Traffic Advisory: New arena utility work to affect N Broadway Avenue

Construction crews will begin utility work for the Oklahoma City New Arena next week, resulting in a temporary road closure and traffic shift. 

Beginning Jan. 19 through Feb. 28, N Broadway Avenue will be closed between W Sheridan Avenue and W Main Street. This closure is required for the installation of a new manhole and power lines. S Broadway Avenue will remain open. 

To minimize the impact on local businesses and visitors, OG&E will modify the median on N Broadway Avenue. This temporary cut will create a turnaround point to assist traffic flow for the Sheraton Hotel and Wyndham Grand Hotel. 

Motorists are encouraged to plan alternative routes and follow all posted detour signage.  

Demolition of the former convention center 
The Oklahoma City New Arena will be built on the site of the former convention center, across the street from Paycom Center. Demolition at the site began in March and will last through early 2026. 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 has hosted thousands of events in the past 50 years. 

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OKC New Arena background  
In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly (71%) approved a penny sales tax to build a new, publicly owned arena. 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 $78 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group. The Oklahoma City New Arena will be managed by Legends/ASM Global. 

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 Paycom Center until the Oklahoma City New Arena opens, with a target completion date of late summer 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2029. The Thunder's 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins when they move into the new arena.