Trae Young Athletic Facility Under Construction In Norman

The City of Norman is getting a state-of-the-art athletic facility. This was part of a tax initiative and funding from the Trae Young Family Foundation.

The multi-sport gymnasium is slated for a grand opening this fall.

“This is an eight-basketball gym, two swimming pools, one is competitive. It is a multi-sports center $42-million project funded through the Norman forward initiative which is a half-cent sales tax that started in 2015,” said Jason Olson, the Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Norman.  

Olson said it was two partnerships that helped them reach their $42-million funding goal.  

“Trae Young’s family had a $4 million donation go into the project which gets us to that $42 million dollar. Also, inside that project Norman regional gave about $7-million to build a sports performance center that goes right in the middle of it,” said Olson.  

The new development is under the umbrella of the Norman Forward initiative which will fund various quality of life projects over the next 15 years.  

“When you’re talking about social interaction, recreational opportunities, it is very important for our youth and we are going to have one of the best places in the nation right here in Norman,” Olson said.

The city heard from several parents who travel to surrounding areas for tournaments, according to Olson. This facility will keep that revenue in Norman.  

“We found a great place in town, we have 600 hotel rooms in walking distance. We are on the north side of town, and I think between serving our own youth and the youth sports tourism market this is going to be very successful,” Olson said.  

They are also looking into expanding the outside of the facility to include pickle ball courts and a playground.