Minneapolis-based Mortenson, in partnership with Tulsa’s Flintco, has begun preconstruction on a $900 million NBA arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder, slated for completion by 2028.

Flintco and Mortenson have joined forces to construct the new home for the Oklahoma City Thunder, as confirmed in a recent release from the Oklahoma City Council. The council voted on March 11 to approve the contract for the project, which will result in a cutting-edge NBA arena that is designed to meet or surpass NBA specifications.

The new venue is expected to cost at least $900 million and will span over 750,000 square feet. The council also authorized a preconstruction contract for $2.275 million with the contractors, according to public records.

The arena will be located on the site of Prairie Surf Studios, which was previously the Cox Convention Center, a city-owned property. Demolition of the existing structure is set to begin in the spring, and the design for the Thunder’s new home court is already in the works. Construction will officially begin in 2026, with a goal to open the facility by 2028. There is a contractual requirement to complete the arena by June 2030.

In the meantime, the Thunder will continue to play their home games at Paycom Center, their home since 2008, when the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. Once the new arena is ready, the Thunder will commit to staying in Oklahoma City for the next 25 years, as stipulated in the release.

Funding for the project will come from $50 million from the Thunder ownership group, along with $70 million in public funds through the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) 4 program. This is a one-cent sales tax approved by voters, which is expected to raise over $1 billion for various public infrastructure projects from 2020 to 2028, according to the Oklahoman. After MAPS 4 concludes, a six-year, one-cent sales tax will be implemented to further fund the stadium.

Mortenson is well-known in the stadium construction industry, with a portfolio that includes Allegiant Stadium for the Las Vegas Raiders, Chase Center for the Golden State Warriors, Climate Pledge Arena for the Seattle Kraken, and U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.

Flintco, with decades of experience in Oklahoma, has played a key role in constructing the Oklahoma City Convention Center and Paycom Center.

“Having built the current arena over 20 years ago, we understand the significance of this project for our city and its future,” said Dave Kollmann, Flintco’s Central Region President. “We know that hundreds of construction jobs will be created, which will provide a significant boost to our local economy.”

The new Thunder arena is expected to not only be a state-of-the-art sports venue but also a hub for entertainment, designed to host a variety of events beyond basketball games. The project promises to transform the city’s landscape, bringing new economic opportunities and creating a lasting legacy for the community.

This collaboration between Mortenson and Flintco highlights the ongoing commitment to enhancing the city's infrastructure while contributing to the broader economic growth. With extensive experience in major construction projects and a deep understanding of the Oklahoma market, both companies are well-positioned to deliver a world-class venue for one of the NBA’s most passionate fanbases.

Additionally, the development of the new arena reflects Oklahoma City’s continued investment in its future, providing not only a new home for the Thunder but also generating significant employment and revenue opportunities for local businesses during and after construction.

As Oklahoma City continues to grow, the Thunder’s new arena is a key milestone in the city’s evolution as a destination for sports and entertainment. The project promises to be a source of civic pride and an economic engine for years to come.

Originally reported by Zachary Phillips in Construction Dive.