The Dust Settles on Downtown: What the Prairie Surf Demolition Means for the Future of Oklahoma Film
OKLAHOMA CITY — February 16, 2026
For years, the sprawling silhouette of the former Cox Convention Center stood as a titan of the downtown skyline. For the film community, it was more than just a repurposed arena; it was Prairie Surf Studios, the 1.3 million-square-foot engine that powered blockbusters like Twisters and hit series like Tulsa King.
But this week, the view from Reno and Robinson looks a lot different.
The final major vertical structures of the facility were brought down on February 12, marking the end of a multi-phase mechanical demolition that began nearly a year ago. As crews clear the last of the debris to make way for the new $900 million Oklahoma City Thunder arena, the local film industry is facing its biggest infrastructure "pivot" yet.
From Soundstages to Center Court
The transition has been a long time coming. Since OKC voters approved the penny sales tax in December 2023, the clock has been ticking for the downtown studio. While the site clearing is bittersweet for those who spent long nights on the Prairie Surf stages, the city is moving at a breakneck pace.
- Timeline Check: With the site now largely leveled, the city is preparing for a March 2026 award of the first construction bid packages (foundations and utilities).
- Groundbreaking: Official construction on the new arena is slated for April 2026, with a target opening of Summer 2028.
Where the Magic is Moving
The big question for local actors, crew, and VOs has been: Where do we go now? While the "mega-hub" of Prairie Surf is gone, the industry isn't leaving OKC—it’s diversifying. Just three weeks ago, on January 29, 2026, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) officially designated Knox Studios as the state’s newest certified soundstage.
Knox Studios’ "Studio A" now offers a 270-degree cyclorama infinity wall and specialized voice-over recording booths, helping to pick up the slack for commercial and independent projects. Alongside Filmmakers Ranch (formerly Green Pastures), these facilities are ensuring that "Action!" is still heard within city limits.
The "New Frontier" Mentality
The loss of Prairie Surf's massive footprint has forced a "decentralized" shift in the local scene. Producers are increasingly looking toward rural uplifts and smaller, certified "Film Friendly" communities across the state. This week’s legislative buzz—including HB 3348 which could lower the rebate floor for faith-based and independent films—suggests that the state is leaning into smaller, more frequent productions rather than relying solely on the "tentpole" blockbusters that filled the Myriad.
The Takeaway for the Local Pro
For the OKC-based actor or technician, the "new arena era" means two things: mobility and niche. With the industry spreading out to hubs like Tulsa (which just launched its own city-specific incentive) and certified stages like Knox, the "downtown bubble" has popped—but the opportunities are multiplying. The dust is still settling on the corner of Reno and Robinson, but the blueprint for Oklahoma’s next chapter in film is already being drawn.