Image: Oklahoma City Thunder and MANICA
The first designs have been unveiled of Oklahoma City Thunder’s new NBA basketball arena.
The Oklahoma City Free Press said Mayor David Holt revealed preliminary architectural renderings of the new arena during his annual State of the City address.
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, offering the first public glimpse of what city leaders hope will become a globally recognized landmark.
Oklahoma City Thunder is an American professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City (US). The Thunder competes in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. The team currently plays its home games at the Paycom Center.
Image: Oklahoma City Thunder and MANICA
Oklahoma City Council last year approved CAA ICON to provide professional consulting services for the design and construction of the City’s new arena. The project team also includes venue management by Legends/ASM Global.
Mayor Holt said, “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.
“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.
Image: Oklahoma City Thunder and MANICA
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.
Holt added, “I believe this design absolutely seizes that opportunity. I am grateful to David Manica and his colleagues, as well as the Thunder and everyone who has been a part of this process.”
Image: Oklahoma City Thunder and MANICA
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 multi-use sport venues around the world. 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.
Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett said, “The journey to build a unique and transformative downtown landmark has taken a significant step forward. This arena elevates the spirit of competition, celebrates the values of our community, and strengthens Oklahoma City’s local and global identity.”
Image: Oklahoma City Thunder and MANICA
Demolition of the former convention center began in March and is expected to continue through late 2025.
The Thunder are contractually obliged 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.
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