Ground broken on Continental Coliseum

Article posted by Coliseum, April 7^th, 2026

Image: City of Oklahoma City

The Oklahoma City Thunder have kicked off construction work on their new $900 million Continental Coliseum arena.

Oklahoma City said city leaders and Oklahoma City Thunder representatives broke ground on the city’s new NBA arena that will anchor the Thunder’s presence in Oklahoma City through at least 2053.

The Thunder and Continental Resources announced the 15-year naming rights of the Continental Coliseum two days before the ground-breaking.

Continental Coliseum is being built on the site of the former arena and convention center that stood from 1972 to 2026 on the block bounded by Reno, Ron Norick, Sheridan and E.K. Gaylord.

It will replace the Thunder’s current home, Paycom Center, which will be 26 years old when the new venue opens in 2028.

Mayor David Holt said, “This moment speaks to our aspirations as a city. Not only are we making the statement that we wish to remain a big league city, the scale and beauty of this project also makes an aesthetic statement that will resonate for generations. This is the city’s most ambitious public project in our history.”

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.

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 new Continental Coliseum 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.

Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett said, “In 2026, we’re building a modern American downtown. What an incredible opportunity and special gift.

“This belongs to every citizen who voted yes to make this possible. This is your day. This is your building, and we are forever grateful.”

The Thunder will continue to play at Paycom Center until the new venue opens. The project is targeting a late summer 2028 completion date, with a contractual obligation to open no later than June 2029. Once the team moves into the new arena, the Thunder’s 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins.

Continental Coliseum will serve as a catalyst for the city’s ongoing economic and cultural renaissance.

The venue was designed by the architectural team of MANICA Architecture as the design architect and TVS as the architect of record.

The conceptual design introduces a modern, transparent and highly functional new landmark for downtown Oklahoma City.

The exterior features a 360-degree glass curtain wall, offering panoramic views from all interior concourses, emphasizing transparency and connection.
The west-facing main entrance, aligned with the adjacent Myriad Botanical Gardens and reflecting Oklahoma sunsets, features Thunder Alley—a vibrant fan activation zone at street level designed within the building’s footprint.
An elevated main entrance, situated on a grand podium, creates an inspiring sense of arrival and opens to the main concourse, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
The interior concept prioritizes basketball, with optimized sight lines and a seating design that fosters an energetic, loud and intimate experience.

David Manica, owner and president, MANICA said, “Guided by the unifying, championship mentality that drives this organization, we’re honored to have shaped a world-class arena worthy of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the community that powers it.

“This one-of-one design will elevate the fan experience and position Oklahoma City among the NBA’s premier arenas and destination cities. Unlike anything built to date, it establishes a new global standard for the arenas of tomorrow.”

Rob O’Keefe, senior principal, TVS added, “It is a privilege to work alongside the City of Oklahoma City and the Thunder, while building on our successful history of collaboration with design architect MANICA, to realize an arena that is rooted in place and purpose.

“Continental Coliseum represents a long-term investment in the region’s future, and one that will deepen civic pride, elevate the visitor experience and generate lasting economic benefit.”

Flintco/Mortenson is the construction team on the project, while CAA ICON and ADG Blatt are providing professional management services for the project.

Logan Gerken, vice president and general manager, Mortenson Sports + Entertainment said, “Continental Coliseum represents an extraordinary investment in Oklahoma City’s future.

“We are proud to be building Oklahoma City’s new landmark arena that will be a world-class gathering space and the most energetic game day in the NBA. Our team will steward the city and team’s investment to ensure the most value for the community.”

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