OKLAHOMA CITY — The contract with TVS as the architect of record for the design and development of Oklahoma City’s new arena was approved by the Oklahoma City Council on Tuesday. David Manica of MANICA Architecture will be the design architect.
The agenda item was passed 5-2. Ward 7 Councilwoman Nikki Nice and Ward 6 Councilwoman JoBeth Hamon voted against.
Ward 1 Councilman Bradley Carter was present for most of the meeting but was out of his seat for this vote. Ward 8 Councilman Mark Stonecipher was not present throughout the meeting.
The City of Oklahoma City will pay $61,649 for the architectural services.
“Iconic arena and stadium projects around the world have been designed by both TVS and Manica Architecture,” stated David Todd, one of the directors in the City of Oklahoma City government. “They have a track record of producing memorable, useful structures that communities can take pride in.”
MANICA is a sports and entertainment venue company based in Kansas City. Chase Center in San Francisco, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Chicago, and the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville, which is still being built, are a few of their NBA and NFL designs.
“At Manica Architecture, we select projects where we can genuinely make a difference in that city, and Oklahoma City is at the top of that list,” said David Manica, the owner and founder of Manica Architecture Together. “We have a fantastic opportunity to design a landmark facility that will genuinely set Oklahoma City and its residents apart and shine brightly.”
Among the projects undertaken by Atlanta-based TVS are the MOTE Science Education Center in Sarasota, Florida; Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, North Carolina; Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.; Jio World Center in Mumbai, India; and Longgang International Arts Center in Shenzhen, China.
“TVS is honored to serve as Architect of Record for the new Oklahoma City Arena, and we are excited to be partnered alongside Design Architect MANICA, Oklahoma City, and The Thunder,” TVS Principal Rob O’Keefe said. “Together, this formidable team will deliver a facility that will serve the citizens of Oklahoma City for generations.”
Next steps
The arena will be constructed on property held by the City, which was once the Cox Convention Center and is now Prairie Surf Studios. It is anticipated that the current structure will be removed in 2025. Design will commence right away. Construction will begin in 2026 and be finished in 2028.
Background of the arena project
Voters in Oklahoma City overwhelmingly (71%) passed a penny sales tax in December 2023 to construct a new arena that would be owned by the City. A development deal between the City and PBC Sports and Entertainment, LLC (PBCS&E), the owners of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Oklahoma City Blue, was authorized by the Oklahoma City Council in May 2024.
To finance the new arena, a 72-month, one-cent sales tax will begin when the MAPS 4 tax expires. It won’t raise the sales tax rate. Additionally, $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group and $70 million in MAPS 4 money will be used to fund the arena.
“TVS is honored to serve as Architect of Record for the new Oklahoma City Arena, and we are excited to be partnered alongside Design Architect MANICA,” TVS Principal Rob O’Keefe said. “Together, this formidable team will deliver a facility that will serve the citizens of Oklahoma City for generations.”
At least 750,000 square feet will make up the $900 million arena, which will be constructed to:
- Benefit Oklahoma City’s residents.
- Fulfill the NBA’s rules and specifications.
- Maximize team revenues, ensuring the sustainability of major league professional sports in Oklahoma City.
The Oklahoma City Thunder NBA club will play their home games at the new arena. The City will own and be responsible for maintenance and operations.
With a target completion date of June 2028 and a contractual commitment to open the new arena by June 2030, the Thunder will continue to host their home games in Paycom Center until that time. Moving into the new arena marks the beginning of the Thunder’s 25-year commitment to stay in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder’s 25-year pledge to stay in Oklahoma City starts with their relocation into the new venue.
Founder, publisher, and editor of Oklahoma City Free Press. Brett continues to contribute reports and photography to this site as he runs the business.
