OKLAHOMA CITY — Mayor David Holt unveiled preliminary architectural renderings of Oklahoma City’s new arena on Tuesday during his annual State of the City address, offering the first public glimpse of what city leaders hope will become a globally recognized landmark and a long-term home for NBA basketball.
The conceptual design, developed by MANICA Architecture in collaboration with TVS, features a sweeping 360-degree glass curtain wall, an elevated main entrance on a grand podium, and Thunder Alley—a fan activation zone at street level on the west side of the arena.
Holt presented the renderings to a sold-out crowd, calling the proposed arena a “signature building for our city.”
“The primary purpose of our new arena was to secure a long-term future with major league professional sports, and to keep us competitive for concerts, but there are secondary benefits as well,” Holt said. “One of those other benefits is the opportunity to raise the aesthetic bar in our downtown and to make an architectural statement. This arena has the potential to become a signature building for our city, known around the world.”
The $900 million, 750,000-square-foot arena is scheduled to open by late summer 2028 and is expected to be a catalyst for continued downtown revitalization. Oklahoma City voters approved the project in December 2023 with a 71% majority.
The arena will be publicly owned and funded through a one-cent sales tax over 72 months, $78 million in MAPS 4 funding, and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group. The tax will not increase the city’s overall sales tax rate.
The final design is still subject to Oklahoma City Council approval.
In March, the Council selected Flintco Construction and Mortenson Construction to lead the build. The arena will be situated on the site of the former Myriad Convention Center, directly across the street from the Paycom Center, where the Thunder will continue to play until the new venue is completed.
“I believe this design absolutely seizes that opportunity,” Holt said of the arena’s architectural significance. “I am grateful to David Manica and his colleagues, as well as the Thunder and everyone who has been a part of this process.”
MANICA founder David Manica echoed the mayor’s sentiment.
“The collaboration between my team, the City, and the Thunder has certainly resulted in a design that will set a new standard for multi-use sport venues around the world,” Manica said. “It will be an icon for the future of this growing city.”
Among the key features of the conceptual design are panoramic interior views, optimized sightlines for basketball, and a seating arrangement designed to create a loud and intimate fan experience.
The arena’s west-facing entrance will align with the Myriad Botanical Gardens and take advantage of Oklahoma sunsets. The street-level Thunder Alley zone is intended to energize downtown activity during events.
“The journey to build a unique and transformative downtown landmark has taken a significant step forward,” said Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett. “This arena elevates the spirit of competition, celebrates the values of our community, and strengthens Oklahoma City’s local and global identity.”
The project team also includes professional services from CAA ICON and venue management by Legends/ASM Global.
“It will offer unparalleled experiences for artists, guests, athletes, and performers alike,” said Chris Semrau, general manager with Legends/ASM Global. “The new arena will continue to elevate our city’s profile as a premier destination for major tours, sporting events and family shows.”
Demolition of the former convention center began in March and is expected to continue through late 2025. The Thunder are contractually obligated to begin playing in the new arena no later than June 2029. Their new 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City will begin once they move into the new venue.
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
