OKC Thunder: A fan’s perspective from inside the ‘Peake’

Not all OKC Thunder fans live in Oklahoma City. And even if you’re a local, the chance to attend a game in person isn’t a given. After all, infinitely sold out games mean pricey resale options… especially in the playoffs.

However, being miles—or oceans—away from the heart of Downtown Oklahoma City doesn’t mean you can’t experience the thrills of being inside the ‘Peake.

I was lucky enough to attend Round 2 of the Western Conference Playoffs as a fan, and I’m excited to take you on that journey.

For those who have wondered what it’s like, here’s a look at game night:

Downtown Oklahoma City is active, but peacefully so. It’s not a Chicago, with a symphony of horns and maze of foot traffic. But it’s not vacant, either. On non-game nights, you’ll find locals walking their dogs through Myriad Gardens, holding hands with loved ones as they stroll by the Colcord Hotel—always shadowed by the behemoth Devon Tower.

It’s sleepy, but safe. You can almost always find a parking spot, and you’re never far from a food truck.

On game nights, however, the city comes alive. Buildings illuminate their windows, patterned orange and blue. The quirky transportation comes out, too—cyclists, pedal-fueled beer stands, and, yes, even a horse-drawn carriage.

The arena

Game night begins upon entrance into the Chesapeake Energy Arena, a massive stadium whose doors sit beneath large printed profiles of Thunder players. For the record, I chose Steven Adams’ door… because, obviously.

From there, it’s a whirlwind. After being whisked through security and promptly handed a program, you’re thrown into a sea of blue and orange. The Thunder Shop, face painting, food stands, vendors, popcorn, beer… the energy in the concourse alone is incredible.

The atmosphere

Now, I’ve attended a handful of Thunder games before. But, always as a spectator in Loud City—the arena’s loving moniker for the 300 level, where you wouldn’t be wrong to consider packing binoculars and will most certainly leave with a hoarse throat.

Tonight, however, I was in the lower level. The coveted 100s.

And while these seats were undoubtedly amazing, what they say is true—there’s not a bad seat in the house. Because the atmosphere… the energy… the hype is enough. It truly doesn’t matter where you are.

As the pre-game warmups, stretching, and handshakes wrapped up on the court below, fans began slipping into their brand new playoffs shirts—just in time for the “opening ceremony.” You likely don’t see these opening moments on TV, but they’re some of what makes the OKC Thunder so special.

For example, Oklahoma City is the only team to open each game with an invocation, or prayer. We’re in the buckle of the Bible Belt, after all. We bow our heads and nod in agreement with the request that our players, fans, and staff remain safe. The national anthem is performed, and the visiting team lineup is announced.

Then, it’s time for our boys to hit the floor.

This is where the energy really amps up. The moment you begin to wonder if you should have brought earplugs, or at least some Excedrin. This is when your heart begins to race, you feel the music in your actual bones, and you cannot help but cheer.

This is Thunder basketball.

The beginning

If you’ve never been to an OKC Thunder game, or watched one on TV, you may not realize we have a tradition in the opening quarter:

We don’t sit down.

After standing for the opening invocation, you remain on your feet until the Thunder is on the scoreboard. Typically, this doesn’t take long. For this particular game, however, fans remained standing through the first few minutes of play and a time-out.

The game

But even after you sit, the energy doesn’t fade. There are plenty of people whose sole job it is to keep the hype alive:

The Thunder Girls—Dance team
The Storm Chasers—A group of high-energy (possible robots) who run around the arena shouting and throwing T-shirts
Rumble the Bison—The team’s beloved mascot, who can often be seen performing backflips off ladders and throwing backwards half-court shots
Time-out and Halftime Entertainers—A team of energetic people who ensure there’s never a dull moment
The French Fries—You know the ones… the yellow sticks fans wave to distract opposing free throwers
The Jumbotron—The video team keeps you engaged, from staples like the Kiss Cam to unexpected appearances on the big screen

The noise

The television and radio do not accurately capture the sheer volume of noise the arena houses. Seriously, it’s enough to rattle your seat. When a bad call is made (of which there were PLENTY at this game… looking at you, Ref #59), boos culminate and fill the air like a thick fog. When a dunk, steal, or three-pointer is made, the place absolutely erupts.

In fact, while I can’t say for certain, science leads me to believe you can hear the screams from outside the arena. It’s that loud.

And with people around you jumping out of their seats, yelling at the referees, pumping their fists… I firmly believe it would be impossible to enter the arena as a non-fan, or even mediocre fan, and leave without a bag of new team gear and a promise to name your first child Russell.

The end

Even after a loss, like this particular night, you walk away with a smile on your face. It’s hard to be disappointed when you experience first-hand all of the work that goes into making each and every game such a superior experience.

After all, there are so many people who give their all to every home game of every season.

The security guards, ushers, food staff, ball boys, production team, janitors, entertainers… the list goes on and on.

They’re the people you don’t see on TV. The ones who don’t make millions or get recognized in Whole Foods.

And so are we—the fans.

Next: Round 1 complete series hub article compilation

Being in the Chesapeake Energy Area is a reminder that WE are part of what makes the OKC Thunder so special. It’s our loyalty, support, and passion that keep it going. In this atmosphere, you get to feel like you’re part of the team.

Because, actually, you are.