Oklahoma City.

It was home to the Oklahoma City Blazers of the CHL from 1965 to 1972. It was also home to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's National Finals Rodeo from 1965 to 1978, when the event was moved to the Myriad. Even in the early years of the Professional Bull Riders, the Bud Light Cup held a few events from 1999 to 2001, before it was moved to the Ford Center, now Paycom Center.

Elvis Presley played here on November 16, 1970, to a sell out crowd of around 11,000. The Grateful Dead's performance on October 19, 1973, was recorded and later released as Dick's Picks Volume 19.

Today, the arena is used during the Oklahoma State Fair to host Disney on Ice and the state fair rodeo. It is also the venue for the Oklahoma small school state basketball tournaments, school graduations, and various other equine events through the year.[1] [5]

Construction on a new $85 million coliseum to replace the Norick Arena is scheduled to begin in September 2022, after which the old arena will be demolished.[6]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Rohde . John . Arena of memories While the Big House may be smaller in size than its counterparts, it has a rich history and special meaning to numerous Oklahomans . 15 May 2022 . . 28 February 2008.
  2. Web site: BOB DYLAN 1976 ROLLING THUNDER REVUE Unused Concert Ticket | #1796684961 . Worthpoint.com . 1976-05-20 . 2018-10-08.
  3. Web site: Jo Sports Inc . Jo Sports Inc. . 1971-12-16 . 2018-10-08.
  4. Web site: LINDA RONSTADT 1975 Concert Ticket Stub OKLAHOMA CITY FAIRGROUNDS ARENA Rare . eBay . 2018-10-08.
  5. News: Jourdan . Cameron . MAPS 4 would provide a new State Fair coliseum . 15 May 2022 . The Oklahoman.
  6. News: McNutt . Kathryn . New arena construction to begin in September . 15 May 2022 . The Journal Record . 27 December 2021.