They are getting ready to put the name/logo up on the south side, as we speak.

They are getting ready to put the name/logo up on the south side, as we speak.

Boy, they've gotten after it this past week.

Do the letters light up or will there be a light shined on them?

The logo painted on the roof has "energy" under Chesapeake, so I would guess that they same will happen with the logo on the sides.

Not sure why this is such a surprise to everyone, go a few pages back and you will see in the original renderings the word energy was depicted rather small compared to how CHK usually uses it.

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-arena-to-be-renamed-chesapeake-energy-arena/multimedia/video/1069724629001

994

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=196855137052731&set=a.167539723317606.44930.166230966781815&type=1&theater



This shows the full name on the arena, but it's just like we assumed... Energy is small and below the main "Chesapeake Arena" sign.

994

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=196855137052731&set=a.167539723317606.44930.166230966781815&type=1&theater



This shows the full name on the arena, but it's just like we assumed... Energy is small and below the main "Chesapeake Arena" sign.

I actually like it better with the "Energy" beneath "Chesapeake" than just "Chesapeake Arena" even though I like the way "Chesapeake Arena" sounds better.

Do the letters light up or will there be a light shined on them?

Each letter will be lit from inside, as will the logo.

You can clearly see the wiring in this photo from the Oklahoman:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arenasign92811.jpg

In the latest FB photos you can see the new flooring they put in the concourse areas...and I don't know what the hell they're going for, but the colors/design are horrible. Random shapes and swashes of blue, orange, red. Looks like a kid's playplace circa 1992.

Edit: Pics...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313670_193533934051518_166230966781815_471270_5253 57532_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296133_193533987384846_166230966781815_471271_1448 809338_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/315843_196854983719413_166230966781815_481398_1294 273683_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184043_175910469147198_166230966781815_422889_1639 195_n.jpg

So would you prefer nice gray concrete? I think it looks great providing color and interest and is a vast improvement on the previous flooring.

I sorta like the way the floor looks. I mean it is better than the gray bland concrete and doesn't look like a basement so much anymore.

So would you prefer nice gray concrete? I think it looks great providing color and interest and is a vast improvement on the previous flooring.
No, but the color and design could have been designed in a way that'd be a lot more pleasing to the eye. I do some design work on the side so these details really stick out to me...and those colors just scream early 90's and the random shapes are what you'd find in Celebration Station's. The teams colors are awful if not used with the right restraint.

No, but the color and design could have been designed in a way that'd be a lot more pleasing to the eye. I do some design work on the side so these details really stick out to me...and those colors just scream early 90's and the random shapes are what you'd find in Celebration Station's. The teams colors are awful if not used with the right restraint.

I think I would reserve judgement until it's all completed. You're not seeing the final picture here and nothing screams 90's or Celebration Station to me. No design will ever please everyone.

I think the colors bring life to the arena. My biggest complaint was the monochromatic dullness of the arena....rust and more rust...grey and more grey. This is much more exciting. We finally have some design in the building.

I think the colors bring life to the arena. My biggest complaint was the monochromatic dullness of the arena....rust and more rust...grey and more grey. This is much more exciting. We finally have some design in the building.

That's the way I feel about it, otherwise I might of had a problem with it but since it was dirt ugly to begin with now it looks a whole lot better IMO.

I have to agree the interior is very early 90s looking

I have to agree the interior is very early 90s looking

It does look more 90's but that's better than what they had to begin with.

Surprise - it was designed in the early 90's...shock!

The floor designs and finishes they are putting in were not designed in the 90's. And frankly, I can't find any examples of similar patterns or color pallettes that were done in the 90s anyway. The colors look to be Thunder colors and not indicative of any unique era of style. The colors and patters give visual excitement and interest which is hard to do on a arena hallway.

What Rover said...LOL

I have slammed the Thunder name/logo/colors in the past (and still feel that way) but honestly I didn't make the connection when i saw those pics. As someone else said, hard to judge it in mid construction like that but I don't really find anything objectionable to it.

I hope they got rid of all that awful candy cane signage...

The huge digital sign is now live...

http://www.thunder.nba.com/

Nice!

Sweet!

Drove by it tonight, the Chesapeake sign on the north side next to the TV screen look really good. Lot better than the Ford Center signage.

Went by yesterday morning on the north side ... looked good ... both the Chesapeake signage and the digital element.

I'm sorry, the exterior signage just screams early 90's to me.








kidding

Chesapeake Arena does not roll off the tongue very well, however, even if you leave off "Energy". We need a nickname for it like "The Peake" or something.

It does have a nickname! THUNDERDOME!

I know it would never fly, but it would be fun to welcome opponents to "the Gas Chamber."

I was by the arena earlier today. Even in the bright daylight at 2 o'clock the electronic display was bright and crisp. Looks great.

I also noticed what looked like brackets around the crown of the building. By any chance is there an electronic ribbon board going around it?

I hope so, Rover. Lighting around the perimeter of the building is needed to really "liven" it up. The Chesapeake sign helps a lot, but I think more lighting, especially on the roof and roof perimeter would be great.

Also, I remember someone several posts back say that the grand entrance is supposed to be next season. I don't think that's true. I think it's supposed to be done by the beginning of this season. I don't know if they'll make it on time, but they're actually moving pretty darn quickly on it.

The grand entrance should be completed towards the end of this season (depending on how far we make it in there is a season). They've said somewhere around March-May as a completion time if I remember correctly...

Chesapeake Arena does not roll off the tongue very well, however, even if you leave off "Energy". We need a nickname for it like "The Peake" or something.

http://www.dailythunder.com/2011/08/nickname-ideas-for-chesapeake-energy-arena/

http://www.dailythunder.com/2011/08/nickname-ideas-for-chesapeake-energy-arena/

I guess Royce and I think alike.

I guess Royce and I think alike.

Actually, that article was written by Patrick James, by I'm sure Royce agrees...

Something needs to be done one the roof of the Cox Center, the aerial views shown during the games has this black hole in our CBD and looked awkward. Some lighting accents or something...

I know it would never fly, but it would be fun to welcome opponents to "the Gas Chamber."

I like it. We already have a creepy moniker with the Durantula thing, so why not?

I think the biggest reason "why not" is it brings forth images of the Holocaust... Not a good association.

It's going to be The Peake. That one has stuck the best thus far.

The Gas Chamber would be brilliant if it wasn't for the Holocaust, but because of it that nickname won't stick.

It's going to be The Peake. That one has stuck the best thus far.This would be my guess, as well.

It's going to be The Peake. That one has stuck the best thus far.

Well, it'll be whatever catches on. I suspect the Peake will catch on with a small segment of fans similar to Thunderdome, but will likely fail to gain widespread acceptace. You can't force these things. They happen organically.

Well, "the Brick" was sortof forced on the ballpark. I can't remember who offered it up; I think it might have been either Bob Hersom or Bob Colon, but it was a writer at The Oklahoman, like the week it opened. I was always a bit unhappy that it caught on. Fortunately nobody has cooperated with Berry Tramel in referring to the Thunder as "Boomers." Makes me mad every time I see it in print.

I was driving East on the crosstown real early yesterday morning (dark outside), and just caught a glimpse of the video screen all lit up. It was reflecting a light blue off of the South side of the Cox Center. Was pretty cool.

Well, it'll be whatever catches on. I suspect the Peake will catch on with a small segment of fans similar to Thunderdome, but will likely fail to gain widespread acceptace. You can't force these things. They happen organically.
I know, I'm just saying if one of these nicknames is going to catch on it's most likely going to be The Peake. Everything other idea related to the Chesapeake name hasn't had the traction that The Peake has...I don't have any empirical evidence to back that up, but you can usually gauge those things by listening to the media and social networks for a little while.

I just drove by on I-40, the Chesapeake sign on the South side is all lit up and looks great. The very top ring (about 10 feet tall) on the West side of the arena has a brilliant Thunder blue accent. At this time it is only about 40 feet wide...1000 X better than the old ford center.

Drove by this morning too.

Yes! I agree the Chesapeake Arena "..1000 X better than the old ford center."

The lettering seems to fit the building much better with size and color.

Hey Everyone! Long time viewer, first time poster. I have enjoyed following the board and staying updated with City developments. Thanks all.
I live downtown and got a few pics on the iPhone while driving by the arena last night, then I got off the highway to capture the blue accent lighting.(apologize for the poor quality) enjoy......
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ceu4M-D-TvA/To2ypKf2KXI/AAAAAAAAAD4/zLaQnMYY2Jo/h120/IMG_0308.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cwPonzb2Kdk/To2yrtLI-qI/AAAAAAAAAEA/ZJ_aFTpr7nk/h120/IMG_0309.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mbTl8sPHpos/To2ypAjza7I/AAAAAAAAAD0/_zEOGazj__c/s800/IMG_0310.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NpAzVBJ-PnQ/To2yrprloFI/AAAAAAAAAEE/60QHm_X8SyU/s800/IMG_0311.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xm-1zzrknN4/To2yrQLg-gI/AAAAAAAAAD8/kfs_2Lhlh2A/s800/IMG_0312.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IKmmun***04/To2ys3gcjvI/AAAAAAAAAEI/6fd4bhSa3x4/s800/IMG_0313.JPG

Very cool!

Thanks Jchaser and welcome to the forum.

The blue around the top is interesting.

Last night the highway was shut down to 1 lane so I had time to snap a couple pics. At first I didnt know what was so bright until we made it to the Thuderdome(wishful thinknig).lol
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ceu4M-D-TvA/To2ypKf2KXI/AAAAAAAAAD4/zLaQnMYY2Jo/s800/IMG_0308.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cwPonzb2Kdk/To2yrtLI-qI/AAAAAAAAAEA/ZJ_aFTpr7nk/s800/IMG_0309.JPG

CNG flame projected on the building? Sorta looks like it...

So the brackets I asked about the other day are apparently LED light bars. Cool. I guess a ribbon screen would have been way too expensive. Sigh...maybe later.

Maps IV!

Can't wait til Christmas!! They are gonna light that place up!!!

OKC is starting to have a lot of light art. I think it is really cool and contributes to a sense of vibrancy. The lighting at the boathouse area and bridges, the lighting in Myriad Garden, the lighting in the Devon center, and now at the Chesapeake arena, downtown is looking good for night time.

OKC is starting to have a lot of light art. I think it is really cool and contributes to a sense of vibrancy. The lighting at the boathouse area and bridges, the lighting in Myriad Garden, the lighting in the Devon center, and now at the Chesapeake arena, downtown is looking good for night time.

Agreed,maybe Bricktown buildings can get in on the lighting theme,or maybe when Sandridge is done they can light up the S Tower a diff. color!

The *Chez* is starting to look pretty good!!

These are from the City of OKC's flikr site and show the arena with the new sign and video screen.

Also, look how good that new section of Robinson looks, as well as the cafe on the east end of the Myriad Gardens:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6230486263_1dc638a135_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/6230486263/)
September 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/6230486263/) by cityofokc (http://www.flickr.com/people/50408515@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6230489039_6e78fcacc3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/6230489039/)
September 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/6230489039/) by cityofokc (http://www.flickr.com/people/50408515@N06/), on Flickr

Wow, that looks great! The first pic looks almost like a painting!