Oklahoma City and the Thunder officially broke ground yesterday on the Continental Coliseum, a $900 million project that secures the NBA franchise’s stay in the city through at least 2053. The ceremony took place just 48 hours after Continental Resources was announced as the naming rights partner in a 15-year deal. The new arena, designed by Manica Architecture, is set to replace the Paycom Center and is scheduled for completion in late summer 2028.
As the most ambitious public project in the city’s history, the Coliseum will feature a “one-of-one” design, including a 360-degree glass curtain wall and a fan activation zone known as Thunder Alley. While the Thunder’s ownership group is contributing $50 million, the bulk of the $900 million budget is publicly funded through a 72-month sales tax and MAPS 4 funding. Once the team transitions to the new facility, their 25-year commitment to Oklahoma City officially begins.