OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — There are many guarantees at an Oklahoma City Thunder game: the slow clap before tipoff, O-K-C chants or even seeing a fan covered in tattoos sitting courtside.
Fox 25 spoke with Jeremy Price, who goes by “Courtside Tattoo Dude.”
He’s been a fan since day one, dating back to 2008. Price says a lot has changed through the years, but one thing has stayed the same: the energy inside Paycom Center is unlike any other team in the league.
“The energy here, the intensity of this fanbase,” Price said. “You can’t match it, like you just have to be here.”
Courtside Tattoo Dude lives for the action he sees from Section 104 every game.
“104 is where it’s at. I’m going to tell you that right now.”
If you’ve been to a Thunder game in the team’s 17-year existence, you probably saw him there.
Price is going on 16 years of being a season ticket holder, which is an experience that has allowed him to actually get to know the players. He’s met Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Lugentz Dort, Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe.
“It’s nice to get to say hello in a different environment than on the court because that’s their office. That’s business when they’re on the court, right?”
Believe it or not, He says guys like JDub recognize him at games. In one of the fan favorite’s YouTube videos, Jalen Williams gives Price a shoutout.
“The Courtside Tattoo Dude,” Williams said. “That’s his thing. He’s a really cool friend of mine.”
“They do acknowledge, and they see,” Price said. “It’s kind of hard to miss a little bit.”
What’s most important to courtside tattoo dude, though, is team success.
“One of my best memories is when they eclipsed the franchise record of the 65 wins.”
He says this roster has what it takes to make it a season to remember.
“I think they’re going to win it all this year.”
Price tells Fox 25 he has a pregame ritual, just like the players. Watch the video below to learn about what he does before tipoff: