Posted (11/21/08)
Tonight's game will be like none other at the Ford Center so far this season. Not only is it a late start time, but it will be nationally televised on ESPN. That exposure, and the Hornets being in town has fans crazy for the Thunder. Thunder fans can get free ticket vouchers for a future game just by donating canned food. Though, it's much harder to get a ticket for tonight, and fans have been waiting for hours. A lot of excitement is rumbling in Downtown, and Bricktown for the game.
Dan Mahoney, the Spokesman for the Oklahoma City Thunder said, "It's going to be a great sports weekend with OU/Texas Tech on Saturday, and the Thunder/Hornets on Friday night."
From the gridiron to the hardwood, it's sports central in Oklahoma. The opening act returns the Hornets to Oklahoma City, the home of the Thunder.
"It really is a chance to showcase Oklahoma City nationally on ESPN. It's part of a double header, so every NBA fan around the world is watching this broadcast so if the Thunder can be part of it we're thrilled," Mahoney explained.
The goal for the Thunder isn't to necessarily impress the nation, but to bring the fans a great NBA experience and give them something to cheer about.
"We know it's going to be a great crowd. We know it's a chance for Oklahoma City and Thunder fans to show the rest of the league that we have the best, and loudest fans in the league," Mahoney described.
The feeling in Bricktown is electric. Some are saying tonight could be even bigger than opening night against the Bucks.
Charles Stout, the Owner of Bricktown Brewery said, "Everybody's circled this date, it's the Hornets coming back into town. People don't have to work tomorrow, I think there will be more reasons to come out, relax, and have a long dinner, and make a night of it. Opening night was the best one so far, I think this will be like opening night if not better."
But this short trip is just a reminder that the Hornets, as they've always been, won't be here forever.
"We think we have 41 great nights in the Ford Center with the Thunder," Mahoney concluded.
The Oklahoma City Thunder is averaging 18,472 people per game. That's good enough for 11th in the league right now. Fans can still get down here for tickets. They'll be giving away 25 free pairs of tickets at 7:30 at the Ford Center.
If you don't get enough of the Thunder playing the Hornets, or if you don't have cable to watch tonight's game the 2 teams will square off again tomorrow right here on Thunder TV at 7. Join us for the Oklahoma News Tonight Pre-game show at 6 pm.
