FAQ: What to know about high school wrestling, basketball tournaments at Jim Norick Arena

For three weeks in late February through early March, Jim Norick Arena turns into the hub of Oklahoma high school wrestling and basketball.

This year, the area is also home to a construction site.

Just two days before the state wrestling tournament begins, the groundbreaking ceremony took place for Oklahoma City’s fairgrounds coliseum, which will eventually replace Jim Norick Arena. Because of the construction, fans attending state tournaments will notice a few changes related to parking and entering the venue.

“With progress comes some minor inconveniences, but at the end of the process, it’s better for everybody involved,” said Scott Munz, OKC Fairgrounds spokesperson.

The logistics are a little different, but the tradition continues. Here’s what you need to know:

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Where is Jim Norick Arena?

Jim Norick Arena — also knows as State Fair Arena — is located at 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd. in Oklahoma City.

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How do you buy tickets Oklahoma high school state tournaments?

First, take Munz’s advice: purchase tickets online before the event.

It’s not only more convenient than waiting in line outside the box office, but also cheaper, even with online fees included. Visit okstatefair.com and go to the blue “tickets” tab at the top of the homepage. This will roll out a list of events.

The state wrestling tournament is Friday-Saturday for all classes. Basketball tournaments for Classes A-B are set for March 1-4, while Classes 4A-2A will compete March 7-11.

If you’re buying tickets at the gate, know that the box office is no longer inside the arena. Instead, two temporary box offices are set up outside the east entrance.

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When should fans arrive at State Fair Arena?

To thin out the lines, doors are opening for each wrestling session half an hour earlier than they usually do. This means you can arrive an hour and a half before the wrestle-in matches begin.

It hasn’t been determined if gates will open early for basketball sessions, Munz said.

OSSAA staff member Brian Lester said he would recommend arriving about 10-15 minutes earlier than you have in previous years.

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Where should you park at State Fair Arena?

Despite the construction, there should be ample parking near the arena.

Munz recommends driving in from the east side on May Avenue. Entering through Gate 5 is the easiest because it’s the direct path to “acres of parking” in front of the Bennett Event Center, Munz said.

You can also enter through Gate 3, but you will need to turn left to access the public parking spaces.

In the past, many fans have parked south of the railroad tracks and crossed them to reach the arena, but Munz doesn’t recommend that this year. That area will be primarily for teams, coaches and officials, he said.

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Where do fans enter State Fair Arena?

Munz encouraged fans to go through the east entrance. Behind the outdoor box offices, a set of stairs will lead you to the entrance.

Pass through the metal detector, which is similar to the one at Paycom Center. Then enjoy some wrestling and/or hoops.

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What do need to know about construction at State Fair Arena?

The fairgrounds coliseum is one of Oklahoma City’s 16 MAPS 4 projects, and the target for completion is April 2025, per Munz. He said it will have multiple seating configurations to accommodate for different events. Other features include a lounge, suites, a full-service restaurant, several concession spaces, a broadcasting suite and a catwalk system.

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What will happen to Jim Norick Arena?

Jim Norick Arena has established itself as an Oklahoma City landmark since opening in 1965. Although Munz recognizes the history, he said it’s time for an update. Eventually, the venue will be demolished to make room for a connector between the Super Barn and the new arena, an ideal addition for horse shows.

But Jim Norick Arena will stay open until the coliseum is complete, so you have a couple more years to visit the historic home of high school state tournaments.

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What to know about about HS state tournaments at Jim Norick Arena