History Retired, Legacy Reinvented

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538 – September/October, 2025

By Jessica O’Connor

Poised to continue Oklahoma City Fair Park and the Jim Norick Arena’s legacies of being home to some of the country’s most prestigious equine events, the OG&E Coliseum has officially seen its first champions crowned. Exhibitors at the 6666 NRHA Derby, presented by Markel, were a part of horse show history as they took part in the cutting-edge facility’s inaugural event. With over 53,000 in attendance and more than $10.98 million in direct spending contributed to the OKC economy per a news release by Oklahoma State Fair, Inc., the stunning new coliseum is no doubt ready to take the reins as the fairgrounds’ premier event space.

Innovation (and Renovation) is Inevitable

Serving the rodeo, equine, and livestock competition communities for 60 years, the Jim Norick Arena remained in operation well beyond the predicted lifespan of a venue of its kind. OKC Fair Park estimates that a facility like the Jim Norick is viable for approximately 30-40 years before upkeep becomes an expense that is too great to shoulder. As a vital contributor to OKC’s economy (to the tune of $400+ million a year, according to Mayor David Holt in a recent City of OKC press release regarding OG&E Coliseum’s ribbon cutting), ensuring that the Fair Park’s facilities meet the evolving needs of both exhibitors and producers is crucial.

It’s only fitting that the facility leading OKC onward as “The horse show capital of the world” be designed by an individual with a vested interest in the equine industry. Enter Todd Gralla and Populous, a global architecture firm specializing in sports and event venues.

First-hand Experience Fuels Functionality

Click here to read the complete article
538 – September/October, 2025