Paycom Center Announced as 2026 Finalist for Top Country Music Venue

The Oklahoma City arena is in the running for the Academy of Country Music's prestigious venue award.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:14pm

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A dynamic, abstract illustration featuring bold black silhouettes and high-contrast solid colors like red and white, capturing the energy and excitement of a major country music event.The Paycom Center's nomination as a finalist for the prestigious ACM Venue of the Year award underscores Oklahoma City's growing reputation as a premier destination for country music events.Oklahoma City Today

The Paycom Center in Oklahoma City has been named as a finalist for the Academy of Country Music's 2026 Venue of the Year award, one of the top honors in the country music industry. The announcement came on Wednesday as part of the ACM's 61st Annual Industry Awards.

Why it matters

Securing the ACM Venue of the Year award would be a major accomplishment for the Paycom Center, further cementing Oklahoma City's status as a premier destination for country music events and solidifying the arena's reputation among the top live music venues in the genre.

The details

The Paycom Center, which opened in 2002, has hosted numerous high-profile country music concerts and events over the years. Its state-of-the-art facilities, large seating capacity, and central location in Oklahoma City have made it a favorite among country artists and fans alike.

  • The Academy of Country Music announced the 2026 Venue of the Year finalists on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The 61st Annual ACM Industry Awards ceremony, where the winner will be revealed, is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Paycom Center

A multi-purpose arena located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma that has hosted numerous country music concerts and events since its opening in 2002.

Academy of Country Music

A professional organization dedicated to honoring and promoting country music, best known for its annual ACM Awards show.

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What they’re saying

“Being named a finalist for the ACM Venue of the Year award is a tremendous honor for the Paycom Center and the entire Oklahoma City community.”

— Bob Funk, General Manager, Paycom Center

What’s next

The winner of the 2026 ACM Venue of the Year award will be announced at the 61st Annual ACM Industry Awards ceremony in June 2026.

The takeaway

The Paycom Center's nomination as a finalist for the prestigious ACM Venue of the Year award is a testament to Oklahoma City's growing reputation as a hub for country music events and solidifies the arena's status as one of the premier live music venues in the genre.