FORD CENTER CLOSED OVER SUMMER FOR NEXT PHASE OF IMPROVEMENTS
Both the Oklahoma City Blazers and the Thunder have wrapped up their 2008-2009 seasons, and the Yard Dawgz have kicked off their 2009 season at the neighboring Cox Convention Center, allowing Ford Center to close its doors for the summer to begin the next phase of improvements. Ford Center will reopen before the start of the 2009-2010 season. However, a number of improvements will not be completed until the following season.
Renovations and additions scheduled for this summer include:
- New portable seating in the lower bowl
- Terrace Suites
- Two new clubs that overlook arena events
- Interior design upgrades
- Locker room renovations
- State-of-the-art scoreboard
- Renovation of the audio-video production facilities
Following the 2009-2010 season, the footprint will expand to include a new grand entrance with a multi-story atrium, additional restaurants and ticket windows, a warm-up court, family fun zone and more.
Meanwhile, a number of improvements have already been made as part of the first phase of the project. The installation of high definition capable broadcast wiring and a new lighting system were completed prior to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s season opener. Recently, restrooms throughout the facility received major upgrades, including granite countertops, eye-catching tile, flat-screen televisions and more.
Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly approved a one-cent sales tax 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.
