OKC VeloCity | Bricktown continues to thrive as OKC’s entertainment district

Originally an industrial and warehouse district, Bricktown has transformed over the last few decades into one of Oklahoma City’s most visited neighborhoods. Redeveloped in the 1990s, it now offers a mix of dining, entertainment and cultural attractions that draw residents and visitors year-round. 

In the early 20th century, parts of Bricktown and nearby Deep Deuce became the center of OKC’s Black community. The area was home to the offices of the Black Dispatch newspaper, while Deep Deuce emerged as a hub for jazz in the 1920s and 1930s. The Great Depression pushed many residents east, starting Bricktown’s decline. Decades of suburbanization and economic shifts left the area largely vacant by the 1980s, when developers began purchasing property to revitalize the district. 

By the early 1990s, as OKC’s Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) initiative took shape, Bricktown began to develop its dining and nightlife scene. The Bricktown Canal and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark—both funded by MAPS—helped drive economic growth and renewed interest in the area. Nearby additions such as Paycom Center and the renovated OKC Convention Center brought even more activity to downtown and Bricktown. 

“Oklahoma City began investing in itself through a one-cent temporary sales tax known locally as the MAPS initiative,” said Mayor David Holt. “One of the early priorities of MAPS was to build up our downtown entertainment district, in an old warehouse district we dubbed Bricktown. MAPS built a canal and a baseball stadium in Bricktown, and those public amenities served as a catalyst for major private investment. Bricktown had a handful of restaurants before MAPS, and now it has ten hotels, dozens of restaurants, a movie theater, Bass Pro and numerous attractions. Bricktown is now the premier entertainment district in our region. This neighborhood has been forever changed thanks to vision and a willingness by the public to invest in ourselves.” 

In 1993, during a downturn from an oil bust, city leaders introduced MAPS as a voter-approved, one-cent sales tax to fund public projects without debt. Today, MAPS remains a driver of OKC’s growth, underscoring the power of community collaboration and long-term planning. 

MAPS-funded projects in and around Bricktown 

• The Bricktown Canal and 12,000-seat Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, home to the OKC Baseball Club’s MiLB team, the OKC Comets (formerly the OKC Dodgers). 
• The Paycom Center (originally the Ford Center), which attracted OKC’s NBA team, the Thunder. 
• The Oklahoma River and RIVERSPORT Rapids, a certified canoe and kayak Olympic training site and home of the 2028 Canoe Slalom events 
• Scissortail Park, a 70-acre public green space offering events, recreation and education 
• Ongoing MAPS 4 projects, including investments in the OKC Innovation District, transit and street safety, youth centers and mental health facilities 

“Bricktown was the first district to spark Oklahoma City’s reinvestment, and today it remains a driving force in our growth as a visitor destination,” said Zac Craig, president of Visit OKC. “The Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark continues to be a beloved gathering place for families and fans, while the forthcoming Cloud Embrace sculpture will add a striking new landmark for both visitors and locals to enjoy. With concert venues, late-night spots and dining experiences, Bricktown showcases the energy and excitement that make it a must-see for anyone exploring OKC.” 

Recent developments in Bricktown 

• Boardwalk at Bricktown: A major mixed-use project underway by developer Scot Matteson. The first phase includes two 23-story residential towers—Ruby and Emerald—with 716 apartments, a 22-story Dream Hotel by Hyatt with 480 rooms and 85 condos, and 200,000 square feet of restaurant and entertainment space. The plan also includes a central lagoon and boardwalk. A future phase proposes Legends Tower, which at 1,907 feet would be the tallest building in the United States pending FAA approval. 
• Cloud Embrace: This 24-foot-tall, 40-foot-wide steel sculpture by Creative Machines will feature multicolored panels and LED lighting. Funded through federal and foundation support, it’s set for completion in early 2026. 
• Renaissance Hotel: Opened in 2022, the district’s first full-service luxury hotel brought new hospitality options to Bricktown. 
• Truck Yard: An indoor-outdoor bar and entertainment garden along the canal that opened in March 2025. 

“I’ve called Bricktown home for many years, and I love it as much as the day I moved in,” said Mick Cornett, 37th mayor of OKC. “What makes this neighborhood so special is the way it comes alive every day—whether it’s a concert, a ballgame or one of the many events that fill the streets with locals and visitors. I never run out of things to do. And with the new Cloud Embrace sculpture on the way, we’ll soon have another iconic gathering place that adds even more life to the district.” 

Things to do in Bricktown 

• Take a 40-minute ride on the Bricktown Water Taxi for a canal tour and mural views 
• Catch a game at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 
• Enjoy family fun at Brickopolis with mini golf, laser tag and arcade games 
• Shop for gifts at Painted Door Gift Boutique 
• Stay at one of the 17 hotels within walking distance 
• Visit the American Banjo Museum 

“Bricktown has been a catalyst for Oklahoma City, proving how investment within our districts fuels broader growth,” said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater OKC Chamber. “The success of its restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions reflects the strength of our market and the momentum of our city. Bricktown’s continued evolution not only creates opportunities for local businesses but also strengthens Oklahoma City’s position as a dynamic city for visitors and locals.”