As Oklahoma City reshapes its downtown landscape, the former convention center and its connecting skybridge to the Wyndam Grand Hotel are slated to be demolished from June 9 through June 13. According to The City of Oklahoma,the wall and pedestrian bridge are expected to start coming down on the morning of June 9, with the bridge to be dismantled in two segments over the course of two days.
The schedule is, of course, subject to weather conditions, which could cause delays. "Demo crews have been working diligently to remove items from inside the former convention center," Project Manager David Todd said in the same statement. "People will start seeing exciting and dramatic changes to the site of the new arena." Demolition of the old convention center is expected to continue through late 2025, serving as a prelude to more extensive transformations to come, according to The City of Oklahoma.
Traffic disruptions are part and parcel of such urban renovations. Specifically, Sheridan Avenue from Robinson Avenue to the Century Center Parking Garage will be narrowed to one westbound lane, while the stretch east of the Century Center Garage to South E.K. Gaylord will be completely closed off. Detour signs are planned to be in place, but drivers may want to avoid the area or allow extra time for their commutes.
Streetcar service will be paused from June 9 to 13, but regular riders won’t be left stranded. EMBARK is providing a special bus shuttle running a shorter Downtown Loop from 6 a.m. to midnight, about every 25 minutes. "To ensure riders can still travel conveniently through downtown during the five-day period," the shuttle will temporarily replace the streetcar. Riders must pay the usual streetcar fare, which can be bought at ticket machines or through the Token Transit app. Buses will stop at the regular streetcar platforms, except at the Century Center stop, according to The City of Oklahoma.
Looking toward a future of grand arenas and expanded urban spectacle, Oklahoma City voters endorsed via 71% majority in 2023 the penny sales tax aimed to erect a new, publicly owned arena, now known as the new Paycom Center. The Oklahoma City Council finalized a development agreement in May 2024 with PBC Sports and Entertainment, the ownership helm of Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue. The $900 million project details a promise to not only enrich Oklahoma City residents but also to satiate the specifications and requirements set by the NBA.
The Paycom Center, a behemoth facility poised to span at least 750,000 square feet, emerges financed through a combination of the continuation of the current sales tax, funds earmarked from MAPS 4, and significant investment from the Thunder ownership group. The expected completion date hovers around June 2028, with the Thunder's commitment to Oklahoma City triggered once they transition into their new home court. Until that transition, the team will continue to vie for victories within the familiar confines of the existing Paycom Center.
