Oct 10, 2008
BIG LEAGUE IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY AT FORD CENTER

BIG LEAGUE IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY AT FORD CENTER

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Improvements currently underway at the Ford Center will take place in three phases, increase the footprint of the facility and ensure Oklahoma City’s center for sports and entertainment is among the finest venues in the country.

On March 4, 2008, Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly approved a temporary one-cent sales tax, which will generate funds over a 15 month period to pay for several major upgrades to the Ford Center. Plans include a grand entrance, multistory atrium, new restaurants, clubs, concession areas, bunker suites, loge boxes, roof top gardens, locker rooms, a warm-up basketball court, team offices and a 12,000-square-foot family fun zone.

“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. The added amenities and upgraded finishes are sure to elevate the experience of each guest.”

The first phase of construction is already underway at Ford Center and is expected to be completed in spring of 2009. The projects within the first phase were selected because they could safely be completed while the facility was open to the public. During this phase, patrons should expect temporary closures of facility restrooms while they undergo renovation.

Overview of the First Phase of Ford Center Improvements:

• Construct a new event level pub
• Renovate all restrooms
• Install new broadcast cabling
• Install lighting upgrades
• Install new game presentation lighting
• Install a new basketball court and goal standards

The second phase of construction is expected to begin in late spring of 2009. After Ford Center hosts the Big 12 Basketball Championships and the Oklahoma City Thunder and Oklahoma City Blazers wrap up their 2008-09 seasons, Ford Center will be scheduled to close for a short period of time to allow for extensive interior renovations.

Overview of the Second Phase of Ford Center Improvements:

• Construct new clubs on the north and south end of the club level
• Install new loge box seating on the club level
• Complete scoreboard upgrade
• Upgrades to the existing seating in the lower level will occur
• Construct a new home team locker room
• Construct a new event level club
• Addition of new bunker suites on the event level will be constructed
• Install new bunker suites on the west side of the entry level
• Construct new restaurants on the club level
• Install the concourse and flooring upgrades

The major additions made during the third and final phase of Ford Center improvements will significantly increase the existing footprint of the facility.

Overview of the Third Phase of Ford Center Improvements:

• Construction of a new grand entry located on the southwest end of Ford Center
• Construction of a new box office
• Construction of a new practice court
• Construction of a new family fun zone on the upper level
• Construction of a new team office complex

For the latest information about the Ford Center improvements, please visit: http://www.okfordcenter.com or http://www.okc.gov/fordcenter.