Senate Approves Measure to Encourage Continued Growth in Adventure District

Some of Oklahoma’s biggest entertainment attractions may soon benefit from the construction of a luxury hotel to be constructed in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.

On Tuesday, the full Senate approved House Bill 2019 to provide a tax refund of $354,000 on the construction of a hotel that would be built near Remington Park. Senate author Richard Lerblance explained the bill would benefit not only Oklahoma City, but the state as a whole.

“Oklahoma’s horse racing industry has been revitalized and the area is already host to the annual World Cup of Softball,” said Lerblance, D-Hartshorne. “The construction of this hotel will only serve to make the area an even more viable destination for entertainment. When we encourage and enable growth in one of the state’s most important entertainment areas, we’re doing something positive for tourism in Oklahoma.”

The Adventure District features Remington Park and the National Softball Hall of Fame, as well as attractions like the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City Zoo and the Omniplex Science Museum. An estimated 2.5 million people visit the district each year.

Lerblance noted that Oklahoma’s horse industry has been given new life by gaming compacts which have allowed for limited gaming at race tracks. Purses and crowds have increased, along with tax revenues, he said.

“Regardless of how you feel about gaming, it can’t be denied that our horse industry has been resurrected,” Lerblance said. “Now, the industry appears to be poised for even further growth, and the approval of this exemption can encourage a major investment in one of the state’s most frequently-visited entertainment locations. This is a common sense measure that will produce positive results for Oklahoma tourism.”

The estimated construction cost for the 225-room hotel is $7 million.