How work at convention center will disrupt OKC Streetcar service May 13-16: What to know

Yahoo! News - May 11th, 2025
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The Oklahoma City Streetcar will be temporarily halted from May 13 to May 16 to facilitate the demolition of the former Myriad Convention Center and the construction of the new Paycom Center. During this period, OG&E will disconnect power from the convention center, causing minor disruptions in public transportation. EMBARK will provide alternative transportation with two bus shuttles operating along the downtown streetcar loop, although streetcar fare will still be required. These developments are part of a larger project approved by the Oklahoma City Council, which awarded $11.4 million in contracts to Midwest Wrecking Co. for the demolition process. Thunder game shuttles will also be available during this period, ensuring minimal inconvenience for event attendees.

This construction marks a significant transformation for Oklahoma City, with the new Paycom Center representing a $900 million investment, primarily funded through a penny sales tax approved by 71% of voters. The project is also supported by $70 million from MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group. The new arena is slated to open in June 2028, replacing the iconic convention center built in 1972, which has hosted numerous high-profile events over the decades. This redevelopment is poised to enhance the city's infrastructure and bolster its economic and cultural landscape.

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RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the temporary shutdown of the Oklahoma City Streetcar and the development of the new Paycom Center. It effectively informs readers about the logistical changes and funding sources for the project. However, the article could enhance its accuracy by correcting the typographical error regarding the arena's cost and providing more detailed verification of certain claims.

While the article presents information from the city's perspective, it lacks a broader range of viewpoints, which affects its balance. Including perspectives from local residents or businesses could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. The article's source quality is solid, but it could benefit from additional authoritative voices to strengthen its credibility.

Overall, the article is clear and readable, though it could improve by addressing minor errors and providing clearer explanations of complex terms. By enhancing its engagement and exploring potential controversies more deeply, the article could foster more meaningful discussions and influence public opinion on urban development and public transportation in Oklahoma City.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims that align with the city's plans and previous reports. For instance, the temporary shutdown of the Oklahoma City Streetcar from May 13 to May 16 is accurately reported, as well as the reasons for the shutdown, which are linked to the demolition of the former Myriad Convention Center. However, the article contains a typographical error regarding the cost of the new Paycom Center, stating it as "around $900,000 million," which should likely be "around $900 million." This error affects the precision of the reporting.

The article also accurately mentions the voter approval of a penny sales tax to fund the new arena and the Oklahoma City Council's approval of the development agreement. These claims are verifiable through official city announcements and previous news reports. However, the article would benefit from additional verification of the demolition timeline and contract details awarded to Midwest Wrecking Co., as these are crucial elements of the story.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the logistical aspects of the streetcar shutdown and the development of the new Paycom Center. It provides information from the city's perspective, detailing the planned activities and their impact on public transportation. However, it lacks perspectives from other stakeholders, such as local residents, businesses affected by the shutdown, or public transportation users who might be inconvenienced by the changes.

By not including viewpoints from these groups, the article presents a somewhat one-sided narrative that emphasizes the city's developmental goals without addressing potential concerns or criticisms. Including a broader range of perspectives would provide a more balanced view of the situation, highlighting both the benefits and challenges associated with the development project.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and easy to understand, with a straightforward structure that outlines the key points of the story. It effectively communicates the timeline of events and the logistical changes affecting the streetcar service.

However, the typographical error regarding the cost of the new Paycom Center could lead to confusion among readers. Additionally, the article could benefit from clearer explanations of complex terms or processes, such as the funding mechanisms for the new arena or the specific steps involved in the demolition process. By refining these areas, the article could enhance its clarity and ensure that all readers can easily comprehend the information presented.

7
Source quality

The article cites an official news release from the city of Oklahoma City, which is a reliable source for information on city planning and public transportation changes. This lends credibility to the claims made about the streetcar shutdown and the development of the Paycom Center.

However, the article could enhance its source quality by incorporating additional sources, such as statements from public officials, transportation experts, or community leaders. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and ensure that the reported information is supported by a variety of authoritative voices.

6
Transparency

The article provides some context regarding the reasons for the streetcar shutdown and the development of the new arena. It mentions the city's plans and funding sources, offering a glimpse into the project's background. However, the article lacks transparency in certain areas, such as the specific reasons for the power disconnection by OG&E and the details of the contracts awarded to Midwest Wrecking Co.

Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting. By providing more detailed explanations and clarifying the basis for certain claims, the article could improve its transparency and help readers understand the full scope of the story.

Sources

  1. https://www.news9.com/story/681f84b76dc29731fa4fc44d/okc-streetcar-service-to-be-suspended-may-13-16-bus-shuttles-provided
  2. https://www.okc.gov/residents/city-news/news-releases
  3. https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5516/5296