Claremore approves 10-year lease with Rogers State University for Expo Hall; council ratifies CCDA action

The Claremore City Council on an affirmative vote ratified a 10-year lease allowing Rogers State University (RSU) to use the Claremore Expo Hall for men's and women's basketball and related activities from Oct. 1 through about March 22 each year.

City Manager Peter told the council that RSU pays $25,000 a month for five months for a total of $125,000 in the current contract year. The lease in the council packet also shows stepped increases in later years: $165,000 for the fiscal year beginning 2025-26, $180,000 in 2026-27, $195,000 the following year, and $210,000 annually for fiscal years 2028 through 2035. The lease grants RSU exclusivity of the expo floor during the agreed months and provides for coordination of annual commencement dates so other area schools can hold graduations when the facility is available.

Manager Peter said the agreement includes tenant responsibility for insurance and equipment, limited storage space for RSU, and a requirement that students be supervised by RSU or city staff while in the building. He also said RSU has invested in the expo floor and that refinishing and related maintenance are part of why the lease provides exclusivity during the university season.

The council also ratified the Claremore Cultural Development Authority's long-term lease agreement with the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma acting on behalf of RSU; the city attorney explained state constitutional and trust law constraints that require such ratification by the council.

No councilmember requested further changes during discussion; the motion to ratify the agreement passed on roll call.

The lease will be submitted annually for ratification under the consent agenda unless the parties request changes that require separate council action.