Rainier Development Company Announces Groundbreaking for $1.1 Billion Rock Creek Entertainment District
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA (May 12, 2026) – Rainier Development Company today announced the groundbreaking of the Rock Creek Entertainment District, a planned $1.1 billion, 269-acre mixed-use destination in Norman, Oklahoma. The University of Oklahoma Foundation announced Rainier as the mixed-use District’s master developer on April 14, with Rainier leading the planning, design, coordination and development of the District in close collaboration with community stakeholders and partners.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by approximately 250 guests, was held earlier today at the District site and featured remarks from representatives of the University of Oklahoma, Rainier Development Company, Cleveland County, the City of Norman, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Norman Chamber of Commerce. Comments included:
“Today marks a defining moment years in the making for the University of Oklahoma, the future of Norman and the state of Oklahoma. Breaking ground on the Rock Creek Entertainment District reflects the work of countless individuals who championed a bold vision from the very beginning: community leaders, partners and supporters who believed this community should think bigger about its future. The District is grounded in a proven formula that aligns the university’s continued growth and momentum with the kind of live, work and play development where people want to be and choose to stay. As the state’s flagship university, OU has a responsibility to help build communities that create lasting opportunity and momentum for generations to come,” said University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr.
“Breaking ground at Rock Creek Entertainment District marks the moment this vision becomes reality. This development represents a generational opportunity to create a destination that brings people together while driving long-term economic vitality for the region. We’re proud to stand alongside our partners and excited to begin delivering on that promise. As someone who has spent more than 40 years coming to Norman, it is especially meaningful to help bring a venture of this significance to life here,” said The Rainier Companies Chief Executive Officer Danny Lovell.
“Today’s groundbreaking signifies a long-term investment in Cleveland County – one that will bring jobs and support businesses, provide opportunities for families, and showcase the importance of partnerships like the one between Cleveland County and the University. I am proud to be part of this historic moment and am proud to support OU Athletics and continued economic development throughout Cleveland County. This is a destination that will be enjoyed not only by Cleveland County residents, but people from all over Oklahoma and beyond,” said Cleveland County Commissioner #1 Rod Cleveland.
“Today marks more than the start of construction. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for Norman – one built on vision, partnership, and belief in what this community can become. We’re not just breaking ground on Rock Creek Entertainment District – we’re laying the foundation for jobs, for economic vitality, and for experiences that will bring people together for generations. Great communities don’t just happen. They are built – intentionally, collaboratively, and with a shared vision,” said City of Norman Ward #8 Council Member Scott Dixon.
“The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is proud to partner with the City of Norman, and we applaud their continued efforts to better the lives of all Norman residents,” said Department of Commerce Regional Development Specialist Steven Batcher.
“This is a monumental day for Norman. Our community is on the move, and this development is a powerful example of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together with a shared vision. The Rock Creek Entertainment District will become an exciting destination that drives growth, creates opportunity, and benefits all of Norman for years to come,” said Norman Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Scott Martin.
The planned Rock Creek Entertainment District is envisioned as a year-round destination that will include a state-of-the-art, approximately 8,000-seat performance venue (arena) designed to host concerts, conventions, and community events, as well as University of Oklahoma men’s and women’s basketball games and women’s gymnastics meets.
The broader District is intended to accommodate a mix of hospitality offerings, office space, retail, dining, residential living, and public gathering spaces, which will drive increased economic activity and tourism in Norman and the surrounding area and is projected to generate more than 3,000 construction and permanent jobs in hospitality, retail, and operations over the life of the development.
Further information about planning, timing, and specific components will be shared at www.therockcreekdistrict.com.
ROCK CREEK ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT GROUNDBREAKING IMAGES
ABOUT RAINIER DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Rainier Development Company is a national mixed-use development firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas. As part of The Rainier Companies, Rainier Development specializes in creating retail, residential and entertainment-driven districts that foster community connection, convenience and economic vitality. With a commitment to long-term value creation and quality placemaking, Rainier Development partners with investors, municipalities and communities to deliver transformative destinations across the United States. For more information, visit www.rainiercompanies.com.
ABOUT ROCK CREEK ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Rock Creek Entertainment District is a transformative mixed-use destination in Norman, designed to bring people together through entertainment, dining, hospitality, residential living, and vibrant public gathering spaces. Located on approximately 269 acres near I-35 and Rock Creek Road, the District will feature a multipurpose performance venue (arena), retail and restaurant offerings, office space, a hotel, and a diverse mix of housing options. Developed through a strong public-private partnership, Rock Creek represents the potential for more than $1 billion in total development, including approximately $800 million in private capital invested directly in the community. Designed as a walkable, year-round destination, the District is expected to create more than 3,000 construction and permanent jobs while supporting long-term economic growth, tourism, and regional momentum. For more information, visit www.therockcreekdistrict.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Randy E. Pruett
214-505-1685 Mobile
Randy@randyepruett.com