Oklahoma City, Okla. — Before the start of the first round of the NBA Playoffs, fans packed Scissortail Park for Thunder UP in the Park 2026, turning downtown Oklahoma City into a loud, drumline-driven pep rally ahead of Game 1.
A drumline helped set the tone as thousands of fans brought energy to the park, with some showing off their vertical jumps.
Linque and Cross Gillett, a father and son, joined in the fun. “I mean, I got hops. I can basically dunk,” said Cross.
Brad Chapman arrived decked out in Thunder gear, including an oversized autographed hat he first got four years ago, and urged people to remember a painful moment in Oklahoma history while also showing team pride. “I remember the 19th bombing. I want to make sure everybody remembers that. This is going to be a great day to remember that. I want everybody to come out, Thunder Up, and be loud, proud, and wear your shirt,” Chapman said.
Younger fans also took part, including 3-year-old Jayvion, who got his face painted and shouted, “Thunder up!”
Face artist Zoe Oberly said she expected to stay busy.
When asked how many faces she planned to paint, Oberly replied, “A lot.”
Around the park, fans posed for photos with basketball-themed backdrops, while others jumped, shot hoops, danced, and listened to live music.
Fans of all ages chanted support for the team, including “Thunder up!” and “OKC! OKC! OKC!”
Jayvion also joined in with an “OKC!” shout, and his aunt, Davie, summed up the mood: “We’re just Thundering Up.”
As the event wrapped up, fans began heading to the Paycom Center.
If you missed first edition of Thunder Up in the Park 2026 this year, don’t worry. It will occur before every Thunder home game throughout the Playoffs.
It opens 3 1/2 hours before tipoff.