OKLAHOMA CITY, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015 – The Oklahoma City Thunder will hold its seventh annual Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Feb. 2, as the team takes on the Orlando Magic. The game tips off at 7 p.m. at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Events honoring the nation’s troops and our veterans will include in-game recognition of military personnel, an exclusive T-shirt offer and more.
Military personnel and families will be in attendance at Monday’s game, thanks Thunder Season Ticket members who are choosing to give away their tickets for the night. In addition, nearly 100 children of military personnel, identified by the Airman and Family Readiness Center, will be able to attend the game through player-donated tickets as part of the team’s Tickets for Kids program.
#THUNDERSALUTE: Prior to Monday’s game, the Thunder is asking fans to submit photos of themselves or their loved ones in service to our country. The photos will be displayed in the arena on Monday to honor all of our service members and veterans. Fans can submit photos on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #ThunderSalute.
During halftime,the PawnShop kings will perform their song “When You’re Holding Me,” which will be featured alongside a video compilation of #ThunderSalute photos shared by fans.
DEVON COMMUNITY HERO: As part of its Devon Community Heroes program, the Thunder will honor Col. John Burks, who served in the military during three wars. The 92-year-old veteran and Oklahoma native actively served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
EXCLUSIVE T-SHIRT: Fans will have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative Military Night T-shirt for $18 at the Thunder Shop outside Section 120 on Monday night. With each of these T-shirts purchased, a Thunder T-shirt will be donated to our troops protecting our freedom.
LETTERS TO TROOPS: The Thunder will collect and mail letters of support to troops stationed abroad. During the game, fans can stop by tables outside Sections 103, 318 and 322 to write letters of thanks and encouragement; the Thunder will send these letters to servicemen and -women currently serving overseas.
IN-GAME FEATURES: Prior to the game, Ch. (Capt.) Jeremy Dunn will lead the invocation, and members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard will present the colors. The national anthem will be performed by Sgt. Juan Anthony Reyes, a bugle player in the Fort Sill 77th Army Band. The halftime presentation will also feature the administration of the oath of enlistment for incoming members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard.
Media note: For coverage of any of these activities, please contact a member of the Thunder Corporate Communications staff.