OKLAHOMA CITY, Friday, Mar. 3, 2023 – The Oklahoma City Thunder is celebrating Hispanic heritage with community appearances and joining in the NBA’s annual Noches Éne Bé A game Sunday, March 5, against the Utah Jazz.
For the last 17 years, Noches Éne Bé A has been held league-wide to commemorate both NBA fans and players in Latin America and the Hispanic communities in the United States.
Fans can take part in several activities before and during the game including a themed floral photo opportunity, chalk wall featuring art of artist Sergio “Tank” Ramirez, and animated art throughout the arena.
At the Jack Daniel’s Club in section 116, a portion of the evenings’ proceeds will be donated to LCDA which helps improve the quality of life in the Latino Community in Oklahoma. With every drink purchase, fans also receive a commemorative cup.
The national anthem will be performed by Edgar Cruz and halftime will be performed by the Thunder’s Jr. Dance Clinic featuring music from various Latin and Hispanic artists. Mariachi Orgullo De America will also perform throughout the arena.
Players will also be wearing specially designed Noches Éne Bé A warmup shirts which will be available for purchase in the Thunder Shop and will be introduced in-game by Eleno Ornelas, Spanish radio broadcaster for Thunder games.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased at okcthunder.com/tickets.
In addition to Sunday’s game, Friday morning the Thunder in partnership with American Fidelity Assurance Company, visited Western Gateway Elementary to read Yamile Saied Mendez’s “Where Are You From?” Western Gateway is a bilingual school.
As a nod to the Thunder’s 15th season in Oklahoma City, the organization also recently worked with the Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA) to host a quinceañera for Britany Martinez whose family is an LCDA client. Widely celebrated among Latinos, a quinceañera marks a young Latina’s 15th birthday. The event was held in the Thunder corporate office and included a custom dress for Brittany, a hair-and-makeup session, catering and a custom dance floor. The full story will be available Sunday on the Thunder’s website and the Martinez family will recognized during Sunday’s game.