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Design update shows larger, more flexible MAPS multipurpose stadium; city to use CMAR delivery
Summary
Populous presented a design update for the MAPS multipurpose stadium, describing a move to a larger, more flexible 10,000-seat venue and recommending construction-manager-at-risk delivery; presenters cited a construction budget and a higher cost estimate and gave a spring 2026 construction start target.
Populous architects presented a design update for the MAPS multipurpose stadium and described plans for a flexible, 10,000-seat venue aimed at professional soccer, concerts and community events.
Travis Pauley of Populous said the project evolved from an initial $41 million, 8,000-seat concept to a larger program. "We're up to a construction budget of about $94,100,000 right now," Pauley said, and the team later gave a separate cost estimate of "$108,800,000." He added that the team will pursue private donations and sponsorships to help meet the estimate.
The design emphasizes adaptability: equal men's and women's locker rooms with operable partitions, a recessed lower bowl for intimacy, premium club and suite spaces, an integrated supporters section and expanded canopy coverage to improve atmosphere. Phil Colby of Populous described exterior concepts that reference Oklahoma landscapes and said the facade could be lit or projected to reflect events.
Populous reported strong market interest. Pauley said a founders reservation campaign sold "over 1,500 seats reserved" in about 24 hours. He described a program goal of making the stadium "USL ready, women's soccer ready, concert capable" while allowing later expansion.
On delivery, the city also presented construction-management-at-risk (CMAR) as the intended procurement method for the stadium. Jason Cotton, explaining CMAR, said the method brings a construction manager into the design phase for preconstruction services such as cost estimating, constructability reviews and procurement planning while trade packages remain publicly bid. Cotton said CMAR will likely result in a series of contract amendments as trade packages are bought out rather than a single lump-sum contract.
Populous provided a tentative schedule: a preliminary report update in January 2026, construction documents through May 2026, construction starting in spring 2026, and completion in December 2027 with an opening in 2028. No board action was required for the design update itself; the board received the presentation and asked no substantive follow-up questions.
Next steps include a more comprehensive preliminary report in January and continuing cost refinement and fundraising work to reconcile the cited budget with the higher cost estimate.
