Continental Coliseum reaches milestone as concrete pouring begins
Published on July 20, 2026
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Link to website - www.continentalcoliseum.com
Construction on Oklahoma City’s new NBA arena, Continental Coliseum, passed a major construction milestone this week as crews began pouring concrete for the building’s substructure.
The massive engineering feat is being coordinated by the construction team Flintco|Mortenson. The concrete supplier for the first pour is Dolese Bros., an Oklahoma City-based company.
“Construction crews will begin placing the pier caps, along with two large mat foundations,” Project Director Josh Patterson with Flintco|Mortenson said. “Pier caps act like the 'feet' of the building’s deep foundation system, connecting groups of underground piers that serve as the 'legs' supporting the future arena.”
This work is essential because it helps safely transfer the tremendous weight of the building, including the roof, seating areas, and event equipment, deep into stable soils to ensure the Coliseum’s long-term strength and stability.
Other work happening at the site includes below-grade waterproofing and the installation of utility and underground electrical systems that will provide temporary power for the jobsite.
“The earthwork, utility coordination, and foundation activities are setting the stage for the transition from site preparation into vertical construction later in the project schedule,” Flintco|Mortenson Project Executive Ellen Becker said.
Continental Coliseum is being built on the site of the former arena and convention center on the block bounded by Reno, Ron Norick, Sheridan and E.K. Gaylord.
“Progress continues on our new arena, which is one of the most aspirational projects in our city’s history,“ Mayor David Holt said. “This first concrete placement is another milestone in the journey, and we know this means that soon we’ll see our new arena rising out of the ground.”
Legacy Capsule
To celebrate the turning point, project partners assembled a legacy capsule containing artifacts that tell the story behind Continental Coliseum and the community that made it possible. The capsule contains items that honor Oklahoma City's past, document this historic milestone and reflect the vision for the city's future.
The Past
- A wooden coin from the 1972 grand opening of the Myriad Convention Center, honoring the history of the site where Continental Coliseum now rises.
- A 1993 penny marking voter approval of the original Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) initiative, the beginning of Oklahoma City's remarkable transformation through a temporary one-cent sales tax.
The Present
- A letter from Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.
- A copy of "Hope Wins," the iconic photograph by Oklahoma City Thunder photographer Jimmy Do, captured during the 2025 NBA championship parade. The image symbolizes the resilience, unity and optimism that define Oklahoma City and reflects the same community spirit that has inspired generations of residents to invest in the city's future.
- Four oil samples, each collected from a different active Continental Resources well in Oklahoma's Anadarko Basin, recognizing the arena's naming partner and honoring Oklahoma's rich energy heritage. Each sample contains light, sweet American crude oil, representing the innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that have shaped Oklahoma and continue to fuel its future.
- A Continental Coliseum groundbreaking event credential.
- A photograph from the Continental Coliseum groundbreaking ceremony.
- A Continental Coliseum groundbreaking ceremony commemorative medallion.
- A safety vest from the Flintco Mortenson construction team.
Looking Ahead
Together, the two pennies and the timeline illustrate The Power of One Penny—how generations of Oklahoma City residents repeatedly chose to invest in their community, creating lasting places that have shaped the city's identity and laid the foundation for its future.
The project is scheduled for a 2028 completion date. Once the team moves into the new facility, the Thunder's 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins. Continental Coliseum will serve as a catalyst for the city's ongoing economic and cultural renaissance.
About Continental Coliseum’s Design
The venue was designed by the architectural team of MANICA Architecture as the design architect and TVS as the architect of record.
The conceptual design introduces a modern, transparent and highly functional new landmark for downtown Oklahoma City.
· The exterior features a 360-degree glass curtain wall, offering panoramic views from all interior concourses, emphasizing transparency and connection.
· The west-facing main entrance, aligning with the Myriad Botanical Gardens and reflecting Oklahoma sunsets, features Thunder Alley—a vibrant fan activation zone at street level designed within the building's footprint.
· An elevated main entrance, situated on a grand podium, creates an inspiring sense of arrival and opens to the main concourse, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
· The interior concept prioritizes basketball, with optimized sight lines and a seating design that fosters an energetic, loud and intimate experience.
Renderings and information are available at continentalcoliseum.com.
Continental Coliseum background
In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly (71%) approved a penny sales tax to build a new, publicly owned arena. Continental Coliseum will be funded by a 72-month, one-cent sales tax starting when the MAPS 4 tax ends. The sales tax rate will not increase. The arena will also be paid for with $89 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group. Continental Coliseum will be managed by Legends Global.
The arena will be at least 750,000 square feet and built to:
· Benefit the residents of Oklahoma City.
· Meet/and or exceed NBA specifications and requirements.
· Maximize team revenues, ensuring the sustainability of major league professional sports in Oklahoma City.