OKC opens new OG&E Coliseum at OKC Fairgrounds

Oklahoma City celebrated the opening of the new OG&E Coliseum at the OKC Fairgrounds with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from key leaders involved in the project. 

The new arena, located at 301 Gordon Cooper Blvd., was funded through MAPS 3, MAPS 4, hotel tax revenue, the OG&E Energy Corp. Foundation and other sources. Designed by Populous and built by Flint Co., the 216,164-square-foot multipurpose facility seats up to 8,000 guests, includes three suites and an upscale lounge, offers a variety of concessions and features multiple locker and hospitality rooms. It is equipped with industry-leading sound, lighting and rigging systems, including a 19-foot-tall by 20-foot-wide indoor Daktronics DVN-3052 video board that delivers full-color video, animations and scoring data. 

Teresa Rose, chair of the MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, said the new venue will serve all of Oklahoma and continue the legacy of the former arena. 

“Today we will officially open the new Coliseum that will serve not only Oklahoma City, but all of Oklahoma and the surrounding area here on the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds,” Rose said. “The Oklahoma City Fairgrounds has long been a place where Oklahomans come together to celebrate, compete and connect. For nearly 60 years, the Norick Arena has been home to many of the cherished memories and legacies that will continue with the new OG&E Coliseum.” 

Zac Craig, president and CEO of Visit OKC, said the fairgrounds draws about 150 events annually and generates roughly $350 million in direct local spending each year. 

“When I think about the new OG&E Coliseum, what excites me is the ability to retain longtime event partners,” Craig said. “Furthermore, I think about the new events we're going to attract not only to this arena but to our community, as well.” 

The OG&E Coliseum replaces the Jim Norick Arena, which opened in 1965. The new facility will host many of the same events, including equine and livestock shows, concerts, rodeos, conventions, sporting events and Disney On Ice. 

Ron Norick—chair of the State Fair, former Mayor, father of the MAPS program and son of the arena’s namesake—spoke on the significance of the transition. 

“This is kind of the culmination of 10-plus years of planning,” Norick said. “It started long before Maps 3 and MAPS 4. The building, named after my father Jim Norick, is worn out. This is the horse capital of the world. With this building, there isn't going to be anybody that can touch us for a long time. It’s an economic generator for this community and it's something that we're very proud of.”

Mayor David Holt noted the venue’s economic impact and consistent activity. 

“This specific project is really interesting and unique. It represents our busiest venue and our largest economic driver,” Holt said. “This is busy 52 weeks a year. It's virtually all visitors. It’s why we are the horse show capital of the world.” 

Kirk Slaughter, president and CEO of the OKC Fairgrounds, said the arena was designed with a focus on the guest experience. 

“This is a very social arena. Once you’re in the concourse area, you’re right there on the event space,” Slaughter said. “If you go to get food and beverage, you never leave the arena. Whether you’re here for a livestock show, a basketball game or a horse show, you don’t have to miss any of the action.” 

The facility is filled with thoughtful touches that give it a sense of home. Slaughter pointed to custom furniture crafted by Lork Ranch, a nearby business, as one example of how local character was woven into the design. Inside the arena, guests can choose from a range of southern-style concessions, including grilled favorites, barbecue, southwestern dishes and more. 

Sean Trauschke, president and CEO of OG&E, said supporting the project aligns with the company’s focus on statewide impact. 

“From our perspective, we serve communities in every corner of the state,” Trauschke said. “Those communities are going to come here to enjoy this great facility in the fairgrounds. The events hosted here are big-time events. These visitors help not only our hometown, but our entire state.” 

He added that the arena helps support youth development. 

“You see kids at these shows learning values they’ll take with them throughout their lives—responsibility, hard work, sportsmanship, pride in themselves and in the community,” Trauschke said. “This community impact is why this opportunity of supporting the arena was an easy answer. This is exactly the kind of investment we want to make—investments that not only improve the community we serve but also enrich the lives of those people in it.” 

The next phase at the fairgrounds includes the demolition of the Jim Norick Arena and construction of a 20,000-square-foot exhibit hall, along with a new climate-controlled arena that seats about 400 people and includes a 120-by-250-foot event floor. The new facility will carry on the Norick name. 

“I reached out to Mr. Norick and asked permission to name the new arena the Norick Arena,” Slaughter said. “It’s iconic and will continue into the future.” 

For further information about the new arena, visit the OKC Fairgrounds website.