'It just keeps getting better:' OKC Mayor David Holt details upcoming city growth

Oklahoma City is entering a transformative era, with major projects on the horizon that promise to elevate the city’s profile both nationally and internationally.

From the demolition of the Cox Convention Center to make way for a new arena, to the upcoming return of soccer with a multipurpose stadium, the city's infrastructure is rapidly evolving. These developments come alongside Oklahoma City's growing role in global sports, particularly as a key host for the 2028 Olympic canoe events, further solidifying its place on the world stage.

OKC Mayor David Holt talked to News 9 at 9 about the upcoming developments.

Thunder Arena Plans Move Forward

Oklahoma City is set to undergo a major transformation as the city prepares for the demolition of the old Cox Convention Center, also known as Prairie Surf Studios. The city council has approved plans for its removal, which could begin as soon as next month.

"We've built three arenas to date, and now we're preparing for our fourth. We've never torn one down before," said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. "The Civic Center was our first, followed by the Myriad, now Cox Center or Prairie Surf, and then Paycom Center. It's finally time to make room for the future."

Mayor Holt emphasized the history tied to the venue, noting, "This building has meant a lot to our community since its opening in the early 70s. From hosting presidents to Elvis Presley and even playing a role in our city's recovery from the bombing, it holds significant memories."

While the demolition will be a slow, methodical process spanning much of 2025, plans are already in motion for the new arena, with renderings expected this summer. "This new arena is going to be awesome," Holt said.

A New Soccer Stadium for OKC

In addition to the arena, Oklahoma City is making strides in bringing soccer back to the city with the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium. The project aims to keep Oklahoma City connected to the world's most popular sport.

"We are the only top 50 city without a stadium, and if we hadn't done this, we wouldn't even have a minor league soccer team," Holt said. "This is a more modest budget compared to our NBA arena, but it keeps us in the game."

A recent flag-raising ceremony marked an important milestone for the stadium project. "It wasn’t a groundbreaking or ribbon-cutting—it was a flag-raising," Holt explained. "If you drive by Interstate 40, you can see the flag that literally says, 'OKC wants soccer.'"

Beyond soccer, the multipurpose stadium will provide additional opportunities for events and community engagement. Groundbreaking for the stadium is expected later this year.

OKC Poised to Host Olympic Events in 2028

Oklahoma City is on the verge of securing its place on the global stage with plans to host Olympic canoe events in 2028. Members of the International Canoe Federation recently visited OKC to evaluate the city's world-class facilities.

"We’ve strategically used sports to raise our global profile," Holt said. "Football, basketball, softball—and now paddle sports. Our investments have made Oklahoma City a hub for canoeing and rowing."

The International Canoe Federation governs both the Canoe Slalom and Canoe Sprint Olympic events. "The expectation is that we'll host six Olympic canoeing events in 2028. It still requires approval from the Los Angeles City Council, but all signs point to Oklahoma City playing a key role in the upcoming Games," Holt stated.

In preparation for 2028, Oklahoma City will host the Canoe World Championships and the Canoe Federation Congress in 2026, with additional smaller events leading up to the Olympics. "It's surreal to think that landlocked Oklahoma City is now a global destination for these sports," Holt said.

The Golden Age of Oklahoma City

With so many major projects in progress, Mayor Holt said he believes Oklahoma City is experiencing an unprecedented period of growth. "We've been saying this for 20 years, but it just keeps getting better," he said. "We’re not a flyover city anymore."

Holt also took a moment to acknowledge the hard work of city crews. "I want to thank our police officers, firefighters, and road crews working 24/7 in challenging conditions. Everyone may be enjoying a day off, but they’re out there keeping us safe."

As Oklahoma City continues to evolve, its future looks brighter than ever, with the city set to make its mark on both the national and international stages.