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The Oklahoma City Thunder has returned to the Paycom Center for preseason games and laid the groundwork early to make sure fans were ready for the experience on court and off.
The Thunder organization recently hosted a fun media night to preview and taste the food offerings at the Paycom Center. The evening also gave us a glimpse of all the Thunder does to enhance the experience for fans and in the community – in time for the home game season opener on Oct. 21 against the Houston Rockets.
In its Thunder Community Impact Report, the OKC organization strives to create “meaningful, emotional and genuine” connection with the community throughout the year through events and engagement – more than 250 times each season.
“The deep personal connection between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the community is bigger than basketball” and has been for 17 years, the report states.
While the Thunder showcased new food offerings during the preview night, it also had a little fun.
Thunder hype man Malcom Tubbs interviewed Paris Lawson, Thunder sideline reporter and studio host, and Nick Gallo, broadcast reporter and digital editor, about all things Thunder – with a food twist.
“What’s one secret ingredient you both bring to every broadcast?” Tubbs asked.
Lawson said Gallo’s intense games preparation is his “secret sauce.” Gallo said Lawson has a natural energy and Thunder joy.
While they talked, we sipped on Oklahoma Bourbon Mules or Citrus Social vodka drinks at the Michelob Ultra Club. Afterward, Chef Syed Khan and Kelly Joiner, the Thunder director of operations, introduced us to the variety of food that will be sprinkled throughout the stadium, some for the first time.
Eddie’s is bringing its Thunder Wings, fried pickles and more as a new vendor in section 108. HTeaO is offering its specialty teas in section 102. There are street tacos from the MIO Cart in section 110, Philly sandwiches of several varieties in section 215, whiskey-glazed ribs in the Michelob Ultra Club, a buffalo chicken dog from Schwabs in section 101, hand-twisted pretzels in section 222, peach crisp at the Blue Pit in Section 225 and other bites from vendors like Pizza Hut and Freddy’s throughout the stadium.
Tony Welch, the Thunder Community Foundation coordinator, showed off auction and raffle items that raise funds to support the foundation’s community efforts. Russell Dewberry introduced new Thunder merchandise and a station that allows fans to personalize some of it.
Marcus Anthony Guinn – “DJ Emcee One” – added music vibes to the fun event. The Storm Chasers – Thunder ambassadors – played fun games. Rumble made an appearance.
Yes, fans are coming to see the game and the players defending their title. But it is also great to hear what the Thunder means to those involved.
“This organization, this city, has been so unbelievable to me. … It’s just been a total blessing to have this career,” Gallo said. “This community is so special, and I knew from the first day.”
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