NEW PAYCOM CENTER TO BE BUILT BY FLINTCO AND MORTENSON

OKC City Council decides on the construction company for the new arena in downtown Oklahoma City.

Tuesday, March 11th 2025, 11:32 am

By: Graham Dowers

OKLAHOMA CITY -

The OKC City Council approved Flintco and Mortenson as the construction team for the new Paycom Center, home of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The arena will cost at least $900 million and cover 750,000 square feet in order to meet or exceed NBA standards. The arena is funded by a 72-month, one-cent sales tax, $70 million from MAPS 4, and $50 million from Thunder ownership. The Thunder will stay at the current Paycom Center until the new one is completed and have committed to a 25-year stay in Oklahoma City.

The old Cox Convention Center, now Prairie Surf Studios, will be demolished in the spring of 2025. Construction of the new arena will begin in 2026 and will be completed by 2028.

OKC press release: Construction firms hired for OKC new arena

The project will create construction jobs, boost the local economy, and serve as a premier sports and entertainment venue for downtown OKC—all of which will have a positive effect on the local economy and contribute to community enrichment.

The arena is funded by a 72-month, one-cent sales tax, $70 million from MAPS 4, and $50 million from Thunder ownership. The Thunder will stay at the Paycom Center until the new arena is completed and have committed to a 25-year stay in OKC.

The builders, Oklahoma-based Flintco and national firm Mortenson bring expertise in large sports venues. Flintco's notable completed projects include the Devon Tower and the BOK Center in Tulsa, while Mortenson is known for the completion of the Chase Center in San Francisco and the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.