OKC Thunder Arena project moves forward, Cox Convention Center demolition set to begin March 31.
OKC Thunder Arena project is in progress as Oklahoma City authorities plan to demolish the Cox Convention Center to make way the new arena valued at $1 billion and is intended by authorities to complete by the 2028-29 NBA season. The final plans of demolition were okayed by the City Council while bidding process was initiated, a step which signifies an important point in the long-awaited project.
The city-owned facility known as the Myriad and later the Cox Convention Center was home to Prairie Surf Studios until the firm moved out of the building. Bids for the demolition work are due back by March 5 with a contractor hired on or before March 25.
Demolition stage will soon start and finish by September 30. Temporary closure of underground pedestrian tunnel will be performed by construction experts before its restoration for reuse on new construction. Convention center-to-Wyndham Grand hotel connection will also be demolished along with subsequent restoration of the exterior features of the hotel.
OKC Thunder Arena design
Atlanta-based TVS collaborated with Kansas City-based Manica Architecture to supply the design of the OKC Thunder Arena project. In October, the City Council approved a $61.6 million design contract for the design firm and design renderings are anticipated this summer. Additionally, the new arena will cover over 750,000 square feet to sit as a superior NBA and multi-purpose entertainment facility in the region.
Funding for the project will be secured through a 72-month one-cent sales tax after the MAPS 4 taxing period and $70 million of MAPS 4 money and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group. Paycom Center remains the Thunder home venue to 2048 when the conclusion of the 25-year obligation occurs. The Thunder’s Western Conference dominance creates buzz for the future projects in Oklahoma City sports.
Read also: Churchill Downs Announces $920M Expansion to Enhance Kentucky Derby Experience
Read also: Raj Sports to Build $150M Dual Practice Facility for Portland Thorns and WNBA Expansion Team
OKC Thunder Arena project progresses: Factsheet
Project Description
New downtown Oklahoma City $1 billion NBA arena and entertainment facility
Minimum 750,000 square foot building
Address: Existing site of Cox Convention Center (previous Myriad/Prairie Surf Studios)
New OKC Thunder Arena project: Key Dates
Bids are due for the demolition: March 5, 2025
Contractor selection: March 25, 2025
Demolition start: March 31, 2025
Final deadline for the completion of the demolition: September 30, 2025
First design renderings expected: Summer 2025
Design Team
Lead Architects: TVS (Atlanta) & Manica Architecture (Kansas City)
Design contract value: $61.6 million
Read also: The FC Dallas Toyota Stadium: History and upcoming renovation
Funding Sources
Lead: 72-month, one-cent sales tax (post MAPS 4)
MAPS 4 contribution: $70 million
Thunder ownership contribution: $50 million
OKC Thunder Arena project progresses: Site Preparation
Do work underground: Temporary shutdown of pedestrian tunnel (to be reopened during course of construction)
Do work overhead: Demolition of pedestrian bridge to Wyndham Grand hotel
External hotel repairs to follow bridge demolition
Impact
Thunder committed 25-year lease tenancy in Oklahoma City
Will be premier NBA and entertainment destination
Temporary home: Team continues to play at Paycom Center
Read also: New Renderings Reveal Ambitious Capital One Arena Renovations
Read also: Construction Begins on New York City’s First-Ever Professional Soccer-Specific Stadium, Etihad Park
