OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. — Construction on Oklahoma City’s long-anticipated new downtown arena remains on schedule, with work expected to officially begin in April 2026, city officials confirmed during a City Council update this week.
Council members were presented with a revised project timeline outlining the next several years of construction, design, and bidding activity. Under the current schedule, major design efforts will continue through mid-2027, while full completion of the arena is targeted for 2028.
The arena will be built on the former site of the Cox Convention Center, much of which has already been demolished. City officials said demolition progress has cleared the way for early construction phases, including foundational and utility work.
While the final design has not yet been completed, the City Council has awarded a construction manager at risk (CMAR) contract for pre-construction services to Flintco Morrison. The firm will oversee planning, coordination, and eventual construction of the arena, helping manage costs and scheduling as the project advances.
The city outlined a multi-year bidding process that will divide construction into several major packages. The first bid package, covering earthwork, utilities, deep foundations, and long-lead materials, is expected to be awarded in March 2026, just ahead of the official construction start.
Additional bid packages will follow throughout 2026 and early 2027, covering major components such as concrete and precast systems, structural steel, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, enclosure work, and interior construction. Final sitework and interior finishes are currently scheduled for award in early 2027. City officials noted that bid dates remain subject to change as design and market conditions evolve.
Once construction begins, work will progress in phases, with early emphasis on structural and foundational elements before transitioning to interior systems and finishes. The phased approach is intended to keep the large-scale project on track while allowing flexibility in managing supply chains, labor availability, and costs.
City leaders emphasized that the arena project represents a significant investment in downtown Oklahoma City’s long-term growth and entertainment infrastructure. The new venue is expected to host concerts, sporting events, and other major gatherings, further strengthening the city’s position as a regional destination.
Additional updates on design elements, construction milestones, and procurement decisions are expected as the project moves closer to its 2026 groundbreaking.
Originally Reported By Alexandra Sharfman in OKC Fox.
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