By KWGS News
Tulsa, OK – Commissioner John Smaligo, chairman of the Tulsa County Public Facilities Authority (generally known as the Fair Board) today announced the formation of the Driller Stadium Property Marketing Committee. The committee will solicit specific business proposals for use of the land occupied by the stadium at the corner of 15th and Yale.
Commissioner Smaligo selected a five-member committee to be led by Commissioner Fred Perry, who last year headed up the property study committee for the site. Others who will serve on the committee are Mark Andrus, CEO of Expo Square, Mike Parrish, commercial real estate broker, Amanda Blair, marketing manager for Expo Square, and Terry Walters, a representative of the surrounding neighborhood.
Upon announcing the committee, Commissioner Smaligo noted the history of this effort. "This core group has been very active in this project since the Drillers announced their move. I know Commissioner Perry and the committee will make the appropriate efforts in marketing this site for future development," Smaligo said.
Expo Square has been in talks with various groups interested in using the stadium for the present and near future. Staff will continue talks with these groups for using the facility during the short-term. "There are a lot of groups interested in the stadium for various athletic events, but none have produced scheduled events or contracts," said Commissioner Fred Perry. "In the mean time, we are moving ahead with our plan to publicize the availability of the property for future development."
The committee will start work immediately. Commissioner Perry expressed interest in moving quickly. "We hope to have a professional package to distribute within 60 days," Perry said. "I'd like to get a variety of interesting proposals, and hopefully one will come forth that will complement Expo Square's mission, but still something consistent with the neighborhood. Ideally we'd like it to provide a revenue stream to help insure Expo Square's financial viability," Perry added.
He emphasized that the board is not interested in selling the 5.5-acre site. "It's important that the entire 240 acres remain for posterity and for the future enjoyment of Tulsa County citizens," said Perry.