Key Takeaways:
- U.S. investor Nick Gross and NBA player Russell Westbrook are investing in a new entertainment district in Oklahoma City, anchored by a soccer stadium.
- The project is expected to cost over $1 billion and will feature a 10,000-plus seat soccer stadium, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and housing.
- The city has committed $120 million in public funds to the project, with some of the money coming from the sale of $50 million in voter-approved general-obligation bonds.
- The development is expected to create a community-driven education program, powered by Gross Labs’ future-ready learning platform, Find Your Grind.
- The overall development is expected to hit $2 billion and will position Oklahoma City to capitalize on the popularity of soccer.
Introduction to the Project
The city of Oklahoma City is set to undergo a significant transformation with the development of a new entertainment district, anchored by a state-of-the-art soccer stadium. The project, which is being backed by U.S. investor Nick Gross and NBA player Russell Westbrook, is expected to cost over $1 billion and will feature a range of amenities, including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and housing. The soccer stadium, which will have a seating capacity of over 10,000, will be the centerpiece of the development and is expected to position Oklahoma City as a major player in the world of soccer.
Investment and Funding
The investment firm tied to Nick Gross, along with Russell Westbrook Enterprises and Echo’s venture capital arm Echo Investment Capital, are pouring more than $1 billion into the 50-acre project. The city has also committed $120 million in public funds to the project, with some of the money coming from the sale of $50 million in voter-approved general-obligation bonds. The investment is a significant vote of confidence in the city’s potential for growth and development, and is expected to have a major impact on the local economy. According to Nick Gross, his father, Pacific Investment Management Co. co-founder Bill Gross, is not involved in the Oklahoma City project.
Community-Driven Education
One of the key aspects of the development is the focus on community-driven education. Nick Gross is making an eight-figure investment in the project, with a focus on expanding his future-ready learning platform, Find Your Grind, to Oklahoma City. The program, which is currently being used in 200 school districts, works with kids to help them identify their passions and interests, and provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. The goal is to expand the program throughout Oklahoma City, which has 25 school districts that fully or partially operate within the city. The educational component of the development will not be limited to Find Your Grind, and will include a range of other initiatives and programs.
The Role of Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook, who is a part-owner of the development, will be bringing his eye for fashion to the district as part of his role as creative director. The NBA player has a strong connection to Oklahoma City, and is committed to making a positive impact on the community. The development is expected to reflect his passion for fashion and entertainment, and will feature a range of amenities and attractions that will make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Future of the Project
The construction of the soccer stadium is expected to begin next year, with a scheduled opening in January 2028. The overall development is expected to hit $2 billion, and will include a range of amenities, including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and housing. The project is expected to create a vibrant and dynamic community, with a focus on soccer, entertainment, and education. According to Nick Gross, Oklahoma City is one of the top five highest emerging cities in terms of where people are moving to and where the action is happening, making it an attractive location for investment and development. With its strong economy, rich culture, and commitment to community-driven education, Oklahoma City is poised to become a major player in the world of soccer and beyond.
