FORD CENTER - A WORK IN PROGRESS
In order to complete the second phase of the major improvement project currently underway at Ford Center, the SMG-managed facility was closed for five months last summer until reopening to host its second season of Thunder Basketball.
Renovations and additions made during the summer of 2009 include:
- Upgraded lighting and finishes on the upper level concourse.
- New Terrace Suites and Lounges on the club level.
- New telescopic (retractable) and upgraded seating in the lower bowl.
- State-of-the-art scoreboard and production facilities.
- And locker room renovations.
At this point in the project, the major changes are not immediately visible when fans first walk through the turnstiles. However, once inside the arena bowl, you can't miss the addition of a new fully digital scoreboard and the upgraded video displays at each end of the arena, all of which are now controlled from new state-of-the-art production facilities.
In the lower bowl, fans enjoy the new telescopic (retractable seating) and wider, more luxurious leather seats.
On the club level, the 48 new terrace suites and two new terrace lounges make a big impression and add to the premium seating options available at Ford Center. Additional seating upgrades include redecorating the remaining luxury suites, and adding new bunker suites on the lower levels.
Outside the arena bowl, some of the most noticeable changes can be found on the upper level concourse. Redesigned floors, lighting and new flat-screen television monitors offer a brighter, more fan-friendly atmosphere.
These enhancements are just the beginning though. The final phase of improvements involves a major expansion to the existing footprint of the facility. A new grand entry with a multi-story atrium will be added as well as new restaurants, bars, concession stands, a family fun zone, team offices and expanded locker rooms.
Improvements made during the first phase of the project include the installation of high definition capable broadcast wiring and a new lighting system, which were completed prior to the first home game of the Oklahoma City Thunder's inaugural season. Restrooms throughout the facility also received major upgrades during the initial phase of renovations, and now feature granite countertops, eye-catching tile, flat-screen televisions and more.
Funding is provided by a one-cent sales tax overwhelmingly approved by Oklahoma City voters on March 4, 2008 to fund major upgrades to the Ford Center and build an off-site practice facility for an NBA franchise. The 15-month tax took effect on January 1, 2009 and will expire March 31, 2010.
