OKLAHOMA CITY, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009 – Making his way from the Ford Center rafters during halftime of the Thunder vs. New Orleans Hornets game tonight, Rumble the Bison debuted as he played a drum solo on a 10-foot platform lowered from the arena’s catwalk to the court – a 95-foot drop.
The new Thunder mascot served as halftime entertainment of tonight’s game as he performed dunks with the Thunder dunk team and danced with the Thunder Girls dance team. As play resumed in the second half, Rumble entertained fans throughout the Ford Center. Following the game, a Rumble the Bison poster will be distributed to all those in attendance for this historic night.
“Having a mascot as talented as Rumble is an important part of our game night experience,” said the Thunder’s Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service Brian Byrnes. “Rumble is very versatile and will appeal to fans of all ages on and off the court. Thunder fans are in for a real treat as they are entertained by Rumble, and we have no doubt it will be a fan favorite for years to come.”
The Bison is the official state animal of Oklahoma, and the “thundering” hooves of bison have always been heard across the southwest plains.
“The bison is powerful, surprisingly fast, close-knit and travels as a heard, and represents the Thunder in an appropriate way,” Byrnes said. “The name Rumble is both the sound of a stampede and the sound of Thunder.”
Not only will Rumble perform at every Thunder home game at the Ford Center, he will also represent the Thunder in the community at various events throughout the year. With the introduction of the Thunder Rolling Book Bus last week, the Thunder’s community outreach will be even more enhanced with Rumble in attendance at a majority of these appearances.
MEDIA NOTE: Rumble the Bison will be making two appearances tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 18 at Cleveland Elementary (2725 NW 23rd) at 10:00 a.m. At 2:00 p.m., Rumble will be visiting Westfield Elementary school in Edmond (17601 N. Penn Ave) for a Thunder Read-to-Achieve event.
For more information on booking Rumble for an event, please visit the Thunder website at thunder.nba.com, or by calling the Thunder at 405-208-4800