Arena Renovations Bring New Amenities to Thunder Game Experience

Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Oct. 30 – Oklahoma City Thunder fans can expect to find new features at Chesapeake Energy Arena when the 2012-13 season begins this week, the team announced today. Highlights of the ongoing renovations include a new Grand Entrance on the southwest side of the building, a new dining option at Center Court Grill and a Kids Zone play area on the main concourse. “We are excited to see our fans enjoy these new features at Chesapeake Energy Arena,” said Thunder Senior Vice President Brian Byrnes. “The investment this city has made to improve the arena and enhance our fan experience has been tremendous. Between our first-class arena and our fan-centric service, we believe Thunder game nights are second to none.” "With the opening of the Grand Entrance, we realize the vision of the people of Oklahoma City for a truly world-class arena,” said Chesapeake Energy Arena Regional General Manager Gary Desjardins. “These new amenities will enhance the experience for all our guests and help provide them with memories that will last a lifetime." Improvements new this season include: Grand Entrance: The southwest entrance to the building, also known as the Grand Entrance, features a soaring ceiling and a large Thunder logo in the terrazzo tile floor. The built-out glass-and-metal structure creates an open, contemporary feel as fans approach and enter the arena. “With the relocation of I-40 and extensive plans being made to transform the area to the south of the arena, the Grand Entrance will serve as the new ‘front door’ to an evolving downtown,” said Byrnes. The Grand Entrance will also function as a gateway to some of the arena’s premier spaces, including Center Court Grill and Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Club on the Main Concourse and Sunset Lounge on the Cox Club Level. Center Court Grill: Center Court Grill, a new full-service restaurant, will open prior to every Thunder game and concert at the arena. Located just inside the Grand Entrance near Section 115, Center Court Grill features grilled entrees, sandwiches and house-made barbecue. The restaurant opens for reservations 2 1/2 hours before tipoff and to all ticketed guests when doors open. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 405.601.4459. For a full menu, fans can go to chesapeakearena.com. The “Thunder Live” pregame show will broadcast from Center Court Grill, prior to each Thunder home game carried on FOX Sports Oklahoma. OU Children’s Physicians Kids Zone: The OU Children’s Physicians Kids Zone offers families a place to bring their children for playtime before and during Thunder games. With interactive games such as Pop-A-Shot, Shoot Around, Touch Wall and more, the Kids Zone is designed for children ages 6-14 to enjoy. The Kids Zone will remain open from 1 1/2 hours prior to tipoff until the end of the third quarter. Other new features include Skyboxes and Summit boxes, private suites that are available to small groups on the arena’s top level, perched above Love’s Loud City. Fans interested in these suites are encouraged to call 405.208.HOOP (4667) for more information. Improvements to Chesapeake Energy Arena have been funded by a one-cent sales tax, approved by voters in 2008. All renovations to team and fan spaces are now complete; the project is expected to be completed in 2013.