New arena officially named Continental Coliseum; 15-year agreement begins with expected opening for 2028-29 Thunder season
Rendering of OKC Continental Coliseum. Photo courtesy of venue.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Continental Resources today jointly announced a 15-year naming rights partnership for Continental Coliseum, the new state-of-the-art arena rising in downtown Oklahoma City. Demolition of the site is nearing completion, and the construction team will begin mobilizing soon. Continental Coliseum is targeted to open in late summer 2028, ushering in a new era for sports and entertainment in Oklahoma City. The Thunder will continue to play at Paycom Center until the new venue opens.
“We’re grateful to expand our partnership with Continental Resources and for their belief in our organization and in the future of Oklahoma City,” said Clayton I. Bennett, chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder. “We really wanted an Oklahoma partner for this transitional moment in the history of our city. We are proud to align with an organization that embodies the resilience, ambition, and spirit that define our state. As a company founded and built in Oklahoma, Continental shares our deep roots and enduring commitment to this state. Continental Coliseum will stand as a lasting symbol of that shared commitment — a place where our fans, our city, and our state unite to create unforgettable moments for generations.”
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Continental Resources is the largest privately held oil and natural gas producer in the world.
“Continental could not be more proud to partner with the Thunder in this next chapter. The Thunder is a world-class organization that represents the very best of Oklahoma,” said Harold Hamm, founder & chairman emeritus of Continental Resources. “When the Thunder came to Oklahoma City, they changed the way this state saw itself. They proved that even a small market can dream big, compete with anyone, and win with heart and grit. That same spirit has defined Continental from the beginning. We’re proud to call Oklahoma home.”
The new arena name takes effect immediately and will be reflected on current construction fencing, future exterior and interior venue signage throughout the building, and the elevated partnership will include expanded community initiatives focused on advancing literacy and education across Oklahoma. Many of Continental’s existing partnership assets, including the Continental Orb, will continue as well.
“This partnership builds on a strong, long-standing relationship rooted in shared values and a shared vision for Oklahoma City,” said Will Syring, vice president of Corporate Partnerships for the Thunder. “What we’ve accomplished together to date made this a natural next step. This expanded collaboration goes beyond naming rights; it represents a meaningful commitment to community investment, including support for literacy initiatives that will benefit Oklahomans across our state.”
“There are many parallels between the Thunder and Continental Resources – values like fierce competition, innovation, and a relentless commitment to performing at our very best,” said Doug Lawler, president and CEO of Continental Resources. “Both organizations are constantly exploring for the very best talent and creating environments where people can compete, innovate, and win. This elevated partnership with the Thunder is a natural fit, and we look forward to welcoming Oklahomans and visitors from around the world to the Continental Coliseum for many years to come.”
Continental Coliseum will host a variety of events beyond basketball. From top touring artists to family shows to national sporting events, the venue will be a top destination in the region for live experiences.
In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters approved construction of a new, City-owned arena, now named Continental Coliseum. Under the terms of the Thunder’s arena agreement with the City, the team has the ability to negotiate a naming rights agreement. Designed by MANICA Architecture and built by Flintco-Mortenson, Continental Coliseum promises to be one-of-a-kind; unique and transformative for Oklahoma’s capital city and serve as a catalyst for the city’s ongoing economic and cultural renaissance.
“Continental Coliseum is so unique and evokes a sense of pride in the strength and resilience of our community,” Bennett said. “The name represents the spirit of competition and excellence. We’re thrilled for the Thunder, Continental Resources, the city, and every citizen who voted yes for the future of Oklahoma City.”
