“Everyone is in the same space at the same time, which is unique,” Manica said. “Often, the upper concourse is separated from the main concourse. That felt like a missed opportunity. This design supports togetherness, unity and community.” At 750,000 square feet, the new arena is significantly larger than the current 586,000-square-foot venue, bringing OKC in line with mid-sized NBA markets. The size supports more food service, hospitality and retail— key areas for revenue and adaptability. The arena is also designed to accommodate concerts and touring events. It includes a retractable scoreboard, below-grade loading dock, green rooms, truck bays, crew space and laundry areas. Placing the dock below ground lifts the concourse level, providing broad city views. The building faces all directions—north to downtown, east to the river, west to sunsets and south to new development. The building will have no designated front entrance. Major entries will be placed on the northwest, southwest and southeast corners, with smaller entrances on the north and south to allow access from all directions. Manica added that OKC inspired much of the design approach. “The spirit of the project is unique to this place, this community and this location,” he said. “There will be layers of meaning incorporated into the interiors and into every aspect and square inch of the building. I think we’ve started something really special for this place, for this city and for these people. And there’s more to come.” The concept was released three weeks after the Thunder won the NBA championship, creating a notable moment in city history to debut the design. “This is not a small-town arena,” Holt said. “It’s the arena of a Top 20 city. It’s the arena befitting an NBA city. This is the arena befitting a major league.” The new arena is expected to open by late summer 2028, with a contractual deadline of June 2029. Flintco and Mortenson will lead construction, and once complete, Legends/ASM Global will manage the facility. The Thunder’s new 25-year lease will begin when the team moves in. Renderings and more information are available at okcnewarena.com.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt shared conceptual renderings of the city’s future downtown arena during State of the City on July 16. The presentation marked a major step in a project that city leaders say will shape the next generation of live entertainment and professional sports in OKC. “I’ve always believed this would be a building that defines our city,” Holt said. “It’s a statement piece. I really believe it will be one of the most beautiful arenas not just in the United States, but in the world.” The design, created by MANICA Architecture with TVS as architect of record, features a circular structure and a 360-degree glass curtain wall that connects the interior with the surrounding city. The seating bowl is designed for basketball and offers a more compact layout than the Paycom Center, placing fans closer to the court. “This came through a lot of dialogue, listening, understanding and imagining what it could be,” said David Manica, founder of MANICA Architecture. “The circle came first—this idea of a pure circle, something without sides, balanced, equal on every facade. We thought that was a powerful gesture, like a wedding band symbolizing marriage. This arena’s design carries that kind of symbolism.” The Paycom Center was originally designed for hockey, with flat ends and limited flexibility. The new arena pulls fans inward, placing food, merchandise and restrooms around the bowl. This approach placed the concourses on the outside edge of the building and made room for expansive glass views. The upper concourse is set back to form a 360-degree balcony that overlooks the main concourse. HOLT REVEALS OKC ARENA DESIGN, CALLS IT A DEFINING MOMENT FOR THE CITY
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