We are seeing Paycom Center upgrades move forward, as improvements to the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) will be overseen by sports architecture firm Populous.
Renovation plans are part of voter-approved Oklahoma City’s MAPS 4, a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary sales tax. The funding includes $105 million for Paycom Center enhancements and renovations. Populous previously designed and delivered the state-of-the-art MAPS 3 Oklahoma City Convention Center, a $288-million project also funded by the MAPS program that opened January 2021. The facility is managed by ASM Global.
“Investing in our downtown arena more than 20 years ago proved to be a game-changing decision for Oklahoma City,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “Paycom Center, home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, serves as an economic driver and a top destination for live sports and entertainment. Our continued investment will focus first on fan amenities, and we’re excited about the new features the facility will offer to residents, visitors and event organizers.”
Construction on several initial projects is scheduled to start this year with new 300-level seats and elevators. Further upgrades scheduled for 2023 include new seating, a new scoreboard, enhanced 300-level concession areas and signature bar, and further technology and infrastructure improvements. To avoid disruptions to major events and the NBA schedule, additional upgrades will be completed through a multi-year approach, with renovations anticipated through 2028.
The downtown arena was built debt-free as part of the original MAPS program that passed by Oklahoma City residents in 1993. The facility opened its doors in 2002. Welcoming more than one million guests each year, Paycom Center upgrades will provide transformative improvements that enable the city to continue to attract high-profile concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment offerings.
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