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OKC to consider $61M contract with Kansas-based architecture firm for new Thunder arena
Oklahoma City Council to vote on contract with Populous to design new arena for Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Council will vote Tuesday on a $61 million contract with Kansas-based architecture firm Populous to design a new arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The new arena is part of a $1.8 billion MAPS 4 project that was approved by voters in 2019.
The Thunder’s current home, Chesapeake Energy Arena, opened in 2002. The new arena is expected to be completed by 2025.
Populous has designed other major sports venues including:
- U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London
The new arena will be located in downtown Oklahoma City, next to the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
The arena will have a capacity of 18,000 and will include a variety of amenities, including:
- Luxury suites
- Club seats
- A variety of concessions
- A team store
The arena will also be used for other events, such as concerts and conventions.
The new arena is expected to be a major economic driver for Oklahoma City.
The project is expected to create 1,800 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs.
The arena is also expected to generate $150 million in annual economic impact for Oklahoma City.
The Oklahoma City Council is expected to vote on the contract with Populous on Tuesday.
If the contract is approved, Populous will begin designing the new arena immediately.
The new arena is expected to be completed by 2025.