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Oklahoma City glimpsed the vision for our new voter-approved OKC Thunder arena. The design is a highly modern take on a sports arena, with organic materials and shapes, which architect David Manica described as inspired by the authenticity of Oklahoma City itself. After so many years of strategic, intentional growth in our city, this new stadium will stand as testament, to paraphrase Mayor David Holt, not only that we can achieve great things, but that we have.
The layout is a massive circle, representing OKC’s unity, and the multi-story glass panes fully encasing the arena represent how genuine and authentic the people and city truly are. The 750,000 square-foot arena will be designed to offer a better view of the court from all seats, as well as larger and more comfortable seating. Outside the arena, extensive landscaping and a large plaza area will welcome fans and visitors heading into what will be the west-end main entrance, facing Myriad Gardens.
Our commitment to build the new arena helped retain the OKC Thunder, now under contract to continue playing here for another 25 years. Such a commitment could not have happened without this piece of infrastructure. Better yet, it will make our city more competitive in the battle for top concerts. More than all that, it is a major part of rebranding our city.
Last month, The Economist described OKC’s evolution since the 1999 bombing as ‘a strategic vision realized.’ Residents worked and invested in our community to build a diverse, vibrant economy and rich civic life. And the nation has noticed. Our city’s population has jumped significantly in recent years, and major events keep coming to OKC, including seven Olympic events for two sports in 2028. The first event kicks off on “day zero,” July 14, 2028, followed by 16 days of competition with metals awarded on seven of those days.
In the meantime, OKC continues to maintain our most vital services and infrastructure. A bond election, set for October 14, 2025, will fund maintenance and upgrades for water systems and 900 miles of streets. While we always strive to grow and reach higher achievements, we can not take the basics for granted.
I walked away from the State of the City with renewed pride in OKC, and I hope to see you all under that arena dome after its ribbon-cutting in 2028.
Kenton Tsoodle is the president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.
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