OKLAHOMA CITY, Monday, March 12 – The Oklahoma City Thunder will host its fourth annual Military Night during tomorrow’s home game vs. the Houston Rockets. The military appreciation game will salute veterans and active members in a variety of ways.
Beginning with Thunder Alley at 4:30 p.m. outside Chesapeake Energy Arena on Reno Ave., the U.S. Army will display military vehicles for the public to view and tour. Fans can also participate in the rock wall and the Army’s Adventure Semi, which provides a hands-on glimpse at the skills needed to be a tank crew member, Apache pilot, infantryman and explosion ordinance disposal soldier.
Inside the arena, Chaplain Capt. Jeremy Dunn from the 45th Infantry Brigade will give the game’s invocation. Eight military personnel from the U.S. Army will present the colors, and the national anthem will be performed by Senior Airman Ashley Osborn from the Oklahoma Air National Guard. In addition, two soldiers will descend down with Rumble the Bison from the Arena rafters onto the court.
Outside Section 120 fans can enter a raffle for an autographed team ball, with a portion of the proceeds going to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Fans can also purchase a Thunder T-shirt from the team store or write a letter to send to soldiers overseas.
During halftime fans can enjoy the Southeast High School Air Force JROTC Silent Drill Team. The team is an 11-time state champion and four-time national champion military drill team.
Recognition during the night will also include nearly 50 new soldiers taking the U.S. Army’s oath of enlistment at center court and a special video shown on the scoreboard with soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard saying hello to family and friends.
Limited tickets are available for Tuesday’s game. The Thunder Rewards Zone, presented by Buffalo Wild Wings on Northwest Expressway, will offer the last remaining tickets for both games. Fans can enter the raffle to win or purchase pairs of tickets, beginning at 4 p.m. outside the Arena. The first 75 fans in line can enjoy wings from Buffalo Wild Wings and are guaranteed the opportunity to win or purchase tickets.