Oklahoma City Narrowing Selection Of Architect For New Arena

Oklahoma City leaders will select from a field of seven architecture firms to design its next nearly billion-dollar arena and the future home of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

On Friday, the city's MAPS office released the names of the firms that submitted bids but has not yet released the actual bids each firm provided.

AECOM, Gensler, HKS, Overland Partners, Perkins and Will, Populous and Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates all tossed their names in for consideration.

Most recently, AECOM has been recognized for its role in designing the new Intuit Dome, which opened on Thursday and will be home to the LA Clippers.

But within Oklahoma City, Populous is the most recognizable name in consideration. The firm designed the MAPS 3 Convention Center, which is located a block from where the new arena will be built. It is also behind the new fairgrounds arena and is responsible for current improvements and upgrades to the Paycom Center.

AECOM, Populous, and Gensler have each been involved with at least one of the five newest NBA arenas. Populous has an office in Norman and has also worked with the athletics department for the University of Oklahoma.

The city has not yet released which names made its shortlist, which was finalized on August 5, 2024. Interviews with selected firms will be held in the first week of September.