Architects chosen for new Thunder arena

Image: Paycom Center

Oklahoma City Council (OKC) has approved a contract with the architectural team of Manica Architecture and TVS for the design and development of Oklahoma City’s new arena.

Manica will act as the Design Architect and TVS as the Architect of Record for the new arena for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

The arena will be built on the City-owned site where Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center, is located.

The existing building is expected to be demolished in 2025. Design will begin immediately, and construction will start in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028.

OKC Director David Todd said, “Both TVS and Manica Architecture have designed iconic arena and stadium projects worldwide. They have a proven track record of creating functional, memorable buildings that communities are proud of.”

Kansas City-based Manica specializes in sport 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.

David Manica, owner and founder of Manica Architecture, said, “At Manica Architecture, we choose projects where we can truly make a difference in that city, and Oklahoma City is at the top of that list.

“This project won’t be the start of the renaissance in Oklahoma City, but rather the continuation of that momentum. We begin this effort with no preconceptions. We want to come to the table to listen and really understand what the city and team want for future generations.

“We have an incredible opportunity to work together to create a signature facility that can make the city shine and be truly unique to Oklahoma City and its people.”

Some of Atlanta-based TVS’s projects include Jio World Center in Mumbai, India; Longgang International Arts Center in Shenzhen, China; Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, NC; Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.; and the MOTE Science Education Center in Sarasota, Fla.

TVS Principal Rob O’Keefe said, “TVS is honored to serve as Architect of Record for the new Oklahoma City Arena, and we are excited to be partnered alongside Design Architect Manica, Oklahoma City, and The Thunder.

“Together, this formidable team will deliver a facility that will serve the citizens of Oklahoma City for generations.”

In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly (71%) approved a penny sales tax to build a new, publicly-owned arena.

In May 2024, the Oklahoma City Council approved a development agreement for the City’s new arena between the City and PBC Sports and Entertainment, LLC, owners of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue.

The new arena will be funded by a 72-month, one-cent sales tax that will start when the MAPS 4 tax ends and will not increase the sales tax rate. The arena will also be paid for with $70 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group.
 
The $900 million arena will be at least 750,000 square feet and be built to:

• Benefit the residents of Oklahoma City
• Meet NBA specifications and requirements
• Maximize team revenues, ensuring the sustainability of major league professional sports in Oklahoma City
• The City will own and be responsible for maintaining and operating the new arena, which will be home to the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team.

 
The Thunder will continue to play home games at Paycom Center until the new arena opens, with a target completion date of June 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2030.

The 18,203-capacity Paycom Center is an arena located in Downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. It opened in 2002 and since 2008 has served as the home venue for the National Basketball Association’s (NBA’s) Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder’s 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins when they move into the new arena.

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