Progress being made on new OKC Fairgrounds coliseum

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The OG&E Coliseum has made a ton of headway since the last time we checked in, back in March. On Wednesday, project leaders said it’s about 70% complete. 

“We're right on schedule,” said Jim Sheppard, a MAPS Construction Project Manager. “There's been a lot that's happened in the last four or five months.” 

Sheppard said concrete has been poured, the roof is nearly all on, the steel inside has been fabricated and the electrical and plumbing have been roughed in. 

"The hard part's over,” said Sheppard. “Now all we have to do is put the finish on everything. So that will go very rapidly."  

The more than 216,000 square-foot coliseum will replace the Jim Norick Arena. 

Depending on the event, it’ll have between 7,500 and 8,500 seats. The coliseum will also include a lounge, suites and a full service kitchen. 

Officials say it is the only one of its kind in the United States. 

“The equestrian events and stuff that's going to take place here are very unique. And this facility is actually designed with those activities in mind,” said Sheppard. “It's going to help attract more and more horse shows and livestock shows to our city, which just spells out more tax revenue for our city." 

 OG&E Coliseum is expected to open in late June or early July of 2025.