Paycom Center (formerly Chesapeake Arena)

[dankrutka]

Yes. I've been to several different arenas, but I've also just watched a lot of games and looked into the arenas out of curiosity. There's nothing terribly wrong with CHK Arena, but the way it was originally built as a bare bones arena is still evident in a lot of ways. American Airlines in Dallas is nicer, but I do agree it has a strange feeling to it. I feel like I'm actually in an airport or mall, not a sports arena when I'm there. Even arenas in smaller markets like Memphis or Indiana are a lot nicer in my opinion. It's okay though. The improvements will make it a legitimate NBA arena for the next 15-20 years or so until we build a new one with MAPs 5 money.

[Rover]

Yes. I've been to several different arenas, but I've also just watched a lot of games and looked into the arenas out of curiosity. There's nothing terribly wrong with CHK Arena, but the way it was originally built as a bare bones arena is still evident in a lot of ways. American Airlines in Dallas is nicer, but I do agree it has a strange feeling to it. I feel like I'm actually in an airport or mall, not a sports arena when I'm there. Even arenas in smaller markets like Memphis or Indiana are a lot nicer in my opinion. It's okay though. The improvements will make it a legitimate NBA arena for the next 15-20 years or so until we build a new one with MAPs 5 money.

Of the ones I've been, I would put the Chez at midpoint before the latest renovations. There are a bunch of unimpressive ones out there like Phoenix, Memphis, New Orleans, Chicago, and others. Dallas is considered the best, and outside it looks like it, but inside the arena it loses its appeal. After the new entrance and gathering lobby, OKC will still be behind Staples Center, Dallas AA center and some others, but not as far behind as some think. OKC will be nice, not over the top, and will be appropriate for our team and market.

[BDP]

No. When the renovations are complete the Arena will still be bottom 3rd of NBA Arenas, but it of course depends on your criteria. Most are built much more elaborately initially than the Ford center. Still, it will be much improved.

Just curious, What parts of the arena have you been too? Have you seen all the club and restaurant areas? Have you been to the locker rooms and player/staff areas? I can definitely tell that as far as that goes, the CHK arena is on par with all but the very best arenas in the NBA and the new renovations will greatly improve the general look and feel of the place all around. Overall, it is definitely NOT in the bottom third. Now, it does lack in some areas, like the number of suites, but I am not sure if we could support doubling the suites anyway.

Now, from the outside it doesn't look like a space ship or an giant modern mall, and the new addition won't change that, but I personally don't see that as a negative. It seems there is more examples of overreaching architecture when it comes to sports arenas than anywhere else. Bottom line is that the game experience and amenities are exceptional and worthy of an NBA arena.

[BoulderSooner]

i will also add the the "bunker bar" which is the floor level and premium seat bar is maybe the very best in the NBA

[BDP]

i will also add the the "bunker bar" which is the floor level and premium seat bar is maybe the very best in the NBA

Exactly. All the club and restaurant areas are done very well.

[megax11]

They are really just getting underway on the new entrance on the SW corner of the arena. Lots of dirtwork and such.

It won't be finished for several months.

Thanks for the heads up.

[BoulderSooner]

Exactly. All the club and restaurant areas are done very well.

both club level bars and restaurants are in the process of being renovated as well

[BDP]

That's right, I forgot. I think they are pretty much the same as when the arena opened, right now.

Does anyone know if the roof top gardens are still a part of this renovation? I haven't seen it stated either way.

[OKCRT]

Well after all is complete I think that one would be hard pressed to find 10 arenas in the NBA that are better/nicer.

[Spartan]

That's right, I forgot. I think they are pretty much the same as when the arena opened, right now.

Does anyone know if the roof top gardens are still a part of this renovation? I haven't seen it stated either way.

That might have gotten cut.

[BDP]

That might have gotten cut.

That would be a major bummer. That was what I was most looking forward to.

[Rover]

I understand that is in Maps 12.

[amaesquire]

It's not mentioned in the list of improvements: http://www.chesapeakearena.com/arena...e=improvements

[Larry OKC]

That might have gotten cut.

That does sound vaguely familiar now that you mention it (as one of the things that got cut), will see if I can dig it up...

Can't find it specifically mentioned in any of the articles about the shortfall...just seems to be a non-entity. Not mentioned as being included or excluded. But it being cut seems to be the conclusion most here came to in the thread where it was being discussed...

[holm1231]

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...94734457211856

Hey, Here are some pics that I found on the OKC Arena facebook page!!

[Spartan]

They're actually further along than it shows in those pics. From the old I-40 you can see where they've begun knocking some holes through the old edifice where the on-ramp used to be.

[SoonerBoy18]

Once the new 1-40 is completed, I seriously hope the build a huge parking lot south of the Arena, parking is a major issue when attending Thunder games

[betts]

In the past, when I drove to games, I never failed to find a spot in the Santa Fe garage. It's just $5 to park and you can walk to the arena via the skybridge.

[shawnw]

I've literally shown up less than fifteen minutes before game time, parked at Century Center ($5), and taken the tiny underground segment to/through the Cox garage and popped up in front of the arena. Doing this I've made it to my seat (300 level) in time for tip. In reverse, since the Century Center has a north exit, I've managed to get out of downtown very quickly as well, back on my couch watching highlights less than 15 mins after the buzzer.

[Larry OKC]

Huge parking lot South of the Arena? Isn't that where the MAPS 3 Park is going (or was it where the Convention Center was supposed to have gone?) We certainly don't want a massive surface parking lot right next to the Park. That area will be much better suited for residential and retail. In any case, we have been assured repeatedly by nearly everyone on this thread, there is no parking problem downtown. You just have to know where to park and not mind paying and/or walking.

[ljbab728]

Once the new 1-40 is completed, I seriously hope the build a huge parking lot south of the Arena, parking is a major issue when attending Thunder games

No. Last thing downtown needs. Parking downtown is not an issue unless you expect to be within 100 feet of where you're going.

[Spartan]

Once the new 1-40 is completed, I seriously hope the build a huge parking lot south of the Arena, parking is a major issue when attending Thunder games

Haha funny post.

[Rover]

Once the new 1-40 is completed, I seriously hope the build a huge parking lot south of the Arena, parking is a major issue when attending Thunder games

Plus, once the universally beloved CC is built next door I suspect there will be plenty of parking associated with the area.

[king183]

In the past, when I drove to games, I never failed to find a spot in the Santa Fe garage. It's just $5 to park and you can walk to the arena via the skybridge.

Why would you ever drive to a game? Weather? I remember one game I went to that it literally hurt to be outside because of how cold and windy it was.

Anyway, I'm truly sick of people complaining about parking downtown for games or anything else. There is NEVER a parking problem, unless (as the other poster said) you are so lazy you can't stand to not be within 50 feet of your destination.

[Bill Robertson]

We've never had a problem finding parking for any downtown event. Unless, like others have said, you want right by the door.