Oklahoma City’s new NBA arena has moved into a critical foundation phase, marking the transition from site preparation toward construction of the building’s permanent structure. Flintco|Mortenson is leading construction of Continental Coliseum, with concrete placement now underway for major elements of the substructure.
Crews are placing concrete for pier caps and two large mat foundations. The components are part of the arena’s deep foundation system and will distribute structural loads into stable soils below the site.
The project team is also carrying out below-grade waterproofing and installing underground utility and electrical systems needed to support construction operations. The work is taking place on the former arena and convention center site in downtown Oklahoma City.
Dolese Bros., an Oklahoma City-based supplier, provided concrete for the initial placement. The foundation work is expected to support the project's progression into vertical construction as the schedule advances.
Continental Coliseum is planned as a 750,000-square-foot, 17,200-seat NBA and multipurpose entertainment venue. Mortenson lists the project value at approximately $990 million, with construction beginning in February 2026 and completion targeted for summer 2028.
The facility is being developed for the Oklahoma City Thunder and is intended to accommodate professional basketball, concerts and other major events. Flintco and Mortenson are delivering the project under a construction manager-at-risk approach.
The Oklahoma City Thunder is expected to move into the new facility in 2028 as part of a 25-year commitment to remain in the city.
The start of permanent foundation concrete places the arena project at an important construction transition point. For contractors and suppliers, the work also represents the beginning of the project's major structural phase, following demolition, earthwork and site preparation.
With completion targeted for 2028, foundation and below-grade activities will establish the base for the arena's subsequent vertical construction and interior development.
Source: Flintco.
