Construction Crews Poured First Continental Coliseum Deck

Work has officially begun on the 750,000 square-foot arena slated to host the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Construction

Construction Crews Poured First Continental Coliseum Deck

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Construction crews have poured the first of 18 concrete decks at the site of the new Continental Coliseum in downtown Oklahoma City. The massive 750,000 square-foot project aims to serve as the new home for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Why it matters

The project is backed by a public-private partnership involving a voter-approved penny sales tax and substantial private investment. This development marks the next major phase of structural assembly following extensive foundation and underground work.

The 750,000 square-foot arena is supported by $89 million in MAPS 4 funding and a $50 million contribution from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group. Voters previously approved a one-cent sales tax for the facility that will last for 72 months.

The players

Oklahoma City Thunder

This professional basketball team is the primary tenant expected to occupy the new arena upon its completion.

The details

Crews transitioned to vertical construction after completing the foundation and underground structural support systems at the former convention center site. The arena is designed to house the Oklahoma City Thunder upon its completion.

December 2023: Oklahoma City voters approved the sales tax for the new arena.
October 12, 2026: Crews poured the first concrete deck at the project site.

Market Landscape

The Continental Coliseum project extends the urban development model established by the MAPS 4 program. It represents a strategic move to secure the long-term viability of professional sports in the city through a public-private capital investment structure.

Residents will see a new penny sales tax take effect after the current MAPS 4 tax expires. This long-term tax commitment will remain in place for 72 months to support the arena infrastructure.

The takeaway

The transition from underground foundation work to pouring concrete decks signals a significant shift in the pace of the arena project. Residents should prepare for the transition to the new sales tax once the existing program concludes.