Lightning Delays OG&E Coliseum Opening in OKC

A lightning strike on May 25 damaged a critical electrical transformer at the nearly completed $126 million OG&E Coliseum on the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds, delaying its debut. The transformer powers key mechanical and safety systems, and the resulting outage has temporarily rendered the building unsafe to host events. Surge protection prevented interior damage, and the incident was contained to the coliseum, with no other fairground structures affected. The Redbud Spectacular horse show has moved classes to other fairgrounds venues due to the outage. Contractors have ordered replacement parts and are working to complete repairs before the scheduled ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 11, but inspections and a certificate of occupancy are still pending. State Fair officials and organizers are meeting to finalize the repair timeline and ensure readiness for public use.