UPDATE: OKC Streetcar service interruption, May 13-16, bus shuttles available - WORK POSTPONED
05/12/205
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Work postponed. Streetcar not affected. Streets open.
The Oklahoma City Streetcar will temporarily be suspended from May 13 to 16 so OG&E can disconnect power from the former Myriad Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens. The work is being done to support the old convention center’s demolition and make way for the construction of the new Paycom Center.
Bus Shuttles – May 13-16
EMBARK will operate two buses to shuttle riders every 25 minutes along the downtown streetcar loop from 6 a.m. to midnight, May 13-16. Streetcar fare is required to ride the shuttles.
Riders can board the shuttle at any streetcar platform along the route, except for the Century Center stop on Sheridan. Bus head signs will read “OKC Streetcar Service – Downtown Loop.” Real-time tracking will not be available, so please allow extra travel time.
To get help navigating the streetcar shuttle, call EMBARK Customer Service at 405-235-RIDE (7433). The call center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Thunder Game Day Shuttles will run two hours before the game and one hour after the Thunder basketball game on May 13.
Periodic lane closures
May 12 - One northbound lane on E.K. Gaylord Blvd. between Reno Ave. and Sheridan Ave. will be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
May 13 – One east or westbound lane will close periodically on Reno Ave. from E.K. Gaylord Blvd. to Ron Norick Blvd. between 7 a.m. and noon.
May 14 – 15 - One east or westbound lane on Reno Ave. and one east or westbound lane on Sheridan Ave. will close periodically between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
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Demolition of the former convention center
Exterior demolition of the former convention center is expected to begin in June and last through late 2025. Demolition on the inside of the building is ongoing.
The former convention center opened in 1972 as the Myriad Convention Center. Over the years, its name changed to Cox Business Services Convention Center and Prairie Surf Studios. The building hosted thousands of events the past 50 years.
New Paycom Center background
In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly (71%) approved a penny sales tax to build a new, publicly owned arena (AKA the new Paycom Center). In May 2024, the Oklahoma City Council approved a development agreement for the City’s new arena between the City and PBC Sports and Entertainment, LLC (PBCS&E), owners of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue.
The new arena will be funded by a 72-month, one-cent sales tax starting when the MAPS 4 tax ends. The sales tax rate will not increase. The arena will also be paid for with $70 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group.
The $900 million arena will be at least 750,000 square feet and be built to:
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Benefit the residents of Oklahoma City.
- Meet/and or exceed NBA specifications and requirements.
- Maximize team revenues, ensuring the sustainability of major league professional sports in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder will continue to play home games at the existing Paycom Center until the new one opens, with a target completion date of June 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2030. The Thunder’s 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins when they move into the new arena.
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Media Contact: Kristy Yager, (405) 297-2550, kristy.yager@okc.gov
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City Hall, 200 N Walker Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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