From Legacy to Landmark: Safely Demolishing a Community Icon

Challenge

Flintco was tasked with delivering a 216,000 SF, state-of-the-art multipurpose coliseum on an active State Fairgrounds, with the historic Jim Norick Arena standing just feet away. Once the new coliseum opened, the beloved Jim Norick Arena would need to be imploded—without damaging the new facility or disrupting ongoing fairgrounds operations.

Solution

Planning began early. Flintco worked with the owner, Fairgrounds staff, and trade partners to secure an implosion date 18 months in advance and develop a detailed, comprehensive plan. Key considerations included protecting the new coliseum, ensuring public safety during the detonation ceremony, and establishing contingency plans for all scenarios. Over two years of meetings, planning calls, and on-site rehearsals, Flintco coordinated with trade partners Precision Demolition and CDI, the implosion contractor, to finalize a plan that ensured the implosion proceeded safely and precisely

Result

The coliseum opened on schedule, immediately hosting world-class equestrian competitions and major entertainment events. On detonation day, the implosion unfolded flawlessly: the roof collapsed cleanly, all forty column foundations were removed safely, and the new coliseum remained completely undamaged. Rare in the Oklahoma City metro, the event became a one-of-a-kind experience for both the Flintco team and the local community, marking the completion of a transformative new venue.