Populous selected to lead design of OKC’s MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium

Echo Investment Capital, Russell Westbrook Enterprises and Robinson Park have selected Populous as the master architect for a planned sports-centered entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City. The project, led by Echo, will center on the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium. 

Populous will serve as the lead architect for the new stadium at the heart of the development. A global design firm known for projects such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, the firm has completed more than 3,500 projects valued at over $60 billion and operates 32 offices across four continents. This background in designing integrated urban districts made Populous the top choice among seven firms that submitted proposals following a national search. 

“Populous brings world-renowned expertise and a deep understanding of how to design spaces that anchor community and catalyze growth,” said Christian Kanady, founding partner and CEO of Echo. “Their leadership in shaping both the stadium and the surrounding sports-anchored entertainment district ensures a cohesive, transformative vision—one that reflects OKC's momentum and connects our most vibrant districts in powerful new ways. This is more than a development—it’s a centerpiece for civic life, built to inspire pride, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.” 

The district will span 50 acres and include retail, dining, public spaces and residential areas. The location—the former Producers Co-Op site just north of the Oklahoma River—connects Bricktown, the OKANA Resort, the Boathouse District and Scissortail Park. 

“This project is about shaping a destination—a place where community, commerce and culture mix in meaningful ways,” said Phil Kolbo, Principal at Populous and Principal in Charge for the project. “Supported by the vibrancy of a purpose-driven stadium, this project reflects the vision and aspirations of Echo Investment Capital, Robinson Park, RWE and Oklahoma City’s civic leadership. Populous is proud to help bring it to life.” 

MAPS 4 will fund the stadium, which will sit on nine acres donated by Echo. Total private investment in the district is expected to exceed $2 billion. 

“Selecting Populous as master architect is a big step toward bringing to life our vision for the district,” said Mark Beffort, CEO of Robinson Park. “Their experience in designing world-class venues will help make this district a standout destination for Oklahoma City, and we’re excited to partner with Echo and RWE to bring this vision forward.” 

NBA star and former OKC Thunder player Russell Westbrook will serve as creative director for the project, and he is also assisting with branding for the development’s future professional soccer team. Westbrook, who spent over a decade with the Thunder, is recognized globally for his work across design, fashion and philanthropy. 

“We’re not just building a sports-anchored entertainment district—we’re reimagining how a city comes together,” Westbrook said. “I’m personally bringing everything I’ve seen and experienced around the world—design, culture, energy—to help create something that’s never been done before in OKC. I’m proud to be part of a vision that’s not just about buildings, but about belonging—a place where people from every neighborhood feel seen, connected, and inspired.” 

The design process is still in the early stages and will incorporate input from Westbrook and other partners. Kolbo said the firm’s expanding mixed-use development practice complements its work in stadium and event design.