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ARENA OVERVIEW - back
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Ford Center is celebrating five years as Oklahoma's destination for the best in sports and entertainment. Home to the Oklahoma City Blazers (Central Hockey League) and the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (arenafootball2), the Ford Center also served as a temporary home for the New Orleans Hornets (2005-06 and 2006-07 NBA Seasons) and plays host to major concerts, family events, ice shows, sporting events and the latest in world-class entertainment.
The 586,000 square foot facility features four seating levels and a press level with a maximum seating capacity of 20,817 for a concert set in-the-round. Located between the 6,300 Oklahoman Level (or lower level) seats and the 7,700 Oklahoman Bedlam Level (or upper level) seats, is the Cox Communications Club and Suite Level which features 3,380 club seats, as well as 8 State Park Party Suites and 48 private suites.
The Ford Center is owned by the City
of Oklahoma City. The state-of-the-art facility is the
premier project of the City’s visionary capital
improvement program to finance new and upgraded sports,
entertainment, cultural and convention facilities with
a one-cent sales tax.
Ford Center is an SMG-managed facility. Headquartered in Philadelphia, SMG provides facility services to over 180 venues, including 57 convention centers, in 41 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and Europe. SMG controls over 1.4 million entertainment seats worldwide and manages more than ten million feet of exhibition space. For additional company information, visit www.smgworld.com.
ACCESSIBILITY
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Ford Center meets or exceeds
all structural and service requirements as stipulated
by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Restrooms,
drinking fountains, phones, Bank of Oklahoma ATM’s
and concession counters are accessible to guests
with disabilities. Additional services are listed
below.
- Accessible Tickets/Seating: Wheelchair accessible seats are available in all price levels. One companion ticket may be purchased with each wheelchair accessible ticket. Please indicate at the time of purchase if you require accessible seating.
- Accessible Drop-off:
Passengers may be dropped off at Reno and Robinson
near the northwest entrance to the Ford Center.
- Elevators:
Elevators are located throughout the Ford Center
for wheelchair access to all levels. The elevators
near Section 101, just inside the northwest entrance
to the Ford Center, provide access to the arena
floor. Maps are available at http://www.okfordcenter.com/arenamaps.html
for exact locations.
- Emergency Evacuation:
Ford Center staff members have been trained in
emergency preparedness and evacuation procedures.
Key employees are assigned to assist patrons with
disabilities to safety.
- Listening Devices:
Listening devices may be rented free of charge
at the Guest Relations Desks located at each of
the main entrances. A valid I.D.is required to ensure
the return of equipment.
- Parking:
Accessible parking is available in the parking
lots on the south side of the Ford Center. Entrances
are available on S.W. 3rd Street, east of Robinson.
Accessible parking spaces are also available in
the underground parking garage at the neighboring
Cox Business Services Convention Center. See “Parking” for additional information.
- Service Animals:
Trained guide dogs or service animals are permitted
to assist guests inside the arena. If special
accommodations are required for your service animal,
please notify us at the time of your ticket purchase.
All other animals are prohibited.
- Sign Interpreters:
Guests who require interpreting services during
an event, should contact the Guest Relations Manager
by calling (405) 602-8515 within three weeks of
the event.
- Telephones:
Telephones are provided at Guest Relations locations
and throughout the Ford Center, courtesy of Cox
Communications. TDD machines and volume-enhanced
phones are available.
- Wheelchair Assistance:
The Ford Center offers wheelchair service for
guests who may need assistance to and from their
seats. Please contact a Guest Relations representative
for assistance. Wheelchair assistance is provided
on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the
limited number of wheelchairs available, they
may not be borrowed or rented as seating during
the event. If wheelchair assistance becomes necessary
during an event, please notify the nearest staff
member.
AED Locations
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Each level of the Ford Center is equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED), which can save lives in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. AED locations are listed below.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
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Oklahoma Law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Guests are required to show proper identification and proof of age to purchase alcoholic beverages at the Ford Center.
The number of alcoholic beverages served may be limited to one (1) drink per person, per purchase.
Management reserves the right to
refuse service to guests who appear intoxicated or who are disturbing other guests.
Alcohol and beer sales are discontinued approximately forty-five (45) minutes prior to the end of the event.
We encourage guests to drink responsibly and not to drive after drinking. See also “Designated Driver Program.”
AUTOMATIC
TELLER MACHINES (ATM)
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Three (3) Bank of Oklahoma ATM's are available for your convenience at the following locations:
- Next to the Guest Relations desk at the main northeast entrance
- Section 119
- Section 227
BACKSTAGE
PASSES - back
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Backstage passes may not be purchased and are not available through the Ford Center.
BANNERS
& SIGNS - back
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Banners and signs are permitted as long as they
do not block the view of others, interfere with
the event, contain advertising of any form, present
a safety hazard or contain political or obscene
material. Banners may not be affixed with any
type of material that is permanent in nature or
that alters the facility in any manner. Poles
and sticks are prohibited. Building management
reserves the right to remove any banner or sign.
Signs may also be prohibited if requested by the
event.
CAMERAS/RECORDING
DEVICES - back
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For most events, at the request of the artists
and/or leagues, cameras (specifically cameras
with professional/detachable lenses longer than 4 inches and flash)
are not permitted. The Ford Center reserves the
right to examine and prohibit the use of any camera
that conflicts with the policy set by the event.
Audio recorders, video recorders and digital cameras
with video capabilities are prohibited during
all events.
CELLULAR
PHONES & PAGERS
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Cellular phones are permitted provided their use
does not interfere with other guests’ enjoyment
of the event. For your convenience, telephones
are provided at Guest Relations locations and
throughout the Ford Center, courtesy of Cox Communications.
CHILDREN'S
ADMISSION - back
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Most events do not require a ticket for children
under the age of two. However, in order for a
child to have his or her own seat, a ticket is
required. Some shows intended for young children
do require children over the age of one to have
a ticket. Please call (405) 602-8700 in advance
to verify the policy for a specific event.
CLUB
SEATS ON THE COX COMMUNICATIONS LEVEL
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In addition to the spectacular sightlines and
comfortable seats, Club Seat holders on the Cox
Communications Level receive access to first class
services and amenities, including private entrances,
and exclusive bar and dining areas. Added benefits
for Club Seat holders include season tickets to
all Oklahoma City Blazers home games and the first
right to purchase tickets for all other public
events with the purchase of a personal seat license.
For available seating options or for more information,
please call (405) 602-8588 or log on to www.okfordcenter.com
and click on the Premium Seating icon.
CONCESSIONS
& DINING - back to top
The Ford Center offers a wide variety of food
and beverage choices. Concession favorites such
as popcorn, hotdogs and pretzels are offered along
with exciting new grills, pizza and authentic ‘Philly’
style cheese steaks, delectable desserts and a
range of specialty vendors provide a plethora
of dining options. If upscale gourmet selections
are required, look no further than the Cox Communications
Level. Here club seat holders and suite owners
will enjoy two distinctive clubs: the Sunset Bistro and the Victory Buffet & Bar.
- The Deli Express:
Select from sub sandwiches, ham & cheese sandwiches, ham or turkey wraps, pulled pork sandwiches or sliced brisket sandwiches.
The Oklahoman Level: Section 110
- Desserts:
ICBY Desserts specializes in frozen yogurt and waffle cones with your choice of toppings.
The Oklahoman Level: Sections 101 & 110
- Grills:
Enjoy a delicious 1/2 pound burger, grilled chicken sandwich, chicken fingers, french fries and more at our exciting grill locations.
The Oklahoman Level: Sections 106, 115 & 120
The Oklahoman Bedlam Level: Sections 301, 309, 315 & 323
- Johnsonville Brats:
Ford Center is proud to be home to the first ever Johnsonville Brat concession stand in America. You can enjoy this tailgating treat during the game or even at a show.
The Oklahoman Level: Section 102
- Pizza:
Experience our mouth-watering pizza with your
favorite toppings by the slice or with a whole
16” pie from Bonici Brothers Pizza
The Oklahoman Level: Section 120
- Route 66 Diner:
Serving Mini Slider Burgers, Onion Rings and Milk Shakes, the Route 66 Diner offers al your diner favorites including a Blue Plate Special every event. Other menu items include Pork Chop Sandwiches, Chili, Tater Tots and Hot Coffee.
The Oklahoman Level: Section 120
- Slap Shot Concessions:
Enjoy hotdogs, footlong hotdogs, popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, pickles, chips and candy, along with your favorite Pepsi drinks, domestic beers and an assortment of other concession favorites.
The Oklahoman Level: Sections 104, 117 & 120
The Oklahoman Bedlam Level: Sections 301, 308, 316 & 324
- Steak*eze:
Experience authentic ‘Philly’ style
cheese steaks. Choose from beef or chicken. Other menu favorites include grilled onion burgers, chicken fried steak sandwiches, steak or chicken finger baskets and french fries.
The Oklahoman Level: Section 107
Cox Communications Level: Section 230
The Oklahoman Bedlam Level: Section 330
- Specialty Vendors:
Many of the specialty vendors located throughout the Ford Center offer traditional favorites like snowcones, cotton candy and corn dogs. Others offer a more unique selection of tasty treats, like the Alpine Nuts stands.
The Oklahoman Level: Sections 105, 110 & 115
The Oklahoman Bedlam Level: Section 315
- Sunset Strips:
The Chicken Strip Basket is the specialty at Sunset Strips. Additional menu items include Popcorn Chicken or our Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
The Oklahoman Level: Section 114
- Sunset Bistro*:
Enjoy a taste of Tuscany at the Sunset Bistro! Located at Section 223, behind the Sunset Round Bar, which features premium beer, wine and liquor
selections, the Sunset Bistro has become the Ford Center’s best-kept secret. The menu features Tuscan style panini-grilled sandwiches, signature salads and homemade soups. You can also select the made-to-order pasta bar where you become the chef and choose your own ingredients. The Margarita Bar at the Sunset Bistro is another crowd pleaser.
- Victory Buffet & Bar*:
Visit the Victory Bar near Section 210 to enjoy a wide variety of premium beers, wine and liquor selections. Experience a prime entrée selection, full salad bar and homemade dessert. With our selection of fresh ingredients and innovative menu choices, you are always guranteed an enjoyable meal at the Victory Buffet.
* Open to those with Cox Communications Level seating (Section 201-230)
- York Icehouse:
The York Icehouse is a full service restaurant and bar featuring a variety of appetizers and mouthwatering entrees, as well as premium liquor, wine, beer and soft drink selections. The York Icehouse is located on The Oklahoman Level just across from Sections 114-115, and also features an outside entrance, which is located on Robinson on the west side of the Ford Center. This entrance is open to guests prior to concerts and events. So, if you are looking for the perfect place to meet friends for a quick bite or to grab a drink - before or during an event - you can “cool off” in the York Icehouse.
COX COMMUNICATIONS LEVEL - back to top
The Cox Communications Level features 49 private suites, 7 State Park Party Suites and over 3,300
club seats. Proper tickets must be presented for
access to this level and its amenities. For more
information,
click here.
DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM
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The Ford Center and SMG want you to enjoy your visit and have a safe trip home. To combat drunk driving, we have teamed up with Budweiser. If you feel you may be intoxicated, please contact a Police Officer or staff member, who can arrange to get you home safely.
DIRECTIONS
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- From I-40 East:
Exit at Harvey Ave.
Turn right and proceed north on Harvey Ave.
Turn right and proceed east on Reno Ave.
Ford Center is located at Reno and Robinson.
- From I-40 West:
Exit at Robinson Ave.
Turn right at the bottom of the off ramp.
Proceed North on Robinson Ave.
- From I-235 (Broadway Extension):
Exit at NW 6th St. (6th St. is one-way east)
Turn left at Broadway
Proceed South on Broadway
Stay in the left lane and veer to E.K. Gaylord
Ave.
Ford Center is west of E.K. Gaylord and Reno.
- From the I-35:
Exit to I-40 West and follow directions above.
- From Will Rogers World Airport:
Follow Terminal Dr. (which turns into S. Meridian)
Exit at the I-44/Downtown ramp
Merge on to I-40 East and follow directions above.
DOORS
OPEN - back
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Doors open to the public 60–90 minutes prior
to each event.
ENTRANCES
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Two public entrances to the Ford Center are located
on the north side of the facility off of Reno
Avenue; one on the west end and one on the east
end. Please refer to The Oklahoman Level Map on the Arena Maps page.
- Elevators:
There are six (6) passenger elevators and two
(2) freight elevators. The elevators located across
from Section 101, just inside the northwest entrance
provide access to the arena floor.
- Escalators:
Ford Center has a total of six (6) escalators,
providing access to the Cox Communications Level
and Oklahoman Bedlam Level seating.
- Stairs:
There are two (2) primary sets of stairs located
just inside each of the main entrances for public
access to the Oklahoman Bedlam Level seating levels.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION - back
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In the event of an emergency, please remain calm
and WALK to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion.
Follow posted signs and listen to announcements
for specific instructions. Please do not use elevators.
If you are disabled, trained staff members will
assist you.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES - back
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The Ford Center and its partners hire enthusiastic,
service-minded individuals. To inquire about job
opportunities, please call (405) 602-8700 or pick
up an application at our administrative office,
located at the Cox Business Services Convention
Center. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday.
EVENTS CALENDAR
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You may pick up a copy of our monthly Events Calendar
at the Box Office, as well as each Guest Relations
location. To stay on top of the action, you may
subscribe by calling (405) 602-8700. Or, for the
latest event information, please visit us online
at okfordcenter.com.
FIRST AID - back
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For your safety, the Ford Center has professionally
trained emergency personnel on site. First aid
facilities are available on the Oklahoman Level
across from Section 112. In the event of an emergency,
please go to the first available officer or staff
member for assistance.
FUND-RAISING OPPORTUNITIES - back
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Tired of the same old fund-raisers?
Looking for a creative alternative to bake sales and car washes?
Fund-raising opportunities are available now at Ford Center.
The SMG Food & Beverage Department provides a unique fund-raising opportunity for non-profit organizations at the Cox Business Services Convention Center and Ford Center. Please click here for further info.
GUEST CONDUCT - back
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In order to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment,
we ask that while visiting the Ford Center, guests
be courteous to those around them and abide by
building policies. Guests wearing obscene or indecent clothing will not be allowed entry. Guests using foul or abusive
language, behaving in an unruly manner or appearing
intoxicated are subject to being ejected and/or
arrested.
For additional information, please see PROHIBITED ITEMS.
GUEST RELATIONS - back
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Guest Relations desks, which are located near each of the main entrances on The Oklahoman Level and just off the escalators on the Cox Communications Club & Suite Level, provide guests a convenient location to obtain information, offer suggestions, voice concerns and request assistance during events.
HANDOUTS
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The distribution of promotional items, handbills,
flyers, pamphlets, printed materials, as well
as the solicitation of signatures, are not permitted
on Ford Center property without prior written
authorization from SMG.
HOTELS
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Two of Oklahoma City’s top hotels, The Renaissance
and Sheraton are located directly across the street
from the Cox Business Services Convention Center.
Located directly east of the Ford Center is the
Courtyard by Marriot. The Oklahoma City Convention
& Visitors Bureau offers additional information
on other nearby hotels and attractions. Please
call 1-800-225-5652 or visit them online at www.visitokc.com.
INTERNET
ADDRESS - back
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For the latest event information and further details
about the Ford Center, please visit us online
at www.okfordcenter.com.
LOST
& FOUND - back
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During an event, you may inquire about lost or
found items at any of the Guest Relations locations.
For inquiries following an event, please call
(405) 602-8700 during normal business hours.
LOST
CHILDREN OR COMPANIONS
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Lost children should be escorted to the nearest
officer or staff member. The lost child will be
assisted at a Guest Relations location. In the
event that you become separated from your child
or a member of your party, you will also want
to contact the nearest officer or staff member.
MERCHANDISE
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The Zone, which is located near the Ford Center
Box Office, offers a variety of sports apparel
and merchandise for the Oklahoma City Blazers.
Numerous merchandise or novelty booths are available
throughout the Ford Center during events.
OKLAHOMA
CITY BLAZERS - back
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Ford Center is proud to be the home of the Oklahoma
City Blazers. Visit their official website, www.okcblazers.com.
OKLAHOMA
CITY YARD DAWGZ - back
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Ford Center is proud to be the home of the Oklahoma
City Yard Dawgz. Visit their official website,
www.okcyarddawgz.com.
PAGING
(IN ARENA) - back
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Paging is only available in the case of extreme
emergencies. Should an emergency exist, please
go to a Guest Relations location. Guests may register
their seat location prior to an event in case
of an emergency call. Anyone trying to reach a
guest should, call (405) 602-8700 and a message
will be brought to the guests seat immediately.
PARKING
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Over 900 spaces are available just across the street from the Ford Center in the underground parking garage at the neighboring Cox Business Services Convention Center, which is managed by Republic Parking Systems. Parking garage entrances are located on the east side of the convention center on E.K. Gaylord and the west side of the convention center on N. Robinson. Parking spaces for disabled guests driving properly licensed or tagged vehicles and are located near all four elevator entrances.The current charge for event parking is $6.00 per entry. Prices are subject to change.
Additional parking is available throughout Downtown and Bricktown. There are more than 18,000 parking spaces including approximately 1,300 parking meters. For further information on the Cox Business Services Convention Center parking garage and other City parking facilities, you may call (405) 235-PARK or visit www.parkingokc.com
Oklahoma Spirit Trolleys provide shuttle
service to most off-site parking garages. See
"Shuttle Service."
Motorcycle parking is also available in the parking locations listed above. Parking on the plaza of the Ford Center and Cox Business Services Convention Center is prohibited. Violators will be towed.
PROHIBITED
ITEMS - back
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We ask all guests to arrive early and travel light, as you may be subject to search, which includes metal detecting hand wands upon entry. For safety reasons, prohibited items include but are not limited to:
- Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
- Audio/Video recording devices, professional cameras and tripods
- Cans, bottles, coolers or other similar containers
- Fireworks
- Flags/Signs with poles
- Laser pens/pointers of any type
- Noisemakers such as air horns
- Outside food or drinks
- Oversized bags, including backpacks, duffel bags or diaper bags
- Pepper spray/Mace
- Weapons of any type, including chains, knives, firearms and spiked jewelry
- Signs or banners attached to sticks, poles or any other unsafe items; or containing obscene materials, political references, or advertising of any kind
- Any other item deemed unacceptable by event or building management
If an item is revealed during a search, patrons may dispose of the item or they may return the item to their vehicle. The Ford Center does not safeguard any personal belongings or items of any type.
RE-ENTRY
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For your safety, once a person exits the Ford
Center, re-entry is strictly prohibited.
RESTROOMS
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The Ford Center offers a total of 48 restrooms
including 12 family restrooms. All restrooms include
diaper-changing stations and are accessible to
persons with disabilities. Please see map at the
center of this guide for specific locations.
SMG
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Ford Center is managed by SMG, which is headquartered in Philadelphia and provides facility services to over 200 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums, performing arts theatres and convention and trade centers. With facilities across America, and in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Europe and the Middle East, SMG controls over 1.5 million entertainment seats worldwide and manages more than ten million feet of exhibition space. For additional company information, visit
www.smgworld.com.
SECURITY
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Ford Center staffs both private security and off-duty
Oklahoma City Police officers to provide security
before, during and after events.
SHUTTLE SERVICE - OKLAHOMA SPIRIT TROLLY
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Oklahoma Spirit Trolleys stop at the Ford Center
approximately every 15-20 minutes and offer transportation to off-site
parking and numerous other destinations Downtown
and in Bricktown. The basic fare is only $0.25.
For more information, call (405) 235-7433 or visit http://www.gometro.org.
SMOKING POLICY
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In accordance with Oklahoma City ordinances, smoking is prohibited in all public areas at the Ford Center including the arena and the concourses. Designated smoking areas are provided inside near Sections 118 and 225, as well as outside near Section 113. Check our Oklahoman Level and Cox Communications Level maps for locations.
STATE
PARK SUITES - back
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Be a suite holder for a night! Ford Center offers
seven (7) State Park Suites that may be rented
on an event-by-event basis to entertain clients,
business associates, family or friends. Each of
the suites reflect the spirit of the Oklahoma
State Park it is named after and can accommodate
16 guests. The State Park Suites offer the same
great sight lines and amenities of an Executive
Suite. Tickets, parking and catering service are
also included. To reserve a State Party Suite,
please call (405) 602-8700 or visit www.okfordcenter.com.
SUITES ON THE COX COMMUNICATIONS LEVEL
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Located only thirty (30) rows above the event
floor, the luxurious suites at the Ford Center
offer spectacular sight lines in the comfort of
a private suite. Direct access to the Cox Communications
Level is available through a private entrance.
Each suite is fully furnished with comfortable
seating configurations, a television monitor,
refrigerator, icemaker, storage cabinets and more.
Other amenities include VIP parking, in-suite
catering and access to exclusive bar and dining
areas on the Cox Communications Level.
TELEPHONES
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Free local calls can be made ad telephones throughout the
Ford Center courtesy of Cox Communications.
TELEVISION
MONITORS - back
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Over 200 television monitors are located throughout
the Ford Center, as well as in restaurant and
bar areas. The cable and inhouse feeds are provided
by Cox Communications.
TICKETS
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- U.S. Army Box Office at Ford Center:
The U.s. Army Box Office is located just off West Reno between
the two main entrances on the north side of the Ford Center. Signs are posted on each side of Reno marking short term parking for ticket buyers.
Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. Weekend and holiday hours
vary according to the event schedule. The Box
Office accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, American
Express and Discover cards. For your convenience,
an ATM is available inside the box office.
- Charge by Phone: Charge by phone by calling Ticketmaster at any of the following numbers.
- (405) 235-8288
- (405) 360-7776
- (580) 357-3184
- (918) 587-2322
A service charge will be applied to each ticket purchased.
- Online: Order online 24 hours a day at www.ticketmaster.com.
A service charge will be added to each ticket.
- Outlets:
Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets including participating Macy's, Suncoast Movie Company and FYElocations.
- Will Call/VIP Will Call: When purchasing tickets by phone or online, you
may choose to pick them up at the U.S. Army Box Office at Ford Center Will
Call window. Please be prepared to present the
credit card used to purchase the tickets, as well
as a photo I.D. Press and VIP tickets, or tickets
left by a third party, may also be picked up at
Will Call prior to the event. A photo I.D. is
required.
- Accessible Seating: Accessible seats are available on each level of
the Ford Center. One companion ticket may be purchased
with each wheelchair accessible ticket. Please
indicate when buying tickets if you require accessible
seating. Wheelchair service and check-in is available.
To inquire about accessible seating or other services,
please call (405) 602-8700.
- Children’s Admission: Most events do not require a ticket for children
under the age of two. However, in order for a
child to have his/her own seat, a ticket is required.
Some shows intended for young children (i.e.,
Sesame Street Live) require children over the
age of one to have a ticket. To inquire about
specific events, please call (405) 602-8700.
- Cancellations: In the event of a cancellation, please return tickets to the place of purchase for a refund. If you ordered your tickets by phone or online, Ticketmaster will automatically refund your order.
- Refunds:
Please confirm your ticket selection at the time
of purchase as tickets are non-refundable and
cannot be exchanged.
- Resale of Tickets:
The resale of event tickets on the grounds of the Ford Center is strictly prohibited. To avoid problems with inflated prices, counterfeit or stolen tickets, please purchase your tickets through authorized Ticketmaster outlets only.
WATER
FOUNTAINS - back
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Accessible water fountains are available on each
level of the Ford Center. Please see the map at
the center of this guide.
WEB
SITE - back
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For more information about the Ford Center and
the latest on upcoming events, visit us online
at www.okfordcenter.com.
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