Meeting Professionals Guide
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VisitNorman Meeting Professionals Guide
VisitNorman Meeting Professionals Guide
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WELCOME TO NORMAN! We hope you consider Norman to host your next conference, convention, sporting event or other meeting. With more than 3,000 hotel rooms, Oklahoma’s largest ballroom and more than 90,000 square feet of meeting space, we look forward to discussing your group’s needs! Norman is home to The University of Oklahoma, which boasts two world-class museums, The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. The Norman campus is also home to the National Weather Center. No matter what time of year, Norman offers exceptional museums, performing
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arts, colorful galleries, live music, boutique shopping, fabulous restaurants, nearby casinos, golf courses and exciting nightlife.
Our knowledgeable staff of Certified Tourism Ambassadors will be happy to assist you plan an unforgettable trip to Norman. Check out our itineraries to make sure you experience the must-dos while in our city. We have a free app, available in the Apple Store and Google Play, for download. There is a comprehensive list of restaurants, events, attractions, lodging options and more. Your friends in Norman, The VisitNorman staff
VisitNorman Meeting Professionals Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS VISITNORMAN SERVICES
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LETTER FROM THE MAYOR
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NORMAN ATTRACTIONS
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TESTIMONIALS
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TRAVELING TO NORMAN
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PLACES TO STAY
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NORMAN FACILITIES
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SAMPLE ITINERARIES
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NORMAN DINING
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NORMAN SHOPPING
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VISITNORMAN SERVICES CHOOSING A VENUE
• Identify the perfect meeting space for your needs • Secure the best rates and availability • Schedule site inspection • Prepare bid packet • Locate best convention service vendors • Provide 24-48 hour turnaround time on proposal
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
• Itinerary development • Familiarization tours/Site inspections • Attendance builders • Speakers • Attraction discounts/coupons • Entertainment
AFTER THE SELECTION
• Unique off-site options • Logistical support • Transportation and attraction discounts • Meeting/Convention assistance
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FROM THE DESK OF NORMAN MAY0R CINDY ROSENTHAL Norman is a special place. With a rich history beginning in 1889, Norman is home to the state’s premier research university -- The University of Oklahoma. Norman is part of the dynamic Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Norman recognizes the positive values and meaningful contributions in our ever-expanding interconnected world. We celebrate global connections and cultural understanding. Through our Sister Cities connections, Passports and Norman Public School programs (i.e., French immersion), we encourage the advancement of international relations and support those relationships. Experience and learning is the foundation for career futures and Norman is committed to furthering education. Norman is always improving, expanding and changing. We have a wonderful public school system that consistently scores above state averages in every sector of testing. Moore-Norman Technology Center is another feature of our community about which to brag. MNTC has earned the Oklahoma Association of Technology Center’s Gold Star School Award 10 times, most recently during the 2012-13 school year. In addition, Norman Regional Health System, a premier public trust hospital, has built a new campus offering the very best in public health care.
citizens. With agencies such as Food and Shelter for Friends, The Centrer for Children and Families, Variety Care, Inc. and other United Way programs, we are able to expand a hand to those in need. Our community offers job opportunities in a wide range of companies, such as Astellas Pharma, Hitachi, Johnson Controls, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Sitel, OfficeMax, RiskMetrics Group, Weathernews and Chickasaw Nation Industries. Thank you for considering Norman for your meeting. We know you would enjoy your temporary home-awayfrom-home. Sincerely,
Cindy Rosenthal Mayor of Norman
The Norman community takes excellent care of our
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NORMAN ATTRACTIONS SAM NOBLE OKLAHOMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Six breathtaking galleries give visitors an in-depth tour of more than 500 million years of Oklahoma’s fascinating natural history. Explore Oklahoma’s indigenous people, native landscapes and dinosaurs including the world’s largest Apatosaurus and a Guinness-World-Record-holding Pentaceratops. Then enjoy the hands-on exploration and fun of the discovery room. Permanent galleries include The Hall of Ancient Life and The Paleozoic Gallery. 2401 Chautauqua Ave. www.samnoblemuseum.org
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THE NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER
Experience the forces of nature to go behind the scenes and see the newest technology in action at the National Weather Center where more than 550 scientists, meteorologists, climatologists, students and staff from OU and multiple federal and state agencies work together to improve the understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere and severe weather events. Tours are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 p.m. and last approximately 45 minutes. All tours require a reservation. Call to schedule a tour at least two weeks
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in advance. All visitors must pass security to enter the facility. 120 David L. Boren Blvd. www.ou.edu/nwc
DISCOVERY COVE NATURE CENTER
The Cove features displays of native snakes and animals, furs and artifacts. It offers programs throughout the year, including fishing clinics, Dutch oven cooking, trail hikes, and animal tracking. A Park Naturalist is available for group programs outside of the park. Open five days a week, depending on the season.
Eagle watches are offered every other Saturday. 1201 Clear Bay Ave. Lake Thunderbird
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT ANDY ALLIGATOR’S FUN PARK
Miniature bowling, Oklahoma’s tallest rock climbing wall, speedy go-karts and more are available at Andy Alligator’s Fun Park. Try the 18-hole miniature golf, a battle at the Water Wars station or take a swing at the high tech softball and baseball batting cages. Redeem tickets for great prizes in the arcade and try some fabulous food from Andy Alligator’s café and pizzeria. 3300 Market Place www.AndyAlligators.com
ANDY ALLIGATOR’S WATER PARK
Andy Alligator’s Water Park features a
45-foot tower with Oklahoma’s only fourlane mat racer water slide, a 400-foot tube slide and a 700-foot Lazy River, including its own beach. It also offers the largest aquatic play structure for kids in Oklahoma with 800 gallons of water dumped from more than 50 interactive features like jets. The Water Park is open May through September. 3300 Market Place www.AndyAlligators.com
HEYDAY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
A huge new expansion to HeyDay Entertainment opened in 2014 including 24 new bowling lanes, an inside Boomerang restaurant, an expanded video arcade, private party spaces and much more. Experience the 7,000 square foot, two-level laser tag arena and cross bridges; travel up and down ramps, hide behind illuminated pillars, and weave between arches and passageways. HeyDay’s 18-hole mini-golf course features
varying elevations, accented by rippling streams, ponds, waterfalls, a bridge, beautiful landscaping and even some sand traps! Round out the fun in the restaurant area featuring Double Dave’s Pizza Works and Boomerang. 3201 Market Place www.HeyDayFamilyFun.com
SOONER BOWLING CENTER
Featuring 24 smoke-free lanes, the center is family friendly and features bumper lanes for kids with dinosaur ramps, “Rex” and “Trixie,” to help little ones have fun bowling. With a capacity for 400 people, there are five pool tables and a full-service snack bar that serves a great bowling burger and fries, along with salads, wraps, and cold drinks. 550 24th Ave. N.W. www.SoonerBowl.com
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WINERIES CANADIAN RIVER VINEYARDS AND WINERY 7050 Slaughterville Rd., Lexington www.CanadianRiverWinery.com
REDBUD RIDGE VINEYARD & WINERY
15 minutes east of Interstate 35, Exit 108A 7301 E. State Highway 9 www.RedBudRidgeWinery.com
NATIVE SPIRITS WINERY
10500 E. Lindsey www.NativeSpiritsWinery.com
CASINOS & GAMING THE RIVERWIND CASINO
Riverwind Casino’s pulse-pounding nearly 220,000-square foot gaming floor features 2,700 electronic games, 55 poker and blackjack tables and a Racer’s Off Track
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Betting Parlor. The casino features a food court with various restaurants. 1544 W. State Highway 9 www.Riverwind.com
GOLDSBY GAMING CENTER
Just south of the South Canadian River, the center offers a variety of electronic gaming and features a large Bingo hall. 1038 W. Sycamore Rd. www.Chickasaw.net
THUNDERBIRD CASINO
Thunderbird Casino offers electronic games along with table games such as blackjack, three card poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. 15700 E. State Highway 9 www.ThunderbirdCasino.net
HISTORICAL SITES MOORE-LINDSEY HISTORICAL HOUSE
Constructed in 1899, the Moore-Lindsey House is the best example of late Victo-
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rian, Queen Anne architectural style in Norman. Stroll back through time when you tour this charming house of spindle work porches, opulent furnishings and glorious landscaping. Free admission. 508 N. Peters www.NormanHistoricHouse.org
CHAUTAUQUA & MILLER HISTORIC DISTRICTS
These two districts are made up of approximately 150 historical homes each built between 1910 and 1938, with the majority of the development occurring in the 1920’s. The architecture and environment of the Chautauqua District represents a unique time period in Norman’s history. Stately residences reflect the character of the university deans, faculty, and other prominent individuals who assisted in Norman’s development. The Chautauqua District is roughly bounded by Symmes Street on the north, Brooks Street on the south, Chautauqua Avenue on the east and Lahoma Avenue
on the west.
THE MILLER HISTORIC DISTRICT
This primarily residential area is significant for the role it played in the urban development of Norman and for its collection of eclectic residential architecture built between 1910 and 1938. The Bungalow, a nationally popular subtype of the Craftsman style, represents the predominate architecture. The majority of these homes were built in the 1920s. The district is roughly bounded by Symmes Street on the north, Classen Avenue on the east and Miller Avenue running northwest to southeast.
BOYD HOUSE
The most recognizable Norman residence is the Boyd House, also known as the President’s House and “OU White House.” It is the official residence of the OU president. In 1976, the Department of the Interior added it to the National Register of Historic Places, citing the building’s “great contribution to the growth and development of
Oklahoma.” Corner of S. University Blvd. & Boyd St.
BIZZELL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
While on campus, take in the majesty of the Bizzell Memorial Library. Completed in 1929, it is an elaborate Cherokee Gothic building and is a National Historic Landmark of the United States. It is nationally significant for its association with the racial desegregation court case of George McLaurin, who was at first denied admission to the OU’s law school solely on the basis of race and in which the Supreme Court ruled against the segregation. This was a precedent for the more famous 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case later. 401 W. Brooks St. www.Libraries.OU.edu
THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE COLLECTION
The collection is located within Bizzell contains some of the original works by Galileo and also the first book on agriculture in Europe printed with moveable type,
dating back to 1467. Some of the 90,000 plus volumes and most valuable books are kept in a temperature-controlled vault that can be viewed by an appointment. 401 W. Brooks St. www.Libraries.OU.edu
WESTERN HISTORY COLLECTIONS
Another significant collection at the University is the Western History Collections. It is one of the largest and five most important collections of Western history documents, maps and photos in the United States. More than 2,000 manuscripts and 800,000 photograph prints and negatives are securely kept and preserved for the public. The collection houses a rare multivolume portfolio on the Indians of the United States and showcases the Noah H. Rose collection, which includes original photographs of great warriors, chiefs, and civilized tribes. One of the newest additions is the manuscripts from the TV series “Maverick” donated by Norman native James Garner. Monnet Hall, 630 Parrington Oval
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DOWNTOWN NORMAN
The historical district features a historical walk through beautifully landscaped and paved Legacy Trail, with sculptures and historical points of interest. Along the way, marvel at the bronze sculptures- most created by Norman’s local foundry, the Crucible. View a nine-foot statue of James Garner, an enormously detailed replica of the University of Oklahoma in 1942 and the historic clock tower. The trail runs parallel to the tracks in the downtown area. Main St. from Berry Rd. to Ponca Ave.
ORIGINAL UNIVERSITY SITE
The marker designating the historic location is downtown, at the intersection of W. Main and Santa Fe. Downtown Norman
SANTA FE TRAIN DEPOT
On the Legacy Trail is the Santa Fe Train Depot. Built in 1909, the Depot served continuously until passenger service ended in 1979. During the 1980’s, a concerned group of citizens oversaw restoration of the Depot.
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Listed in the National Register of Historic Places the Depot resumed its original use when passenger service was restored to Norman. 200 S. Jones
THE FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART
The University of Oklahoma’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is one of the nation’s finest university art museums. The museum’s extraordinary collection includes major works by some of the most beloved artists of all time, such as Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Monet, Gauguin, Hopper, O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams, Allan Houser, Nicolai Fechin, Leon Gaspard and others. The Stuart Wing houses the University of Oklahoma’s portion of the Eugene B. Adkins Collection. The James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection features more than 4,000 pieces. Admission to the museum is free, thanks to a donation by the University of Oklahoma athletic department. 555 Elm Ave. www.OU.edu/FJJMA
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THE CRUCIBLE FOUNDRY, GALLERY AND SCULPTURE GARDEN
See a graceful mix of bronze sculptures by artists from around the country in the outdoor sculpture garden. The Crucible is responsible for some of Oklahoma’s most important art pieces, including The Guardian, which sits atop the state capital building, and all 46 Land Run pieces, which celebrated the state’s centennial in 2007. The foundry was features on the cable television series, Monuments Guys, in early 2015. 110 E. Tonhawa www.TheCruciblellc.com
JACOBSON HOUSE NATIVE ART CENTER
Former home of Swedish-born Oscar Brousse Jacobson (1882-1966) who, with The Kiowa Five artists, mounted the seminal exhibits of American Indian fine art in the 1920’s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and host of year-round cultural exhibits. 609 Chautauqua Avenue www.JacobsonHouse.com
MAINSITE CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY Main Street and S. Jones Ave. in Street Located in Downtown Norman, Mainsite Contemporary Art offers year round exhibits. 122 E. Main St. www.Mainsite-Art.com
PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO
Located in the historic Santa Fe Train Depot, the Studio features rotating gallery exhibitions. 200 S. Jones www.PASNorman.org
FIREHOUSE ART CENTER
The center for visual arts education in Norman with art classes, exhibits and special events for adults and children. Gift galleries feature paintings, glass work, pottery and more. 444 S. Flood Ave. www.NormanFirehouse.com
PUBLIC ART IN NORMAN
and S. Jones Ave.
Intersection of Main St, N. Carter and W. Acres Ave.
RES IPSA LOQUITOR BY HELEN HARRIS
Northeast corner of W. Main St. and S. Webster Ave. in Downtown Norman.
NORMAN PHILHARMONIC
Lions Park (S. Flood Ave. & Symmes St.) Showcases more than 350 annual dramatic and dazzling presentations from ROAD TO TRADITION BY CHRISTOPHER students and faculty professionals. The Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine FLEMING Lions Park (S. Flood Ave. and W. Symmes Arts performance season offers ballet and modern dance, dramas, operas, broadway St.) musicals, concerts, art exhibitions and recitals. The district is home to nine SILVER LINING BY JONATHAN HILS Southeast corner of W. Main St. and S. performance venues, 1,100 students and 200 faculty and staff to offering events Santa Fe in Downtown Norman. and artistic experiences. www.OU.edu/FineArts/events SUN DIAL BY CRAIG SWAN
VETERANS MEMORIAL
ABNER E. NORMAN
YELLOW PERIL BY STEVEN CRAIG PALMERTON
West side of the Norman Public Library, W. Gray St. and N. Webster.
CRYSTALIZED BY LAUREN TURNER
Lions Park, S. Flood Ave. & W. Symmes St.
FRONTIER CLASSROOM
Legacy Trail, South of Main Street on Jones Ave.
JAMES GARNER
org and www.NormanBalletCompany.com.
THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA ARTS DISTRICT
Located on a granite plaza at Reaves Park, 2501 Jenkins Avenue.
ALPHABET TEXT
The ballet company regularly performs in
INDIAN GRASS BY JUAN & PATRICIA Norman. For more information and details about their performances see www.cimarronopera. NAVARETTE
Within the City of Norman and The University of Oklahoma, more than 40 pieces of public art has been placed. A few of the more prominent pieces are listed. A more complete list is available at VisitNorman.com. Main entrance to City Hall at 201 E. Gray St. (E. Gray and N. Webster.)
THE CIMARRON CIRCUIT OPERA COMPANY AND NORMAN BALLET COMPANY
VORTEX BY ROBERT AHBOAH Lions Park, S. Flood Ave. and W. Symmes St.
Legacy Trail, near the intersection of E. Eufaula and S. Jones.
PERFORMING ARTS SOONER THEATRE
In the heart of downtown Norman sits the Grande Dame of the city, the historic Sooner Theatre. The Spanish Gothic theatre is the year-round host for concerts, movies, theatrical shows, and more. 101 E. Main St. www.SoonerTheatre.com
The Norman Philharmonic performs throughout the year in various venues. www.normanphilharmonic.com
THE RIVERWIND CASINO
Features performances by national artists. In the fall of 2014, headliners include The Oak Ridge Boys, America and KC and the Sunshine Band. 1544 W. State Highway 9 www.Riverwind.com OTHER POPULAR MUSIC VENUES INCLUDE: MICHELANGELOS 207 E. Main THE OPOLIS 113 N. Crawford SECOND WIND COFFEEHOUSE 564 Buchanan THE BREWHOUSE 102 W. Main THE DELI 309 White OTHELLOS 434 Buchanan MIDWAY DELI 601 W. Eufaula
Edwards Park at the intersection of E.
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TESTIMONIALS The Norman CVB staff did a wonderful job working with our committee as we were considering Norman for our 2013 meeting. They are very knowledgeable of the city and all it has to offer and very professional in their conduct. I would recommend the Norman CVB to anyone. — C. Attebery, Baptist Missionary Association of America
The Norman CVB was very helpful to the AJGA as we prepared for a national junior golf tournament in Norman. Staff was great at returning phone calls or responding to e-mails in a timely manner. They provided useful information specific to the Norman area, picked me up from the airport and made me feel so welcomed in Nor-
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man. I would work with the Norman CVB again in a heartbeat! — S. Butler, American Junior Golf Association As a 27-year multi-association management executive I have had the privilege to conduct several meetings over the past three years at the Embassy Suites Norman. Each of the organizations I represent has held meetings at your hotel with exception results! Attendees at our events have also provided us with great reviews on their experience with the hotel, both in accommodations and food service, which obviously makes us look very good. The facilities at the Embassy Suites
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Hotel and Conference Center are very nice and have been suitable for our smaller board meetings, as well as our largest event – The Governor’s Conference on Tourism. That event is a real “space hog” when it comes to using multiple meeting rooms for concurrent breakouts and large general sessions with literally no time in between to turn rooms. I would highly recommend the Embassy Suites Norman to any meeting planner considering Norman. — D. Bailey, CAE, Oklahoma Restaurant Association, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association, Oklahoma Travel Industry Association
MEET US IN THE MIDDLE CITIES WITH DIRECT SERVICE TO WILL ROGERS WORLD AIRPORT Atlanta Baltimore-Washington Charlotte Chicago Midway Chicago O’Hare Dallas Love Field Dallas-Fort Worth Denver Detroit Houston Hobby Las Vegas Houston Intercontinental Kansas City Las Vegas Los Angeles (LAX) Minneapolis-St. Paul Newark Orlando Sanford Phoenix Salt Lake City Seattle San Francisco St. Louis Washington Dulles
DRIVING DISTANCE TO NORMAN Oklahoma City Tulsa, Okla. Wichita, Kan. Dallas-Ft. Worth Springfield, Mo. Little Rock, Ark. Kansas City Shreveport, La. Austin, Texas Houston
20 miles 120 miles 180 miles 190 miles 300 miles 345 miles 365 miles 365 miles 370 miles 430 miles
25 minutes 1 hour, 55 min. 2 hours, 45 min. 2 hours, 55 min. 4 hours, 30 min. 4 hours, 45 min. 5 hours, 15 min. 5 hours, 40 min. 5 hours, 55 min. 6 hours, 30 min.
DID YOU KNOW? From Will Rogers World Airport, it is equidistant to Norman as it is to Downtown OKC!
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WHERE TO STAY HOTELS
Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center
Comfort Inn & Suites
2501 Conference Dr. (405) 364-8040 283 suites
840 Copperfield Dr. (405) 701-5200 73 rooms
Holiday Inn Express
Quality Inn
$$$,S, X, PO, BC, I
$$, S, X, K, PO, BC, P, I
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Sooner Legends Inn & Suites
2500 Conference Dr. (405) 928-5300 115 suites
$$$$, S, X, K, R, PO, BC, P, I
$$, X, PO, BC, I
Fairfield Inn
Country Inn & Suites
301 Norman Center Court (405) 447-1661 74 rooms
968 Ed Noble Parkway (405) 360-0240 77 rooms $$, X, PO, BC, I
$$$, X, K, P, BC
Courtyard by Marriott
Hampton Inn
930 Ed Noble Parkway (405) 579-4000 117 rooms $$$, X, K, PO, P, I
Marriott Conference Center & Hotel at NCED
309 Norman Center Court (405) 360-2100 61 rooms
$$$, S, X, R, PO, BC, I
$$$, S, X, PO, BC, I
$$$, S, X, R, PO, I
Days Inn
Hilton Garden Inn & Suites
The Norman Hotel
$, S, X, K, PO, BC, P, I
700 Copperfield Drive (405) -579-0100 121 rooms
1200 24th Ave. NW (405) 701-8100 136 rooms $$$, X, K, R, PO, I
770 Copperfield Dr. (405) 701-8900 113 rooms
2543 W. Main st. (405) 360-1234 110 rooms
2841 S. Classen (405) 701-4011 54 rooms
2801 E. State Highway 9 (405) 447-9000 964 rooms
1090 N. Interstate dr. (405) 364-2882 150 rooms $$$, S, X, R, PO, P, I
$$$,S, X, K, R, PO, BC, I
MOTELS
EconoLodge
100 26th Ave. SW (405) 364-5554 44 rooms $, X, I
Motel 6 1016 26th Ave. SW (405) 701-3300 46 rooms $, S, X, I
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OU Motel
Travelodge
Cutting Garden
Whispering Pines
$, S, X, K
$, S, X, PO, P
$$, K, P I
$$$, K, I
Sooner Suites
ValuePlace
Holmberg House
KEY
2420 S. Classen 405-321-4670 28 rooms
1775 Maple Ave., Suite 402 (405) 325-2270 30 rooms $$, S, X, K, R, PO, I
Super 8
2600 W. Main (405) 329-1624 90 rooms $, X, P, I
Thunderbird Lodge 1430 24th Ave. SW (405) 329-7194 92 rooms $, S, X, K, P, I
225 N. Interstate Dr. (405) 329-7194 40 rooms
5401 Huettner Drive (405) 321-0005 121 rooms $, S, X, K, I
BED & BREAKFAST Brightstar B&B 3900 E. Robinson (405) 329-2289 3 suites $$, K, I
Casa Bella
642 E. Brooks (405) 329-2289 1 suite $$, K, I
927 W. Boyd (405) 329-4522 3 suites
706 De Barr Ave. (405) 321-6221 4 suites $$, K, I
The Manor
3100 26th Ave. NE (405) 550-7882 1 suite
7820 E. St. Highway 9 (405) 701-4011 7 suites
$ & $$ $100 or less $$$ & $$$$ $100 or more S Extended stay X No-smoking rooms K kitchen PO pool BC business center P pet friendly I internet available
$$, K, I
Montford Inn
322 Tonhawa St. (405) 321-2200 16 suites $$$, K, I
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CONFERENCE CENTERS
EMBASSY SUITES 2501 Conference Drive 405.364.8040 Norman.EmbassySuites.com
Number of guest rooms: 283 Number of meeting rooms: 21 Ballroom space: 28,800 sq. ft. Ballroom capacity (banquet): 2,320 people Total meeting space availability: 50,000 sq. ft.
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MARRIOTT HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER AT NCED 2801 E. State Highway 9 405.447.9000 www.nced.com
Number of guest rooms: 964 Number of meeting rooms: 40 Ballroom space: 9,450 sq. ft. Ballroom capacity (banquet): 1,000 people Total meeting space availability: 65,000+ sq. ft.
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THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA EVENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA The historic Oklahoma Memorial Union features more than 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space, ranging from intimate rooms and lounges for smaller events to outdoor venues and our 6,500 square foot ballroom for larger events and weddings. The collegiate Gothic style of the building is carried throughout our elegantly appointed rooms with many unique interior elements like hardwood floors, coffered ceilings and antique furniture and artwork. The Union also offers a wide array of audio visual equipment, a 350 seat theater/auditorium with HD projector and WiFi throughout the building. All rooms are customizable to your needs and we offer complete catering services. Also on the university campus is the OU College of Continuing Education. The facility features meeting room capacity of more than 500 people in 14 seminar rooms and three meeting rooms.
OU COLLEGE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION 1700 Asp Ave. Norman, OK 73026 Outreach.ou.edu Number of seminar rooms: 14 Number of meeting rooms: 3 Meeting room capacity: 540 people
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SOONER LEGENDS INN & SUITES 1200 24th Ave. NW 405.701.8100 SoonerLegends.com Number of guest rooms: 136 Number of meeting rooms: 3 Meeting room capacity: 300
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SAMPLE INTINERARIES BIG WINS {MEET} WINNING EVENTS
MORNING Visit historic Downtown Norman and indulge in breakfast at The Diner restaurant. At the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, explore more than 500 million years of prehistoric Oklahoma history in the Hall of Ancient Life and come face-to-face with the world’s largest dinosaur skull. Soak up the nostalgic university atmosphere of Historic Campus Corner with shopping, dining, live music, dancing and fun at one of the many “hot spots” on the corner. AFTERNOON See the real storm chasers at work at the National Weather Center, those responsible for tracking storm systems around the world. Then, enjoy locally owned Andy Alligator’s Water Park. The award-winning entertain-
ment venue features a 45-foot tower with Oklahoma’s only four-lane mat racer water slide, a 400-foot tube slide and a 700-foot Lazy River, including its own beach. It also offers the largest aquatic play structure for kids in Oklahoma with 800 gallons of water being dumped from more than 50 interactive features. During non-swimming months, Andy Alligator’s Fun Park eightacre indoor/outdoor complex offers 18 holes of miniature golf, miniature bowling, high-tech softball and baseball batting cages. Andy Alligator’s also has the state’s largest recreational rock climbing wall, bumper cars and even rookie cars. EVENING Take a stroll though the University of Oklahoma campus and enjoy the Cherokee Gothic architecture, tree-lined pathways and crimson-and-cream flower beds. You can’t visit OU without laying eyes on the shrine to OU Football, the Barry Switzer Center! Boomer Sooner! Let the University atmo-
sphere provide you with a great evening experience at Sooner Legends Restaurant where you can gawk at decades of Sooner memorabilia while indulging on tasty food and great desserts like the Crimson and Cream cake.
DISCOVERY {MEETS} DOWN-TO-EARTH Larger-than-life dinosaur exhibits and justtheirsize nature focused nooks and crannies await at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. This premiere natural history museum is an awe-inspiring destination that also just happens to be super family-friendly. MORNING Start out the day at Syrup Breakfast Boutique in Downtown Norman. Then, experience the single most important collection of French Impressionism ever given to an American public university at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on campus. Home of world renowned artists such as Renoir, Degas and Monet, The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is the perfect spot to enjoy art in Norman. AFTERNOON Hungry? Soak up the nostalgic university atmosphere of Campus Corner while enjoying lunch at Victoria’s Pasta Shop. Venture to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, explore more than 500 million years of prehistoric Oklahoma history in the Hall of Ancient Life and come face-to-face with the world’s largest dinosaur skull.
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EVENING Enjoy Oklahoma fine wines at any one of Norman’s vineyards and wineries. Taste a wide variety of grapes grown and wines made at our unique vineyards. Finish off the day at Benvenuti’s Ristorante. In the heart of Downtown Norman, sits the Grande Dame of the city, the historic Sooner Theatre, and across from it, see the statue of Norman native James Garner, the late actor who watched movies there throughout his youth.
OUT {MEETS} ABOUT IN NORMAN A perfect outing in Norman is all about little discoveries, little indulgences and lots of shopping. Stroll through our historic downtown Main Street and experience the friendliness of a neighborly community.
Spend an afternoon exploring the tree-lined (and shop-lined) Campus Corner and feel the youthfulness of the University Spirit. Norman’s where you can enjoy the authenticity of local boutiques and cafes in a city that’s large enough to offer all the national stores and restaurants you like. MORNING Seek the beauty of Norman! The Crucible Foundry, Gallery and Sculpture Garden is responsible for Oklahoma’s most important art pieces, including the Guardian, which guards State Capitol Dome. Shopping has never been easier or more rejuvenating than in Downtown Norman. Featuring charming antique stores, modern art galleries, unique specialty boutiques, and a delicious variety of local restaurants.
AFTERNOON Lunch at Blu Fine Wine & Food in Downtown Norman. The lunch specials, including the Beef & Blu, are a local favorite. Be released of the everyday stresses in life and allow one of Norman’s day spas to pamper your body, including Aesthetica Salon, located a block from Blu on Main Street. EVENING Come by Othello’s for great Italian food and a memorable experience. The laid back venue features music by local artists and an extensive wine list, beer specials, and cocktails. After dining try your luck at Riverwind Casino, a Vegas-style casino offering more than 2,700 electronic games, 55 blackjack and poker tables and a 1,500-seat showplace theatre.
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NORMAN DINING
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Syrup Breakfast Boutique
ASIAN O Asian Fusion Panda Garden Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine
BREAKFAST The Diner Juan Del Fuego Syrup Breakfast Boutique
DESSERTS & PASTRIES Dara Marie’s Fancy That Café Legend’s Restaurant
MEXICAN Tarahumara’s Mexican Café Pepé Delgado’s Ted’s Mexican Escondido
BARBECUE Billy Sims’ BBQ Ray’s Smokehouse BBQ Sooner Legends BBQ
BURGERS The Garage Burgers & Beer Sooner Dairy Lunch O’Connell’s Pub & Grille
DONUTS Donut King Gourmet Donuts Hurt’s Donuts
PIZZA Hideaway Pizza Sandro’s Pizza Pizza Shuttle
BEER SELECTION The Library McNellie’s Pub W
COFFEE & TEA SHOPS Gray Owl Coffee Michaelangelo’s Second Wind Coffeehouse
STEAK & SEAFOOD Charleston’s Benvenuti’s Legend’s Restaurant
BAKERY Crimson & Whipped Cream La Baguette Bakery & Café Waving Wheat Bakery
DELI SANDWICHES Penny Hill Subs Midway Grocery & Market Bison Witches
INTERNATIONAL Das Boot Camp The Greek House Misal Bistro ITALIAN Victoria’s Pasta Shop Benvenuti’s Gaberino’s
VisitNorman Meeting Professionals Guide
VEGETARIAN Cool Greens The Earth Café & Deli Forward Foods
Puebla Tacos y Tequileria
Legends Restaurant
Ray’s Smokehouse BBQ
VisitNorman Meeting Professionals Guide
Legends Restaurant
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SHOPPING DISTRICTS HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Downtown Norman blends art, architecture, entertainment, shopping and dining. Enjoy charming antiques, an array of furniture stores and a delicious variety of local restaurants. Main Street, Flood Ave. to Ponca Ave. www.DowntownNornan.com HISTORIC CAMPUS CORNER Soak up the nostalgic University atmosphere of Campus Corner with more than 75 retail, dining, and entertainment facilities in one convenient district. When the sun goes down, enjoy
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live music, dancing and fun at Campus Corner’s many hot spots. Boyd St. and Asp Ave. www.OUCampusCorner.com BROOKHAVEN VILLAGE A true Norman treasure with a charming array of coffee shops, day spas, art galleries, fine home furnishings and clothing boutiques including White House/Black Market, Jos. A Banks, Francesca’s, J. Spencer and Chico’s. Brookhaven Village also features Oklahoma’s only Charming Charlie location. Robinson St. & 36th Ave. N.W. www.Brookhaven-Village.com
VisitNorman Meeting Professionals Guide
CARRIAGE PLAZA The area is known for divine shopping, furnishing and clothing boutiques that are all locally owned such as The Candy Basket, Occasions and Cayman’s. Near Carriage Plaza are other specialty shops including Mitchell’s Jewelry, Brockhaus Jewelry, In Your Dreams, and Mel’s Kloset. SOONER MALL All your favorite stores in an inviting, family friendly environment. From favorites Gap, American Eagle, Express, New York & Co., Christopher & Banks
and Eddie Bauer to the always trendy Hot Topic, Charlotte Russe, Aeropostale and Forever 21. Children’s favorites with Gymboree, Justice, and The Children’s Place are also at the mall. Shopping for gifts? Visit Bath & Body Works, Candyopolis or J’s Hallmark. Anchored by Sun & Ski Sports, Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts store, Dillard’s, JCPenneys, Sears and Old Navy, Sooner Mall has something for everyone. W. Main St. and Interstate 35 www.SoonerMall.com PARKWAY PLAZA & REDBUD PLAZA National retailers, jewelers, and specialty home stores line this exciting shopping district with such fine stores as Bed Bath & Beyond, J’s Hallmark and Toys R Us. Ed Noble Parkway, between Main St. and Lindsey St. west of Interstate 35 UNIVERSITY NORTH PARK New stores are continuously being added to this two-mile stretch currently home to Mathis Brothers’ Sleep Center, Vintage Stock, Super Target, Kirklands, Kohl’s, Metro Shoe Warehouse, Versona Accessories, TJ Maxx, Ulta, Academy Sports, Dress Barn, HomeGoods, DSW Shoes and Michael’s and much more. Robinson and 24th Ave. N.W.
VisitNorman Meeting Professionals Guide
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CONTACT US: Michelle Hohlier, CMP Michelle@VisitNorman.com Taylor Wagner Taylor@VisitNorman.com See our Meeting Professionals tab at VisitNorman.com for more information and to upload an RFP.
VisitNorman • 309 E. Main Street • Norman, OK 73069 • 405-366-8095