The proposed OKC Thunder Downtown Arena development in Oklahoma City is a planned sports and events facility intended to serve as the future home of the Oklahoma City Thunder and host concerts and other large-scale events. City officials released preliminary renderings outlining the conceptual design of the facility. David Holt presented the concept during a State of the City address, where the project was discussed in the context of long-term planning for sports and entertainment infrastructure. The development is being considered as part of broader efforts related to downtown infrastructure and venue capacity.

The new venue will be constructed on the site of the former Cox Convention Center, just east of the existing Paycom Center. Opened in summer 2028, the $1 billion facility will be funded from multiple sources: a 72-month penny sales tax approved by voters in 2023, $78 million of MAPS 4 funds, and a $50 million gift from the Thunder ownership group. Notably, local officials have ensured that the temporary tax will not raise the general rate of sales tax.

Other Projects

Other than the OKC Thunder Downtown Arena, the Houston Toyota Center is also slated for a multi-million-dollar expansion project. The expansion project is slated to commence after the current Rockets season. Moreover, it is expected to elevate the fan experience for future Rockets and Comets games, among other events. Officials noted that the “Toyota Center Reimagined” project was approved earlier this week.

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones also said in a statement that the project is a “$180 million investment.” The main addition is a 20,000-square-foot atrium at the corner of Polk and La Branch Streets. The atrium is also said to be a “covered outdoor gathering space” with a Season Ticket Members Lounge. There are also plans for a new Team Store for the Rockets and the returning Comets WNBA team.

Design Team & Construction

The design team for the new arena includes MANICA Architecture as the lead architect and TVS as the record architect. Flinto Construction and Mortenson Construction were the construction partners that were City Council-approved. The initial design features an iconic 360-degree glass curtain wall surrounding the entire concourse, giving guests panoramic views of the Oklahoma sky as they move through the area.

MANICA Architecture owner David Manica described the project as transformative. “The design is truly a one-of-a-kind, and there is nothing anywhere in the world that compares,” he said. “It will be an icon for the future of this up-and-coming city, and a destination for the community to gather to make fantastic new memories for generations to come.”.

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OKC Thunder Arena Renderings

The arena’s interior will remain focused on delivering an excellent basketball experience. With carefully crafted sight lines and seating arrangement that will provide an electric, close-knit atmosphere. Enduring fan staple traditions like Thunder Alley—a family-oriented fans’ section—are also expected to return west of the west entrance, beside the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Thunder owner Clay Bennett praised the mayor and design team for their work in defining the spirit of the project. “The journey toward developing a unique and transformative downtown icon has taken a giant leap forward,” Bennett stated. “This design amplifies the spirit of competition, celebrates the ideals of our city, and refines Oklahoma City’s local and global identity.”

Chris Semrau, General Manager of Legends/ASM Global, said the arena will serve both NBA action and tourism. It will attract large musical acts and entertainment tours. “The new arena will cement our city as a premier destination for major tours, sporting events, and family shows,” Semrau said. “It will offer unmatched experiences for artists, fans, athletes, and performers alike.”

City leaders characterize the concept as much more than an arena—it’s an investment in Oklahoma City’s future. With near-unanimous voter support and open design process, the project is a major step toward developing an iconic landmark that defines the next generation of downtown expansion.

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OKC Thunder Arena Renderings Released: Project Factsheet

Project Overview

Location: Former Cox Convention Center site, downtown Oklahoma City

Purpose: Home venue for NBA Oklahoma City Thunder, major concerts and events

Completion Date: Summer 2028

Total Cost: $1 Billion

Funding Structure

72-month one-cent sales tax (approved by voters in 2023)

$78 million from MAPS 4 funding

$50 million contribution from Thunder ownership group

Note: Temporary tax will not increase overall sales tax rate

Design Team & Construction

Lead Architect: MANICA Architecture

Architect of Record: TVS

Construction Partners: Flinto Construction and Mortenson Construction

Key Design Features

360-degree glass curtain wall around entire concourse

Panoramic views of Oklahoma sky throughout the facility

Optimized sight lines for basketball experience

Intimate, energetic seating layout

Thunder Alley fan zone (west entrance, near Myriad Botanical Gardens)

Read also: Oklahoma City, Thunder Agree to $950M New Arena Development Deal