Good morning, Norman! I’m Audrey McClour, a news editor for OU Daily.

On Monday, the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an up-to $50 million bond anticipation note for the Rock Creek Entertainment District arena.

A Mama Roja restaurant location is set to open this summer on the northeast corner of Lindsey Street and Berry Road.

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority named its planned East-West Connector in honor of the late Oklahoma-native country music singer Toby Keith.

Former OU quarterback Kyler Murray is set to be released by the Arizona Cardinals after seven seasons with the team.

Thanks for reading OU Daily this week, we appreciate it.

The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an up-to $50 million bond anticipation note for the Rock Creek Entertainment District’s OU arena Monday.

According to the agenda, the county’s Recreational and Entertainment Facilities Authority will incur debt for construction, design and other expenses through “bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness.”

The authority is a public trust created to oversee the development of the entertainment district. It also approved the bond anticipation note.

Rod Cleveland, District 1 county commissioner, told OU Daily after the meeting the board approved an initial incurring of indebtedness to begin building the arena.

“The Supreme Court finally cleared any obstacles of the petition that was done almost 18 months ago. Also, that basically said the gist was incorrect and so it was misleading,” Cleveland said. “Now we're under the operating agreement that was approved by city council in … 2024, and that's where we're at right now because we're party to that agreement.”

Related: What is the Rock Creek Entertainment District? Project plans, challenges

A Mama Roja location is set to open mid-July on the northeast corner of Lindsey Street and Berry Road.

The restaurant will include a patio that runs the full length of the building along Lindsey Street and a bar that serves both the indoor seating area and the patio. More than 80 parking spaces will be available on site.

Hank Kraft is the chief operating officer for Hal Smith Restaurants. As part of the company’s leadership, he shared details about the Norman location’s design and operation.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority officially named its new East-West Connector in honor of the late Oklahoma-native country singer Toby Keith on Tuesday, despite the family’s initial opposition to the project.

The approval comes after the Oklahoma legislature passed a resolution Thursday to commemorate Keith’s life and legacy with the roadway by naming it “Toby Keith Expressway.”

The East-West Connector is a nearly 30 mile, $3 billion portion of the ACCESS Oklahoma turnpike plan which will extend from Interstate 44 east to Interstate 35 near Indian Hills Road, and continue northeast to Interstate 40. The East-West Connector is expected to be completed by 2033, according to the OTA’s website.

Related: Timeline: City of Norman, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority milestones

The Arizona Cardinals informed former OU quarterback Kyler Murray that he is being released, per Ian Rapoport on social platform X.

Murray spent the last seven seasons in Arizona after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. He won the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and earned two Pro Bowl selections.

During his time with the Cardinals, Murray threw for 20,460 yards and 121 passing touchdowns with 60 interceptions. He added 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns, finishing with a 92.2 passer rating.

This weekend in Norman and OKC

Norman

“Company,” 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Stephen Sondheim’s Tony award-winning “Company” at Elsie C. Brackett Theatre features a soaring score containing many of the composer’s best-known songs. After turning 35, bachelor Robert contemplates his unmarried state over the course of a series of dinners, drinks and even a wedding. Contains suggestive dialogue, adult themes and sexual content. Tickets can be found online starting at $17.

Cookiefest, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday: Cookiefest is a fundraising event for Loveworks Leadership that promotes local bakers, both professional and amateur. Attendees trade for cookies from various professional, amateur, and youth bakers. Kids can enjoy hands-on cookie-themed crafts at the Children’s Cookie Craft Corner. The event will be held at The Well. Entrance is free.

OKC

“Churchill,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday: Written by British actor David Payne, this one-man show explores the legacy of Winston Churchill and shines light on his political battles in addition to his relationships with the U.S., his wife and Queen Elizabeth. Showings will be at Civic Center Musical Hall. Tickets are $75 online.

Photo of the week

Toby Keith Expressway

Toby Keith's family and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board of Directors posing with sign naming the planned East-West Connector in the late country singer's honor.

Need new options for Campus Corner food? Find more recs for local businesses in our annual Best of Norman.

Pepe Delgados | 786 Asp Ave.

Stop by Pepe Delgados Mexican restaurant and try their signature Super Nachos dish. Here, the vibes are always welcoming and customers come ready to eat lots of great foods. In addition to great, traditional Mexican food, Pepe Delgados offers vegan and vegetarian friendly menu items. Also, try their flavorful Mexican beer.

Louie's Grill & Bar | 301 W. Boyd St. and 3750 W. Robinson St.

Louie’s Grill & Bar is a casual American eatery and pub with affordable options. Many flat screen TVs make it the perfect spot for game day, whether you want to catch Sooner football or Thunder basketball. Don’t miss out on the Big Lou: a burger with american cheese, pickles, grilled onions and mustard. Plus, kids eat free on Wednesday.

O'Connell's Irish Pub & Grille | 769 Asp Ave.

Located in the heart of Campus Corner, O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille is a frequented location for many. Known for their fried pickles with ranch, among other things, Norman customers and OU students rave about their bar food and endless shots menu. It’s a great place to go after or during a football game to have great food and drinks.

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