New Populous-designed Multipurpose Stadium revealed for Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City (OKC) has unveiled the first renderings of its $121 million MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, marking a major step toward a venue-anchored, mixed-use district rising just south of the city’s Bricktown District.

The venue, designed by global sports and entertainment design practice, Populous, will be built on a nine-acre site donated by Echo Investment Capital, which also holds majority ownership of OKC’s professional soccer club. Echo is driving the ‘OKC for Soccer | OKC es Fútbol’ movement and will operate the stadium, which will be the future home to both women’s and men’s teams.

Designed to seat more than 10,000 for soccer, the venue will feature a USSF-approved field, a supporters’ section, suites, club space and full team facilities. Though soccer is its centrepiece, the stadium is designed for flexibility and will accommodate football, youth sports, concerts and community events.

Populous’ design draws from Oklahoma’s landscape while aiming squarely at OKC’s future. The north side opens to the downtown skyline, and a lightweight canopy roof shades most seats. A dynamic fabric façade wraps the venue and will come alive through programmable LED lighting to energise both fans and the broader district.

Populous’ Declan Sharkey was a speaker at the 2024 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition and 2025 Networking Event at Fulham Pier, while Simon Borg was a speaker at the 2025 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition.

Jonathan Mallie, Managing Director of the Americas for Populous, said:

“Together with Echo, the City and the OKC for Soccer movement, we’re proud to design a multipurpose destination for Oklahoma City. It will be a community anchor, an economic catalyst and a canvas for unforgettable events for decades.”

The venue is positioned as the heart of a broader multi-use development and cultural district planned in partnership with Robinson Park. When fully developed, the area will offer restaurants, retail and residential options within walking distance of the stadium and future entertainment events.

David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City, said:

“Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, and we knew in 2019 that MAPS 4 had to keep us in the game…This design shows how far we’ve come. As a soccer fan and a cheerleader for our city, I’m thrilled. This will be a foundation we can build on for years.”

Christian Kanady, Founding Partner & CEO, Echo Investment Capital, said:

“This will be a transformative anchor as we build a cultural district that stands alongside the best in the nation. Sports fans, creatives and community-minded investment will shape a destination that fuels pride and possibility in downtown OKC.”

The project intends to strengthen downtown’s walkability and continue OKC’s pattern of using strategic sports investments to drive economic growth and community vitality. Construction is expected to start this spring, and the stadium is on track to open in January 2028.

The 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – with its focus on elevating the live experience through pillars including Architecture & Design, Hospitality, Premium Experience and Technology – is being hosted at Everton’s spectacular new Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 1st and 2nd, and will include three VIP Venue Tours.

Following Populous’ 2020 opening of the Oklahoma City Convention Center, this project continues the firm’s commitment to civic spaces that strengthens downtown and brings the community together.

About Populous

Populous is a global design and architecture practice specialising in sports and entertainment venues. The firm’s portfolio includes Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London Stadium, Fulham FC Riverside Stand and Wembley Stadium in the UK, along with stadium-anchored masterplans such as Stade Hassan II Stadium in Morocco – set to become the largest football stadium in the world – Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong and multiple MLS stadiums.

Over the last 40 years, the practice has designed more than 3,500 projects worth over $60 billion across emerging and established markets. Populous’ comprehensive services include architecture, interior design, event planning and overlay, brand activation, wayfinding, urban design, food & beverage strategy, landscape architecture and sustainable design consulting.

Populous has over 1,500 staff and 31 offices on four continents, with regional centres in London, Kansas City and Brisbane. www.populous.com