On Sunday night, lightning struck an electrical transformer that serves the MAPS 4 Coliseum at the OKC Fairgrounds. The building is still under construction.
The electrical transformer is projected to be repaired by the building’s ribbon cutting on June 11. The new coliseum was expected to host portions of the Redbud Spectacular before the official ribbon cutting, but those classes are being relocated to other show venues at the OKC Fairgrounds.
Relocating events back to the Jim Norick Arena is not an option because the building has been decommissioned in preparation for demolition. The last event took place in the building on May 3.
“We are fortunate the surge protection functioned and protected the inside of the building,” MAPS Program Manager David Todd said. “Our contractor is working to fix the damage.”
The MAPS 4 Coliseum will feature various seating configurations for up to more than 7,000 people, a lounge, three (3) suites, several upscale concession areas, an A/V suite and a sophisticated catwalk system. The $126-million project is funded through MAPS 3, MAPS 4, hotel tax revenue and other funding sources.
Learn more about the MAPS 3 and 4 Fairgrounds coliseum at okc.gov/government/maps-4/fairgrounds-coliseum.