OG&E Coliseum Hosts First Oklahoma HS Basketball State Tournament

New arena opens with same tournament atmosphere as the old venue

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Oklahoma high school basketball state tournament kicked off its first games at the new OG&E Coliseum, a 7,000-seat venue that has replaced the longtime host Jim Norick Arena. While the arena is sleek and upgraded, the tournament atmosphere felt familiar to players and fans, with the same cheers, squeaking sneakers, and nostalgic energy as the previous venue.

Why it matters

The opening of the new OG&E Coliseum marks a significant milestone for the Oklahoma high school basketball state tournament, which has a long and storied history. The tournament has been a beloved annual tradition, and the transition to the new arena will create new memories while preserving the tournament's cherished atmosphere.

The details

The first game at the new arena was between Lomega and Arnett in the Class B-II girls quarterfinals, with Lomega winning 65-36. Lomega senior Aliana Lawson scored 11 points in the game, and she noted that the bright lights of the new arena were a bit of an adjustment. Referee Jody Cash, who has officiated the tournament for over 30 years, said the new arena reminded him a lot of the old Jim Norick Arena, with the same court setup and atmosphere, just with a more modern and open concourse area.

  • The first game at the OG&E Coliseum was played on Tuesday, March 4, 2026 at 9:04 a.m.
  • The Oklahoma high school basketball state tournament has been held annually for over 60 years.

The players

Reagan Snowden

A player for the Lomega Raiders who scored the first point of the first game at the new OG&E Coliseum.

Paige Wheeler

A player for the Lomega Raiders who scored the first basket of the first game at the new OG&E Coliseum.

Aliana Lawson

A senior player for the Lomega Raiders who scored 11 points in the team's 65-36 win over Arnett.

Kevin Lewallen

The head coach of the Lomega Raiders.

Jody Cash

A referee who has officiated the Oklahoma high school basketball state tournament for over 30 years and was assigned to the first game at the new OG&E Coliseum.

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What they’re saying

“It's only right that we were first.”

— Aliana Lawson, Lomega senior

“I was shooting a 3-pointer and I was like, 'I see God.'”

— Aliana Lawson, Lomega senior

“It doesn't make any difference where you play this thing, especially for small towns like us. There's gonna be every person in Omega and Loyal at these games if we went and played them at a park somewhere in Tulsa. They're still going to be there. This is going to be a new place, everybody is going to have new memories here.”

— Kevin Lewallen, Lomega coach

“The good news definitely outweighed it.”

— Jody Cash, Referee

“Hearing the basketball thud on the court, it was like a heartbeat. It felt like home.”

— Aliana Lawson, Lomega senior

What’s next

The Oklahoma high school basketball state tournament will continue at the new OG&E Coliseum throughout the week, with the championship games scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The takeaway

The opening of the OG&E Coliseum for the Oklahoma high school basketball state tournament marks a new era for the long-running event, but the familiar atmosphere and traditions of the tournament have been preserved, ensuring that the event will continue to be a beloved annual tradition for players, fans, and the local communities.