Cox Convention Center OKC: What Visitors Need to Know Now
Searching for a Cox Convention Center event, parking garage, hotel or map? The original building is gone. Here’s what happened, where the old venue stood, and where to go for current conventions, concerts and meetings in Oklahoma City.
Is Cox Convention Center Still Open?
No. The Cox Convention Center was a major downtown Oklahoma City meeting and entertainment facility. It was originally known as Myriad Convention Center, later operated under the Cox name, and was converted to Prairie Surf Studios after the city opened its newer convention center.
Oklahoma City approved demolition of the former building in March 2025. The last major vertical portions were removed by February 2026. The site is now being redeveloped for Continental Coliseum, the planned future home of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Previously Myriad Convention Center and later Prairie Surf Studios.
No public events or venue bookings
100 Mick Cornett Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73109.
Active meetings and exhibitions
Cox Convention Center Location, Address & Downtown Map
The former Cox Convention Center site stood in downtown Oklahoma City near West Reno Avenue, Robinson Avenue, the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Paycom Center. Historic materials often use the address 1 Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
This is now a redevelopment site rather than an operating convention facility. Do not enter the historic name into navigation when traveling to a current event without checking your ticket or organizer’s instructions.
Former Cox site
Downtown Oklahoma City, across from the existing Paycom Center, near Reno Avenue and Robinson Avenue.
Use for: Historical location reference and understanding the new arena project.
Current convention center
100 Mick Cornett Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
East of Scissortail Park, south of Oklahoma City Boulevard.
Use for: Conferences, trade shows, exhibitions and business meetings.
Find the Correct Downtown Location
Former Cox site: Near Myriad Botanical Gardens and Paycom Center, immediately south of the traditional downtown business district.
Current convention center: Southeast of the former Cox site, beside Scissortail Park.
Official Directions & Parking Downtown Parking Map PDFFor the active building’s exact entrances, parking and rooms, the detailed Oklahoma City Convention Center events and parking guide covers the venue separately, so you can avoid confusing the two properties.
Cox Convention Center Events & Tickets in 2026
There are no current public events at the old Cox Convention Center, because the building has been demolished. Older ticket listings and archived venue pages may still show its name, seating charts, concerts, sports events or parking information. Those historical listings do not mean the original venue is still operating.
Where Should You Go Instead?
| What you’re looking for | Correct destination | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Trade show, convention or business meeting | Oklahoma City Convention Center | Use 100 Mick Cornett Drive and check the event organizer’s registration details. |
| Thunder basketball or an arena concert | Paycom Center | Check Paycom Center’s current calendar and the ticket for your event. |
| Future arena construction | Continental Coliseum project | Follow official arena construction updates; it is not yet an operating event venue. |
| Old Cox Convention Center event or seating chart | Historic venue information | Do not buy tickets based solely on an outdated venue listing. |
| Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa | Arvest Convention Center, Tulsa | Check the Tulsa venue rather than traveling to Oklahoma City. |
How to Find the Right Event: Step by Step
Cox Convention Center Parking: Garages, Rates & Alternatives
Historic parking guides for Cox Convention Center refer to the underground Cox Center garage and other downtown facilities. The old convention center is gone, but some downtown parking listings still use the Cox name.
For an event today, select parking based on your actual destination. Parking near the former Cox site may be convenient for some downtown attractions, but it is not necessarily the closest choice for an event at the new convention center.
| Parking option | Location | Practical detail |
|---|---|---|
| Convention Center Garage | 15 SW 4th Street, entrance on Mick Cornett Drive | 1,105 spaces including 24 designated accessible spaces; useful for the current convention venue. |
| Scissortail Lot | South of the current convention center | Surface lot option; confirm current pricing and availability. |
| Historic Cox Center Garage | 100 W Sheridan Avenue | Still appears on Oklahoma County’s downtown parking list; independently confirm current access, payment and construction impacts. |
| Century Center Garage | 100 W Main Street | Downtown garage useful for central business district destinations. |
| Sheridan Walker Garage | 501 W Sheridan Avenue | Alternative for western downtown destinations and streetcar access. |
Parking at the New Convention Center
Streetcar benefit: According to the convention center’s official parking information, eligible municipal garage parking receipts can provide two people with free OKC Streetcar travel for 24 hours from parking time. Keep the receipt and check the operator’s current conditions.
Official Parking InstructionsHotels Near the Former Cox Convention Center
The former Cox site occupies an especially central part of downtown Oklahoma City. Hotel choice should depend on whether your real destination is the active convention center, Paycom Center, Bricktown or the new arena construction area.
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel
100 W Oklahoma City Boulevard
Directly adjacent to the current Oklahoma City Convention Center. A convenient first comparison for conference attendees, especially for multi-day events and early registration.
Colcord Hotel
15 N Robinson Avenue
Historic downtown hotel near Myriad Botanical Gardens, useful for travelers who prefer the traditional downtown district and nearby dining.
Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown
1 N Broadway Avenue
Central business district hotel near the former Cox site, restaurants and downtown pedestrian routes.
Courtyard Oklahoma City Downtown
2 W Reno Avenue
Near Paycom Center and the former Cox complex, making it relevant for arena entertainment and nearby downtown activities.
Which Location Is Best?
| Your purpose | Area to prioritize |
|---|---|
| Convention or exhibition | Omni Hotel / Scissortail Park / Mick Cornett Drive |
| Thunder game or arena concert | Paycom Center / Reno Avenue |
| Dining and entertainment | Bricktown / downtown core |
| Historic Cox site or future arena | Reno Avenue / Myriad Gardens area |
| Lower total travel cost | Compare room price plus parking, taxes and transport |
Hotel rates and availability change for major conventions and basketball games. Compare refundable versus nonrefundable rates, hotel parking fees, breakfast, accessibility and walking conditions before booking.
Transportation, Airport Access & Downtown Streetcar
OKC Streetcar
The downtown streetcar connects major visitor districts including Bricktown, the business district, Midtown and Automobile Alley. It is particularly useful when combining a convention with hotels, dining or attractions.
Use the stop closest to the actual venue rather than relying on an older Cox Convention Center map.
Will Rogers International Airport
Travelers can use rideshare, taxi or rental vehicles to reach downtown Oklahoma City. Airport pickup points, travel time and pricing depend on service and traffic.
For public transport, check EMBARK’s current route schedules before planning a transfer with luggage.
Driving Into Downtown
- From I-40 eastbound: For the new convention center, the official directions instruct drivers to exit at Shields and travel north toward E.K. Gaylord Boulevard.
- From I-40 westbound: Take the Robinson Avenue exit, travel north and turn toward Mick Cornett Drive.
- From I-235: Use the official convention-center instructions for the appropriate downtown exit and garage approach.
- From hotels: Walking or the streetcar can be convenient, but check construction boundaries, weather and accessible routes.
Cox Convention Center History & Continental Coliseum Redevelopment
| Period | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1972 | The original Myriad Convention Center opened in downtown Oklahoma City. |
| 1990s | The complex underwent substantial modernization and expansion through the city’s original MAPS program. |
| Cox era | The venue operated under the Cox Convention Center name, hosting meetings, exhibitions, entertainment and community events. |
| 2020–2021 | The new Oklahoma City Convention Center was completed; the former complex transitioned to Prairie Surf Studios in 2021. |
| March 2025 | Oklahoma City approved a contract to demolish the former facility for the new downtown arena. |
| February 2026 | Demolition of the former venue’s standing structure was completed. |
| 2026 onward | Construction of Continental Coliseum, the planned future home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, moves forward. |
What Is Continental Coliseum?
Continental Coliseum is the name of the new downtown Oklahoma City arena being developed on the former Myriad/Cox Convention Center site. It is planned as the future home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, with a target opening in 2028.
The existing Paycom Center continues serving the team until the replacement venue opens. The new arena is not the same building as the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
Official Continental Coliseum ProjectAccessibility, Entrances & Visitor Safety
Since the former Cox Convention Center has been demolished, its old event entrances, elevator locations, accessibility arrangements and seating maps should not be used to plan a current visit.
- Current convention center: The official parking garage provides designated accessible parking, elevators and a skybridge to the convention facility.
- Paycom Center: Consult the arena’s current accessibility and event-specific entrance instructions.
- Street travel: Construction around the former Cox property may affect sidewalks, traffic lanes and nearby pedestrian access.
- Mobility assistance: Contact the actual event venue or organizer before arrival if accessible seating or specialized help is required.
- Security: Follow the current venue’s bag policy, prohibited-item list and ticketing instructions rather than rules from archived Cox listings.
Before You Travel: Quick Checklist
- Confirm whether your event is in Oklahoma City or Tulsa.
- Check that your event location is an active operating venue.
- Use the correct full street address.
- Verify ticket validity and organizer information.
- Choose parking near your actual destination.
- Check the current parking fee and garage entrance.
- Save the room, hall or gate information.
- Check construction-related road or sidewalk restrictions.
- Confirm hotel parking, check-in and cancellation rules.
- Prepare accessible transport or entrance arrangements if needed.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Cox Convention Center
1. Is Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City still open?
No. The former Cox Convention Center is no longer open and its building was demolished by February 2026.
2. What happened to Cox Convention Center?
After the newer Oklahoma City Convention Center opened, the old complex became Prairie Surf Studios. The building was later demolished to make way for Continental Coliseum.
3. Where was Cox Convention Center located?
It occupied a site in downtown Oklahoma City near Reno Avenue, Robinson Avenue, Myriad Botanical Gardens and Paycom Center. Historic references include 1 Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
4. Are there Cox Convention Center events in 2026?
No. The old venue does not host current events. For conferences, use the Oklahoma City Convention Center calendar. For arena events, check Paycom Center.
5. Where should I park for an event previously associated with Cox Convention Center?
Use parking assigned to the event’s actual current venue. For the newer Oklahoma City Convention Center, the main garage is at 15 SW 4th Street with access from Mick Cornett Drive.
6. How much is parking at the new Oklahoma City Convention Center?
The convention center’s published attendee guidance lists parking at $15 per vehicle, while a government conference guide lists $2 per hour or $15 per day. Confirm the current rate for your event.
7. Is Cox Convention Center the same as Oklahoma City Convention Center?
No. Cox Convention Center was the former downtown facility. The current Oklahoma City Convention Center is a separate venue at 100 Mick Cornett Drive.
8. What hotels are near the old Cox Convention Center?
Downtown options include Colcord Hotel, Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown and Courtyard Oklahoma City Downtown. For the active convention center, Omni Oklahoma City Hotel is especially convenient.
9. Is Cox Convention Center the same as Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa?
No. Cox Convention Center was in Oklahoma City. Cox Business Convention Center was in Tulsa and is now called Arvest Convention Center.
10. What is being built on the former Cox Convention Center site?
Continental Coliseum, a new downtown arena planned as the future home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, is being built on the former convention center site.
Official Sources, Maps & Visitor Information
The following official resources help confirm current travel arrangements and the former venue’s redevelopment history.
- City of Oklahoma City — Former Downtown Convention Center history
- City of Oklahoma City — Arena construction and redevelopment information
- Official convention center parking, accessible spaces and directions
- Official convention center attendee FAQ and parking rates
- Current convention center brochure, exhibition halls and floor plans (PDF)
- Oklahoma City Thunder — Continental Coliseum project and construction information