MAPS 4 includes $105 million for several phases of improvements to the 20-year-old downtown arena and $10 million for improvements to a practice facility on North Oklahoma Avenue. The new amenities and improvements are designed to enhance the guest experience at Oklahoma City Thunder NBA games and other live entertainment events. Initial improvements include $4 million to replace seats in the lower, middle and upper bowls.
The City of Oklahoma City selected global architectural design firm, Populous, to develop a master plan for the renovations at Paycom Center.
“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.”
The plans include new seats ranging from 19-inch fabric seats to 21-inch seats faux leather seats that offer taller backs and cup holders for a more comfortable guest experience that is standard in comparable arenas.
“We are able to make progress quickly on the MAPS 4 Downtown Arena project because it’s an existing, city-owned facility with an established and engaged operator,” MAPS Program Manager David Todd said. “This is the 20th year of operation for Paycom Center, and guest amenities, like new seats, are the highest priority among all anticipated phases of work.”
This project will open for construction bids on March 16, 2022, and a contract awarded in April.
Additional MAPS 4 upgrades that will be made between now and 2028 include 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.
“These targeted efforts will help define the next generation of entertainment in Oklahoma City,” Chris Semrau, General Manager for ASM Global OKC, said. “We look forward to modernizing the venue and elevating experiences for the guests, tours, and teams at Paycom Center.”
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 top-tier concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment offerings.
About MAPS 4: MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax that will raise a projected $978 million over eight years. Oklahoma City voters approved the sales tax to fund MAPS 4 in a special election on Dec. 10, 2019, moving forward with a unique and ambitious plan to transform our community. The temporary penny sales tax funding MAPS 4 began April 1, 2020, and ends in 2028. More than 70 percent of MAPS 4 funding is dedicated to neighborhood and human needs. The rest is for quality of life and job-creating initiatives. The MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board and its six subcommittees will guide MAPS 4 planning and implementation, making recommendations to the City Council. The Council has final authority on MAPS 4. The MAPS Investment and Operating Trust will develop a strategic investment plan to support long-term sustainable funding for MAPS 4 projects' operational expenses and maintenance. Visit okc.gov/maps4 for more.
About Paycom Center: Paycom Center is Oklahoma City’s premier entertainment facility and home to NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Located in downtown OKC, the facility can hold over 18,000 fans for basketball games and over 16,000 for concerts. Consistently listed on Pollstar’s Top Arenas Worldwide, the venue hosts numerous concerts, family shows, and sporting events creating memories for thousands of guests each year. Paycom Center is owned by the City of Oklahoma City and managed by ASM Global, the premier venue management and services company. For more information and a full list of events, visit http://www.paycomcenter.com.
About ASM Global: ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more information, please visit www.asmgobal.com.