OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The demolition of areas designated for a new pub on the event level of the Ford Center and upgrades to arena light fixtures and restrooms mark the beginning of renovations to the facility.

Oklahoma City council members awarded Libra Electric Co. the contract to upgrade the lighting inside the Ford Center arena (which currently consists of 214 light fixtures). Ninety-four of the existing fixtures will receive new WideLite® reflectors that will provide an optimal viewing experience during NBA games. Rather than flooding the light throughout the arena, WideLite® reflectors are being installed to allow the light produced by the 94 fixtures to be concentrated on the basketball court.

Lighting upgrades, which are scheduled to be completed by October, include the installation of 26 new fixtures inside the arena to improve lighting over the patron seating areas. After the project is completed, the Ford Center arena will have a total of 240 light fixtures.

Demolition is getting underway on the southeast section of the Ford Center on the lower level to make way for the construction of the future Irish themed pub.

The pub and restroom renovations, which will begin later this month, are part of the first phase of construction which is scheduled for completion during the upcoming NBA season.

“Upgrades planned for Phase A of the renovation will not interfere with events currently scheduled at the Ford Center," said Gary Desjardins, general manager of the Ford Center. "Our guests will continue to experience top-notch entertainment and first class service at all of our events."