Apr 10, 2009
FORD CENTER TO CLOSE FOR NEXT PHASE OF IMPROVEMENTS

FORD CENTER TO CLOSE FOR NEXT PHASE OF IMPROVEMENTS

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. – As the Oklahoma City Thunder and Oklahoma City Blazers’ 2008-2009 seasons come to an end, Ford Center will close its doors for the summer to begin the next phase of improvements. Ford Center will reopen before the start of the Thunder’s 2009-2010 season.

The following renovations will be made over the summer months:

• Loge boxes
• State-of-the-art scoreboard
• New portable seating in the lower bowl
• Two new clubs that overlook arena events
• Locker room renovations
• Renovation of the audio-video production facilities
• Interior design upgrades

“This is an exciting time for both the City of Oklahoma City and Ford Center,” said Gary Desjardins, General Manager of Ford Center. “The improvements being made to Ford Center are going to take the facility to the next level. When completed, the added amenities and upgraded finishes are sure to elevate the experience of each and every guest.”

The most impressive renovations to Ford Center will take place in 2010, when the footprint expands to include a new grand entrance with a multi-story atrium, additional restaurants and ticket windows, a warm-up court, family fun zone and other improvements are made. 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.

For more information about the Ford Center’s improvement project, log on to www.okfordcenter.com/Improvements.html.