OKLAHOMA CITY, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – Today, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt unveiled preliminary conceptual architectural renderings of the Oklahoma City New Arena to a sold-out audience attending his annual State of the City address. The building will be a firstclass, state-of-the-art NBA arena and entertainment venue.

“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,” said Mayor Holt. “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. I believe this design absolutely seizes that opportunity, and I am grateful to David Manica and his colleagues, as well as the Thunder and everyone who has been a part of this process for the last few months. This arena design truly is one of one.”

The Oklahoma City New Arena was designed by the architectural team of MANICA Architecture as the design architect and TVS as the architect of record. The final design will require approval of the City Council. In March, the City Council approved the hiring of Flintco Construction and Mortenson Construction to serve as the construction team on the project.

The new arena, which is scheduled to open by late summer 2028, will serve as a catalyst for the city’s ongoing economic and cultural renaissance. Architecturally, the conceptual design for the new venue includes a 360-degree glass curtain wall, offering panoramic views from all interior concourses, emphasizing transparency and connection.

The arena’s west-facing main entrance, aligned with the adjacent Myriad Botanical Gardens and reflecting Oklahoma sunsets, features Thunder Alley—a vibrant fan activation zone at street level designed within the arena footprint.

An elevated main entrance, situated on a grand podium, creates an inspiring sense of arrival and opens to the main concourse, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.

The interior concept prioritizes basketball, with optimized sight lines and a seating design that fosters an energetic, loud, and intimate experience.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be leading the design of the new arena in downtown Oklahoma City,” MANICA owner David Manica said. “The collaboration between my team, the city, and the Thunder has certainly resulted in a design that will set a new standard for multiuse sport venues around the world. The design is truly a one-of-a-kind, and there is nothing else like it in the world. It will be an icon for the future of this growing city, and a place for the community to come together to share incredible new memories for generations to come.”

“The journey to build a unique and transformative downtown landmark has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of this preliminary conceptual design,” Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett said. “We are incredibly grateful to Mayor Holt for his leadership and to David Manica and his team, who have done a remarkable job capturing our vision for an arena that elevates the spirit of competition, celebrates the values of our community, and strengthens Oklahoma City’s local and global identity.”

“The new arena will continue to elevate our city’s profile as a premier destination for major tours, sporting events and family shows, while enhancing the community’s cultural and entertainment offerings,” said Legends/ASM Global General Manager Chris Semrau. “It will offer unparalleled experiences for artists, guests, athletes, and performers alike. Legends/ASM Global is excited to continue to bring top entertainment and live event experiences to the Oklahoma City New Arena.”

Renderings and video of the preliminary arena conceptual designs, along with additional information can be found at okcnewarena. com About the Architects

Kansas City-based MANICA specializes in sports and entertainment venues. Some of their NBA and NFL designs include 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 currently under construction.

Demolition of the former convention center

The Oklahoma City New Arena will be built on the site of the former convention center, across the street from Paycom Center. Demolition at the site began in March and will last through late 2025. The former convention center opened in 1972 as the Myriad Convention Center. Over the years, its name changed to Cox Business Services Convention Center and Prairie Surf Studios. The building has hosted thousands of events in the past 50 years.

The Thunder will continue to play home games at Paycom Center until the Oklahoma City New Arena opens, with a target completion date of late summer 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2029. The Thunder’s 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins when they move into the new arena.

Once the new OKC arena opens, the Thunder will sign a 25-year lease that will keep the NBA franchise there through at least 2053. A new home is the type of long-term security needed to ensure the Thunder remains in Oklahoma City.

Fresh off an NBA championship, the Thunder should remain a title contender throughout Paycom Center’s final years and when the new home opens. When the new OKC arena opens, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren will still be under contract.

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