Construction begins on Continental Coliseum in Downtown OKC

New home for Oklahoma City Thunder to open in 2028

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:11pm

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On Thursday, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction on the new Continental Coliseum in downtown Oklahoma City. The 20,000-seat arena will replace the aging Myriad Convention Center and become the new home for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder.

Why it matters

The Continental Coliseum is a major infrastructure project that will revitalize downtown Oklahoma City and provide a state-of-the-art venue for the city's professional basketball team. It is expected to drive economic growth and tourism in the area.

The details

The $500 million Continental Coliseum project will be built on the site of the former Myriad Convention Center. The new arena will feature modern amenities and increased seating capacity compared to the Thunder's current home, Chesapeake Energy Arena. Construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2028 NBA season.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
  • The Continental Coliseum is scheduled to open in time for the 2028 NBA season.

The players

Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA franchise that will be the primary tenant of the new Continental Coliseum.

Myriad Convention Center

The aging convention center that previously occupied the site where the Continental Coliseum is being built.

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What’s next

Construction on the Continental Coliseum is expected to continue over the next two years, with the goal of having the arena ready for the 2028 NBA season.

The takeaway

The Continental Coliseum project represents a significant investment in Oklahoma City's downtown infrastructure and will provide a modern, state-of-the-art home for the city's beloved NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.