Continental Coliseum reaches major construction milestone as concrete pouring begins

Oklahoma City, Monday, July 20, 2026 – Construction on Oklahoma City’s new NBA arena, Continental Coliseum, passed a major construction milestone this week as crews began pouring concrete for the building’s substructure. The massive engineering feat is being coordinated by the construction team Flintco|Mortenson. The concrete supplier for the first pour is Dolese Bros., an Oklahoma City-based company.

“Construction crews will begin placing the pier caps, along with two large mat foundations,” Project Director Josh Patterson with Flintco|Mortenson said. “Pier caps act like the “feet” of the building’s deep foundation system, connecting groups of underground piers that serve as the “legs” supporting the future arena.” This work is essential because it helps safely transfer the tremendous weight of the building, including the roof, seating areas, and event equipment, deep into stable soils to ensure the Coliseum’s long-term strength and stability. Other work happening at the site includes below-grade waterproofing and the installation of utility and underground electrical systems that will provide temporary power for the jobsite.

“The earthwork, utility coordination, and foundation activities are setting the stage for the transition from site preparation into vertical construction later in the project schedule,” Flintco|Mortenson Project Executive Ellen Becker said.

Continental Coliseum is being built on the site of the former arena and convention center on the block bounded by Reno, Ron Norick, Sheridan and E.K. Gaylord.

“Progress continues on our new arena, which is one of the most aspirational projects in our city’s history,“ Mayor David Holt said. “This first concrete placement is another milestone in the journey, and we know this means that soon we’ll see our new arena rising out of the ground.”

Legacy Capsule
To celebrate the turning point, project partners assembled a legacy capsule containing artifacts that tell the story behind Continental Coliseum and the community that made it possible. The capsule contains items that honor Oklahoma City’s past, document this historic milestone and reflect the vision for the city’s future.

The Past

• – A wooden coin from the 1972 grand opening of the Myriad Convention Center, honoring the history of the site where Continental Coliseum now rises.
• – A 1993 penny marking voter approval of the original Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) initiative, the beginning of Oklahoma City’s remarkable transformation through a temporary one-cent sales tax.

The Present

• A letter from Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.
• A copy of “Hope Wins,” the iconic photograph by Oklahoma City Thunder photographer Jimmy Do, captured during the 2025 NBA championship parade. The image symbolizes the resilience, unity and optimism that define Oklahoma City and reflects the same community spirit that has inspired generations of residents to invest in the city’s future.
• Four oil samples, each collected from a different active Continental Resources well in Oklahoma’s Anadarko Basin, recognizing the arena’s naming partner and honoring Oklahoma’s rich energy heritage. Each sample contains light, sweet American crude oil, representing the innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that have shaped Oklahoma and continue to fuel its future.
• – A Continental Coliseum groundbreaking event credential.
• – A photograph from the Continental Coliseum groundbreaking ceremony.
• – A Continental Coliseum groundbreaking ceremony commemorative medallion.
• – A safety vest from the Flintco Mortenson construction team.

Looking Ahead

• – A 2023 penny marking voter approval of a new arena, representing the community’s continued investment in Oklahoma City’s future.
• –A timeline graphic chronicling Oklahoma City’s continued investment through a temporary one-cent sales tax, from the original MAPS vote in 1993 through the Keep OKC Big League vote in 2028.

Together, the two pennies and the timeline illustrate The Power of One Penny—how generations of Oklahoma City residents repeatedly chose to invest in their community, creating lasting places that have shaped the city’s identity and laid the foundation for its future.

The project is scheduled for a 2028 completion date. Once the team moves into the new facility, the Thunder’s 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins. Continental Coliseum will serve as a catalyst for the city’s ongoing economic and cultural renaissance.

Article orginally published by OKC Thunder.