Russell Westbrook set to bring creative ideas to new stadium
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An architect has been named to transform a new entertainment district that will also house the new Oklahoma City soccer team and the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium. In addition to that, former Thunder star, Russell Westbrook, was named the creative director of the project.
After a nationwide search, Populous, a design firm, was chosen to bring the vision to life. They are also the designer of the stadium.
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Leaders there said the project is about creating a destination where community and culture will mix.
'The intent is to create a place that is livable and walkable more than anything else. It'll be sports anchored, but there will be more than that,' said Phil Kolbo, the Principal at Populous.
Populous also said they hope it will help connect the other districts in the downtown area.
On the OKC for Soccer side, they're excited for what's to come, especially for the big partnership with Westbrook.
'Russell will tell you that this is home, this is where he grew up, and he is really interested in the future success of Oklahoma City. So, having him be able to apply his very creative talents as well as bring a lot of his global influence to the design space in the district is something we're really excited about,' said Court Jeske, the President of OKC for Soccer.
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In a statement, Westbrook said:
I'm personally bringing everything I've seen and experienced around the world — design, culture, energy — to help create something that's never been done before in OKC.
Russell Westbrook, Creative Director for the District
The team hopes to have design images later this year of what the entertainment district will look like. It adds 50 acres to the area not including the stadium.
There are plans to open the stadium in the spring of 2027.
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