We Made It -- One Year Later
Aug 20 2009 4:12PM
The NBA road map for OKC was set with three words.
WE MADE IT.
Professional Basketball Club Chairman Clay Bennett spoke those words on the evening of July 2, 2008. The NBA was coming back to Oklahoma City for the 2008-09 season, only this time with a permanent address.
In 119 days -- one hundred and nineteen days! -- Oklahomas first major professional sports franchise would open its inaugural season at the Ford Center.
The to-do list before Oct. 29 was intimidating: Identify a practice facility secure office space hire a staff move players, coaches and staff develop a team name create team colors unveil a logo sell tickets and sponsorships. Whew! Develop a community relations plan to make an impact open a merchandise store create a performance-ready dance team develop the script for Opening Night. The list goes on.
As one item was removed, two more would be added.
In the ensuing months -- a total of 146 days -- the Thunder franchise would: launch its community initiative to help welcome the holiday season to Oklahoma; announce a partnership for a Thunder youth basketball league; unveil the Rolling Thunder Book Bus; and introduce its mascot, Rumble the Bison. This list, too, goes on.
Along the way, Thunder fans have strengthened their reputation as the best in the NBA. The Ford Center not only is loud, but filled to more than 97 percent of its capacity.
But it is just not about decibel levels. There is unified passion. And compassion.
Thunder fans have developed a connection with the players. They have joined the team in food drives and blood drives to help victims of hurricanes and tornados. They have donated books and holiday gifts for children. The players have bonded with the community through reading to, motivating and encouraging young fans. This list, like the others, goes on.
Throughout the months since opening night, Thunder fans have grown with their team and players. Every steal, every assist, every point brings this team closer to its future.
Three-hundred, sixty-five days have passed since Bennett spoke those initial three words. The buzz about the promise of our franchise continues to swell. We made it, all right. But we are far from finished.
WE MADE IT.
Professional Basketball Club Chairman Clay Bennett spoke those words on the evening of July 2, 2008. The NBA was coming back to Oklahoma City for the 2008-09 season, only this time with a permanent address.
In 119 days -- one hundred and nineteen days! -- Oklahomas first major professional sports franchise would open its inaugural season at the Ford Center.
The to-do list before Oct. 29 was intimidating: Identify a practice facility secure office space hire a staff move players, coaches and staff develop a team name create team colors unveil a logo sell tickets and sponsorships. Whew! Develop a community relations plan to make an impact open a merchandise store create a performance-ready dance team develop the script for Opening Night. The list goes on.
As one item was removed, two more would be added.
In the ensuing months -- a total of 146 days -- the Thunder franchise would: launch its community initiative to help welcome the holiday season to Oklahoma; announce a partnership for a Thunder youth basketball league; unveil the Rolling Thunder Book Bus; and introduce its mascot, Rumble the Bison. This list, too, goes on.
Along the way, Thunder fans have strengthened their reputation as the best in the NBA. The Ford Center not only is loud, but filled to more than 97 percent of its capacity.
But it is just not about decibel levels. There is unified passion. And compassion.
Thunder fans have developed a connection with the players. They have joined the team in food drives and blood drives to help victims of hurricanes and tornados. They have donated books and holiday gifts for children. The players have bonded with the community through reading to, motivating and encouraging young fans. This list, like the others, goes on.
Throughout the months since opening night, Thunder fans have grown with their team and players. Every steal, every assist, every point brings this team closer to its future.
Three-hundred, sixty-five days have passed since Bennett spoke those initial three words. The buzz about the promise of our franchise continues to swell. We made it, all right. But we are far from finished.
