Celebrant Pam Vetter


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Arena of Dreams: Oasis Events Center
Contributed by: Pam Vetter

10/13/06 Valley News Article

Mark Steele has a vested interest in the Valley. He grew up in Granada Hills, lived here for 42 years, and wants what is best for the community. Steele recently proposed a major sports and entertainment arena in the Woodland Hills Warner Center area, which is expected to generate $50 million on site as well as $45 million to help the local economy.

Steele, president of the Valley Sports Authority, presented the $100 million Oasis Events Center project to the Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council's planning and land-use committee last week.

The Neighborhood Council will vote on Oct. 18 on whether to endorse the concept for the 10,000 seat arena. There is still the possibility that Steele would not be able to acquire a site to develop the project. If it is endorsed, Steele will work with the Mayor's office and the city to identify a possible site, create traffic studies, and work on other issues of concern to the community. Then, the project would be presented to the community for input.

"I think the meeting went well. Anytime you have the opportunity to speak to the public, it's beneficial. They have the opportunity to learn more about 'The Oasis' and to gauge its merits and potential and to express any concerns they may have. Besides, does the Woodland Hills/Warner Center area really need additional retail? This is not a retail complex or an office building, so it's better when I can explain it in person. I always say the fear of the unknown is greater than the reality of the unknown," Steele said.

"I use the example of the Porter Ranch Town Center when it was proposed. When Neiman Marcus didn't come in, Ralphs and Wal-Mart came in and I personally know someone who went and protested the Wal-Mart because they feared, in part, that the Wal-Mart would hurt their property values. Everyone that protested said they'd never shop there. Well, my mom was one of the protesters and every time I go to her house, it is filled with blue and white bags from Wal-Mart," Steele said with a laugh. "Since Wal-Mart went in, the property values in the surrounding area have skyrocketed and $2 million mansions are being built."

"The fear of 'The Oasis' is really just that. On the average, it will only be open three days a week. It will offer 50 percent sporting events and 50 percent entertainment. For sports, it would include a minor league hockey team, an indoor soccer league, professional and amateur boxing, collegiate and high school athletic tournaments, and we'd offer it to the athletic department from Cal State Northridge for men's basketball. For entertainment, it would include events like the Ice Capades, conventions, X-Game events, Harlem Globetrotters, concerts, religious events, and televised award shows," Steele explained. "For twenty years, I've worked as a music producer and owned an independent record label. My first concert was Otis Day and the Nights. I also worked with Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, Bo Diddley, and other artists. I do have a vested interest in my neighborhood and I live in Woodland Hills. My family is here in the valley. I have one nephew and eight nieces who would enjoy this. In fact, 90 percentof the people I meet on the street love the idea."

"Most of the people opposed to 'The Oasis' will be the first ones to buy tickets for their grandchildren to minor league games. For a 5- or 10-year-old kid, they just like to be at a game. It doesn't have to be Staples. As long as they're spending time with dad or grandpa, with a coke in one hand, a hot dog in the other hand and mustard all over their face, they're happy and having fun," Steele said.

Tickets will be affordable as well.

"For minor league games in Long Beach, ticket prices start below $10. I would look at the economics of producing a concert or a sporting event to cover facility costs, insurance costs, talent costs, and then base ticket prices on those expenses. Hockey players come with trainers and staff. Imagine how it would help the local economy. In addition to generating over 5,000 hotel room nights annually, 'The Oasis' will generate money for the local economy with increased revenue for the area restaurants and retail shops," Steele said. "Most importantly, it would offer a local family oriented experience with roughly 160 events per year. The Valley doesn't have an iconic building such as Staples Center, Disney Hall or The Getty Center. This is an opportunity for the West Valley and it could be an arena of dreams for everyone."

Some residents have been concerned about Pierce College property being transformed into the arena.

"Pierce college is not on the list. Pierce is not one of the sites we're looking at. We're looking at other sites and parking structures we could use in the evenings or weekends. We'd need three to five acres if we could use parking structures. If that doesn't work, we'd need an alternative 10 or 11 acre site to create our own parking. So, right now, there is no specific location that has been chosen. First, we're going through the Neighborhood Council. We can't negotiate the price in the press. We're waiting and after each step, we'll move forward in the process. 'The Oasis' will be privately financed and we are not seeking any public financial assistance," Steele explained. "Instead, we're working together so the whole valley will be impacted in a positive way."

In addition, the Valley Sports Authority is in the process of forming a non-profit entity, "The Oasis Foundation," with the goal to raise $1 million annually to help support worthwhile causes, events, organizations, charities, and people throughout the valley. Steele also stated that he has had preliminary discussions about having the Foundation assisting in the financing of a new 1,800 seat performing arts theater in the Woodland Hills area.

"For us, it's all about the people and the community," Steele said.

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