Oklahoma City began construction on a new convention center in October 2018. The $288 million project is scheduled to open in 2020 and represents the largest single construction initiative ever undertaken in the city.
When complete, the convention center will feature a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 30,000-square-foot ballroom and an additional 45,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. These new facilities are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of events, from large trade shows and conventions to corporate meetings and social gatherings.
“This is a great day for Oklahoma City,” said Mike Carrier, president of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, at the ceremonial groundbreaking. The new center reflects the city’s long-term commitment to growing its meetings and convention industry and enhancing its appeal as a regional destination for events.
The project is part of a broader downtown revitalization effort. Nearby developments include a new park set to open in 2019 and a new Omni Hotels & Resorts property scheduled to welcome guests in 2020. Together, these projects will boost downtown amenities, support local businesses and improve the overall visitor experience.
“Meeting planners are going to be wowed by Oklahoma City’s new offerings,” said Dennis Johnston, vice president of sales for MAPS 3. He emphasized that the convention center will open debt-free, a financial achievement that strengthens the city’s position when competing for large-scale events.
The new convention center’s expanded exhibit and meeting space will enable Oklahoma City to attract larger conventions and longer-running events, generating increased hotel demand and broader economic benefits for the region. Event organizers will have access to contiguous exhibit space, a large ballroom for keynote sessions and multiple breakout rooms for concurrent programming.
Beyond its event capabilities, the center’s central location will make it convenient for attendees to explore nearby dining, entertainment and cultural attractions. The addition of adjacent parkland and a new hotel property will create a more walkable, amenity-rich district that supports extended stays and higher visitor satisfaction.
Throughout construction, the city and project team plan to share regular updates on progress, programming opportunities and venue features. These updates will help meeting planners, exhibitors and local stakeholders plan ahead for the opportunities the new facility will bring.
With substantial exhibit space, a large ballroom and extensive meeting rooms, Oklahoma City’s new convention center is positioned to be a major catalyst for tourism, business events and downtown development once it opens in 2020.