OKC hires architects for new downtown arena

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council voted to hire architects to design the new arena downtown. The mayor said it will be the largest public project in the city's history and shows how the city is moving to a whole other level.

"We really needed a real NBA arena and that's what we're getting here," said OKC Mayor David Holt.

After a 5-2 vote, the City of Oklahoma City hired architecture firms Manica and TVS to be the architects behind the new arena. The two firms have worked together in the past. Manica will be in charge of design, while TVS focus on more of the technical aspects.

"The combination between TVS and Manica, I think, is really the highest level we can get," said MAPS Program Manager David Todd.

You'll know the firms' work from the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the Chase Center in San Francisco, and the new Nissan Center in Nashville, along with projects around the world. Soon, they can add Oklahoma City to their list.

"Making an aesthetic statement and a unique building that really changes our skyline really speaks to the aspiration we have to stay a top 20 city," said Mayor Holt.

There will also be several sub-consultants, including some from Oklahoma.

"There is local representation in this design," said Todd.

Last year, voters overwhelmingly approved a penny sales tax to build the nearly $1 billion facility.

"The leading factor when we voted in December was to retain a relationship with major league sports for another generation," said Mayor Holt. "The clippers are about to open a $2 billion, arena so there are more expensive arenas in the world."

Oklahoma City is in the midst of an exhilarating transformation, evolving in ways we've never seen before. The prospect of our new arena signals even greater milestones ahead, heralding continued success and achievement for both our city and state. 

The partnership with David Manica and his outstanding architecture team provides an extraordinary opportunity for an innovative venue that promises to elevate Oklahoma City’s sports, entertainment, and cultural landscape. His visionary approach, combining cutting-edge design with functionality and aesthetic appeal, has resulted in award-winning architectural achievements that foster community engagement. 

Each of David Manica’s projects has distinctly transformed the geography and skyline of its location, while significantly enhancing the potential for an exceptional guest experience.

I’m personally very much looking forward to the creative process and learning how our new arena will be visioned and designed, as well as seeing a concept brought forth that will be the pride of every citizen.

Clay Bennett, OKC Thunder Chairman

The new facility will be built where Prairie Surf Studios now sits. It's set to be demolished next year to make way for a new era of Thunder basketball.

"It really reflects how we continue to move into another level," said Mayor Holt.

The city said design will start immediately.

Construction will start in 2026 and should be finished by 2028.