OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Gold Dome, an iconic structure located in northwest Oklahoma City, is one step closer to being revitalized as a concert and entertainment venue, following approval of $3 million in funding by the Oklahoma City Council. Originally built in 1958, the building has been vacant for years, with residents and city officials alike seeing its potential for a new life.
Kasey Ball, a resident who lives near the Gold Dome, expressed her mixed feelings about the building. “When I first moved to this neighborhood, I thought it was cool and sparkly, and now it’s just kind of an eyesore,” Ball remarked. She resides just a short distance from the dome, near Northwest 23rd and Classen.
The proposed development of the Gold Dome into a concert venue is being championed by local leaders, including Mayor David Holt, who emphasized that the goal is to save the building from potential demolition. “The catalyst for this TIF [Tax Increment Financing], really, is ‘How can we save the Gold Dome from demolition?’” Holt said.
The plan is for the dome to become a venue capable of seating up to 3,000 people. Developer Mike Brown, speaking to the city council, assured that the venue would offer a variety of entertainment options. He acknowledged parking as a challenge but suggested that concertgoers would use ride-share services or find nearby private parking options, such as the parking deck located to the south of the venue. “There’s about 75 or 100 [spaces] and then we’ve got the parking deck to the south,” Brown stated.
However, concerns about parking remain a point of contention. Councilman Matt Hinkle pointed out that the existing parking lot is limited and may not accommodate the crowds expected at large events. Despite this, city regulations do not mandate a specific number of parking spaces for the venue.
James Cooper, another city council member, voiced his concern about the impact on the surrounding neighborhood, urging that the development not exacerbate the area’s existing parking struggles. “It’s that neighborhood part I’m concerned about,” Cooper said. He suggested that the venue could help address transportation issues by promoting the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, providing an alternative to car-dependent travel.
As plans move forward, the question of how to balance the needs of the venue with those of the surrounding community will continue to be a focal point of discussion. For now, the effort to transform the Gold Dome into a concert destination remains on track, with hopes that the venue can revitalize the area while preserving the unique character of the neighborhood.
