Tulsa downtown arena operating costs explained

The Tulsa city council spent time Tuesday morning discusses the operating side of Tulsa's new downtown arena. <br/><br/>Several city councilors expressed concern that while Tulsa County is building

Tuesday, August 30th 2005, 10:19 am

By: News On 6

The Tulsa city council spent time Tuesday morning discusses the operating side of Tulsa's new downtown arena.

Several city councilors expressed concern that while Tulsa County is building the arena - the city will have to run it, and might not have the money.

The city council asked for the latest projection on the arena operating budget, and was told it hasn't changed much since before the Vision 2025 vote. At that time, it was projected the downtown arena would make money, while the Tulsa Convention Center would lose money. The two combined would still lose money, but bring in much more tax money than it takes to run it.

Tulsa Vision builders project director Bart Boatright: "That's the goal of the arena is to attract people who will come here and stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants and spend money in Tulsa."

The arena site is clear of buildings and most of the underground utilities have been moved. The groundbreaking will be Wednesday at 9 AM, at 2nd and Denver.