A marvel of architecture, and a beacon of innovation for one of America’s fastest growing cities, the OG&E Coliseum is the new centerpiece of the OKC Fair Park, offering a year-round space with state-of-the-art amenities for events, rodeos and more. A bold new attraction in its own right, travelers have lots of things to do in OKC around the OG&E Coliseum as well.
A Modern Upgrade to Oklahoma City’s Fair Park
Replacing the Jim Norick Arena, which anchored the OKC Fair Park for 60 years, the 216,164-sq.-ft. OG&E Coliseum marks an exciting new chapter, with expanded capacity and trailblazing sound, lighting and rigging systems. With seating capacity for 8,000, as well as concessions and custom furniture, the arena includes game-changing technology, like a 19-foot-tall video board delivering full-color videos and scoring data. The previous arena hosted events such as horse shows, concerts and Disney On Ice, all of which will continue at the OG&E Coliseum.
Top Shopping Spots
Before or after visiting the coliseum, shoppers have plenty of retail options nearby, from timeless malls to vintage treasures. For decades, Penn Square Mall has been OKC’s premiere fashion destination, home to over a hundred shops brimming with clothes, accessories, jewelry, shoes and more. Centrally located and easily accessible off I-44, the bi-level mall continues to innovate, with new stores like Oklahoma’s first Urban Outfitters.
Across the street, OAK OKC is a stylish new urban development blending housing, dining, lodging and upscale retail, including the first Oklahoma location of RH, with three stories of furniture and antiques and a rooftop restaurant. Other iconic brands at OAK include Pottery Barn, Arhaus and Williams-Sonoma.
Down the street, the Plaza District teems with galleries, restaurants and vintage stores. Home to some of the most unique thrift shops in town, shoppers can find tiki mugs and accessories at Dig It, retro-chic fashions at Bad Granny’s Bazaar and local art and gifts at DNA Galleries.
Where to Eat & Drink Nearby
From legendary steakhouses to the finest seafood, the OG&E Coliseum is close to some of the best dining and drinking destinations in OKC. A stone’s throw away, Stockyards City is home to Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, the oldest restaurant in Oklahoma (since 1910), and a must-visit for chicken-fried steak with a side of history. On the newer side, the Wheeler District features AKAI, a swanky sushi spot and authentic Japanese izakaya, while nearby, Sedalia’s specializes in oysters, natural wine and some of the freshest seafood in the city.
For a unique dining experience, Dulce Vida Tacos & Tequila pairs handcrafted margaritas with modern Mexican fare – including tempura-battered avocado tacos and pizza birria – in a space as colorful as a piñata. To drink, head to the Farmers Market District for some of the finest cocktails in OKC at Palo Santo, or craft beer at Powerhouse.
Hotels Near the Action
Conveniently located between the OKC coliseum and Will Rogers International Airport, the Meridian Corridor is lined with budget-friendly lodging options, including Tru by Hilton, Comfort Suites Fairgrounds West and the riverside Staybridge Suites.
For a boutique stay, head to the West Village, home to contemporary lodging options like the Fordson Hotel. Located in a Ford assembly plant built in 1916, the property features 135 lofty rooms, ground-floor galleries, an Italian steakhouse and a pool bar.
Entertainment for Everyone
In addition to on-site entertainment at the coliseum, OKC Fair Park is close to a wide range of activities for all types of travelers. Dave & Buster’s offers arcade games and American comfort food for all ages, while Flashback RetroPub is a vintage-inspired arcade bar for 21+. For museums, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art touts one of the best collections in the region, with works sourced from across the globe, and the First Americans Museum features state-of-the-art exhibits honoring Oklahoma’s 39 First American Nations. Next door, OKANA is a massive new resort with a beachy lagoon, an arcade, laser tag and a year-round indoor water park.
Plan Your Perfect Day in OKC
No matter what event brings you to the OG&E Coliseum, turn it into a full OKC experience. Start with shopping at unique local boutiques, then indulge in a classic steakhouse dinner nearby and add some fun at a retro arcade before winding down with a relaxing night at a convenient hotel. Visit here to start planning your trip today!