OKC Thunder Arena project moves forward, Cox Convention Center demolition set to begin March 31.
The OKC Thunder Arena project advances further as Oklahoma City officials plan to demolish the Cox Convention Center which will be replaced by the team’s new $1 billion arena, which officials aim to complete in time for the NBA’s 2028-29 season. The City Council has authorized the last demolition plans and has started the bid acceptance process which indicates a significant achievement for the long-awaited project.
The city-owned facility known as the Myriad and later the Cox Convention Center became home to Prairie Surf Studios until the company moved out of the space in late January this year. Bids for the demolition work must be submitted before March 5 followed by a contractor selection on or before March 25.
Demolition period is expected to start shortly and finish by September 30. Construction professionals will perform a temporary closure of the underground pedestrian tunnel before restoring it for future use in new construction. The connection between the convention center and Wyndham Grand hotel will be also demolished with subsequent restoration work on the external features of the hotel.
TVS from Atlanta has partnered with Manica Architecture from Kansas City to design the OKC Thunder Arena project. The City Council voted to fund the design team a $61.6 million contract in October and design renderings are predicted for this summer. The new venue will extend over 750,000 square feet to establish itself as an outstanding NBA and multi-purpose entertainment facility.
Funding for this project will come from a 72-month one-cent sales tax starting after the MAPS 4 tax period together with $70 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group. Paycom Center remains the Thunder’s home stadium until 2048 when their 25-year commitment ends. The Western Conference leadership of the Thunder generates anticipation for the future developments in Oklahoma City sports.
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OKC Thunder Arena project moves forward: Factsheet
Project Overview
New $1 billion NBA arena and entertainment venue in downtown Oklahoma City
Minimum 750,000 square feet facility
Location: Current Cox Convention Center site (formerly Myriad/Prairie Surf Studios)
New OKC Thunder Arena project: Key Dates
Demolition bids due: March 5, 2025
Contractor selection: March 25, 2025
Demolition start: March 31, 2025
Demolition completion deadline: September 30, 2025
Initial design renderings expected: Summer 2025
Design Team
Lead Architects: TVS (Atlanta) & Manica Architecture (Kansas City)
Design contract value: $61.6 million
Funding Sources
Primary: 72-month, one-cent sales tax (post-MAPS 4)
MAPS 4 contribution: $70 million
Thunder ownership contribution: $50 million
OKC Thunder Arena project moves forward: Site Preparation
Underground work: Temporary sealing of pedestrian tunnel (to be reopened during construction)
Overhead work: Removal of pedestrian bridge to Wyndham Grand hotel
Hotel exterior repairs to follow bridge removal
Impact
Thunder committed to 25-year tenancy in Oklahoma City
Will serve as premier NBA and entertainment destination
Temporary venue: Team continues playing at Paycom Center
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