Construction is ramping up at the Continental Coliseum, the future home of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. The Flintco-Mortenson joint venture has started pouring concrete for the first of over 18 elevated decks at the 750,000-square-foot venue. This step marks a significant milestone in the $900 million project, with the team also beginning work on key structural components such as the loading dock walls.
What Happened
The Flintco-Mortenson JV began concrete work on the mezzanine and concourse levels of the Continental Coliseum in Oklahoma City. This work is a crucial part of the construction of the new arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The project involves pouring concrete supplied by Dolese Bros. onto elevated structural decking, which will form the stadium's floors. The construction team has also initiated work on the loading dock walls on the east side of the site. This area will facilitate back-of-house operations, providing essential access for event equipment, production crews, vendors, and deliveries.
The phased design progression and bidding approach, a first for a project of this scale in Oklahoma City, has posed challenges. However, the team has kept milestones on track, with two construction crews working in tandem to meet the project's schedule. The goal is to begin structural steel work in 2027, with the completion of the venue anticipated by summer 2028. The Oklahoma City Council awarded the $900 million contract to the Flintco-Mortenson JV in March 2025, following the demolition of the Myriad Convention Center earlier this year.
What This Means for Your Business
For AECM professionals and government contractors, this project highlights the importance of joint ventures and strategic partnerships in tackling large-scale construction projects. The use of a phased design and bidding approach could set a precedent for future projects, offering a potential model for managing complex timelines and budgets. Additionally, the collaboration between local and national firms, such as Dolese Bros. supplying concrete, underscores the value of leveraging local resources to enhance project efficiency.
Compliance with evolving standards, including cybersecurity measures such as CMMC and NIST, remains critical. As infrastructure projects like this arena continue to grow in scale and complexity, maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols will be essential to protect sensitive project data and ensure uninterrupted operations.
What US Operators Should Watch
Operators should closely monitor the progress of the Continental Coliseum for insights into managing large-scale, phased projects. Key milestones to track include the commencement of structural steel work in 2027 and the overall project completion by summer 2028. Additionally, the phased design and bidding approach may present opportunities for firms to refine their strategies in project management and bidding processes.
For those in the AECM field, staying informed about upcoming federal funding opportunities and procurement windows can help secure a competitive edge. Engaging with projects like this arena can provide valuable experience and positioning for future large-scale endeavors.
Is your firm ready for what’s next?
VisioneerIT helps AECM and government contractors modernize operations, achieve compliance, and implement AI.
Explore VisioneerIT Solutions →
