Wrecking crews plan to demolish the north wall of the former convention center and dismantle a 145-foot-long glass and steel pedestrian skybridge that connects the center to the Wyndam Grand Hotel June 9-13.
Demo of the wall and pedestrian bridge are expected to begin on the morning of June 9. The pedestrian bridge will be dismantled in two pieces and is expected to be removed June 9-10.
Weather could cause the project to be delayed.
“Demo crews have been working diligently to remove items from inside the former convention center,” Project Manager David Todd said. “People will start seeing exciting and dramatic changes to the site of the new arena.”
Street closure
Sheridan Avenue from Robinson Avenue to the Century Center Parking Garage will be reduced to one westbound lane. However, Sheridan will be closed east of the Century Center Garage to South E.K. Gaylord. Detour signs will be in place to ease traffic flow.
Streetcar interrupted
The OKC Streetcar will temporarily shut down from June 9 - 13 while the skybridge and former convention center wall are being removed.
To ensure riders can still travel conveniently through downtown during the five-day period, EMBARK will operate a dedicated bus shuttle to shuttle riders along a modified Downtown Loop from 6 a.m. - midnight. Buses will run every 25 minutes. Streetcar fare is required via ticket vending machines or the Token Transit mobile app.
Riders can board the shuttle at any streetcar platform along the route, with the exception of the Century Center stop on Sheridan. Bus head signs will read “OKC Streetcar Service – Downtown Loop.” Real-time tracking will not be available, so please allow extra travel time.
If you need assistance navigating the streetcar shuttle, you can call EMBARK Customer Service at 405-235-RIDE (7433). The call center is open Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Century Center Stop will be closed.
Demolition of the former convention center
Demolition on the former convention center is expected to last through late 2025.
The former convention center opened in 1972 as the Myriad Convention Center. Over the years, its name changed to Cox Business Services Convention Center and Prairie Surf Studios. The building hosted thousands of events the past 50 years.
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New Paycom Center background
In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly (71%) approved a penny sales tax to build a new, publicly owned arena (AKA the new Paycom Center). In May 2024, the Oklahoma City Council approved a development agreement for the City’s new arena between the City and PBC Sports and Entertainment, LLC (PBCS&E), owners of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue.
The new arena 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 $70 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group.
The $900 million arena will be at least 750,000 square feet and be 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.
The Thunder will continue to play home games at the existing Paycom Center until the new one opens, with a target completion date of June 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2030. The Thunder’s 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins when they move into the new arena.