There will be an update on the demolition plans late next week.
There will be an update on the demolition plans late next week.
Holt tweeted out the architect:
Ultimately, the selection committee is recommending to the Council on Tuesday the hiring of MANICA Architecture as the designer with TVS as partner and architect of record...
David’s previous projects as a designer include Chase Center in San Francisco, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the O2 Arena in London, Osaka Arena, the proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Chicago, and the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Here’s the thread: https://x.com/davidfholt/status/1847315668972011932
Only thing I could find sports-wise on TVS’ website was some work with Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is an incredible building.
If you look on the City Council agenda, they will be getting over $60 million for this contract. So they better be worth it. MANICA, I didn't see in the council agenda, but may have just overlooked it. They have plenty of arena experience, and can justify their value (Chase Center, Toyota Center, Mercedes-Benz Arena, etc).
Press release:
********
City Council to consider hiring arena architects on Tuesday
10/18/2024
On Tuesday, Oklahoma City Council will consider approving a contract with the architectural team of MANICA Architecture as the Design Architect and TVS as the Architect of Record for the design and development of Oklahoma City’s new arena.
“Both TVS and Manica Architecture have designed iconic arena and stadium projects worldwide,” OKC Director David Todd said. “They have a proven track record of creating functional, memorable buildings that communities are proud of.”
Kansas City-based MANICA specializes in sport and entertainment venues. Some of their NBA and NFL designs include Chase Center in San Francisco, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Chicago, and the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville, which is currently under construction.
Some of Atlanta-based TVS’s projects include Jio World Center in Mumbai, India; Longgang International Arts Center in Shenzhen, China; Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, North Carolina; Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.; and the MOTE Science Education Center in Sarasota, Florida.
Next Steps
The arena will be built on the City-owned site where Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center, is located. The existing building is expected to be demolished in 2025. Design will begin immediately, and construction will start in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028.
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 that will start when the MAPS 4 tax ends and will not increase the sales tax rate. The arena will also be paid for with $70 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group.
The $900 million arena will be at least 750,000 square feet and be built to:
- Benefit the residents of Oklahoma City.
- Meet NBA specifications and requirements.
- Maximize team revenues, ensuring the sustainability of major league professional sports in Oklahoma City.
- The City will own and be responsible for maintaining and operating the new arena, which will be home to the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team.
The Thunder will continue to play home games at Paycom Center until the new arena opens, with a target completion date of June 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2030. The Thunder’s 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins when they move into the new arena.
Press release:
************
City Council hires architects for OKC arena
10/22/2024
On Tuesday, Oklahoma City Council approved a contract with the architectural team of MANICA Architecture as the Design Architect and TVS as the Architect of Record for the design and development of Oklahoma City’s new arena.
“Both TVS and Manica Architecture have designed iconic arena and stadium projects worldwide,” OKC Director David Todd said. “They have a proven track record of creating functional, memorable buildings that communities are proud of.”
Kansas City-based MANICA specializes in sport and entertainment venues. Some of their NBA and NFL designs include Chase Center in San Francisco, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Chicago, and the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville, which is currently under construction.
“At Manica Architecture, we choose projects where we can truly make a difference in that city, and Oklahoma City is at the top of that list,” said David Manica, owner and founder of Manica Architecture. “This project won't be the start of the renaissance in Oklahoma City, but rather the continuation of that momentum. We begin this effort with no preconceptions. We want to come to the table to listen and really understand what the city and team want for future generations. We have an incredible opportunity to work together to create a signature facility that can make the city shine and be truly unique to Oklahoma City and its people.”
Some of Atlanta-based TVS’s projects include Jio World Center in Mumbai, India; Longgang International Arts Center in Shenzhen, China; Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, NC; Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.; and the MOTE Science Education Center in Sarasota, Fla.
“TVS is honored to serve as Architect of Record for the new Oklahoma City Arena, and we are excited to be partnered alongside Design Architect MANICA, Oklahoma City, and The Thunder,” TVS Principal Rob O’Keefe said. “Together, this formidable team will deliver a facility that will serve the citizens of Oklahoma City for generations.”
Next Steps
The arena will be built on the City-owned site where Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center, is located. The existing building is expected to be demolished in 2025. Design will begin immediately, and construction will start in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028.
Pete any guestimate on when we might see the first renderings?
Given MANICA's involvement, I think we may be getting something somewhat similar to the Chase Center, which would be awesome! I love the look of it.
Yes, I am sure they are both as simplistic—with no reasons, morals, or evidence—as y'all paint them to be. OKC's entire history is filled with yes-men who did whatever the elites wanted in this city. I actually think it's a good thing there are some counsel members willing to take different perspectives and argue for a different city.
I wouldn't have posted this response except that it really bugs me when people bash them without even trying to explain their reasons for their vote.
I'm hoping to make it to Thunder @ Clippers next week so I'll report back. I'm as excited for the arena as I am for the game.
Chase Center is a beautiful building, but some of the complaints about it are that it leans heavy toward the corporate feel. Obviously the OKC arena will have more amenities and suites but I hope it’s still average fan friendly, if that makes sense.
Its one thing to be a voice of reason and/or to have a different opinion. But these two seem to always vote against the progress of OKC/downtown AND claim that it instead should go to the 'community'. I am all for them voting how they felt with regard to the arena itself. But come on, MOVE ON NOW. I have NO idea why they'd continue to vote no for all other aspects of the arena. Are they saying we shouldn't get the BEST architect for what was already approved?
Again, it gets very tiring seeing the apathy from them. Nice doesn't care since she's moving on to likely do the same in the state govt (kidding, well, maybe a little bit) but I'm not sure how joBeth gets re-elected when she's anti police everything and anti OKC unless it benefits her ward (or 7).
I think you have to be more open minded, again, I don't mind their original vote on the arena - to me that's totally balanced and their reasons made sense to me (the vote was rushed and there was no transparency). But thats in the past, now each vote should be independent on its own laurels and not just a continuation pouting of No arena, No site, No architect, no any and everything arena or downtown. come on, grow up ladies.
Oklahoma City, the RENAISSANCE CITY!
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