October is finally here, and before you know it, the NBA season will be too. The Oklahoma City Thunder open the 2022-23 season in Minnesota on October 19, but will return to the Modern Frontier to take on the Timberwolves on October 23. For the full-season schedule and other team information, head to the OKC Thunder’s website.  

Whether you’re going to the game, or watching it on TV, we’ll make sure you’re prepared to Thunder Up! this basketball season. 

 

Pre-game meal 

If you're looking to grab a bite to eat before the game, you’re in luck. The Paycom Center, home of the Thunder, is in downtown OKC and surrounded by plenty of delicious dining options.  

Spark, located on the edge of Scissortail Park, offers a full burger menu, specialty fries with a house-made pink sauce and a large selection of custard and shakes with a rotating flavor of the month.   

Just across the street from the Paycom Center is OKC Tap House, a lively, two-story sports bar and restaurant offering Skee-Ball and foosball inside the Omni Hotel.   

Bourbon Street Café, a short jaunt from the Paycom Center, is a scrumptious New Orleans-inspired restaurant serving Cajun cuisine stationed on the riverwalk in OKC’s Bricktown Entertainment District.  

 

Gameday attire 

If you’re going to root for your favorite team, you have to do it in style. Show off your team spirit with a little help from some of Oklahoma City’s local clothing retailers.  

From soft hoodies to chic t-shirts and even onesies, Shop Good in Automobile Alley or Chisholm Creek has a wide variety of contemporary styles to help fans Thunder Up. To rep our state’s capitol away from the court, check out Shop Good’s Modern Frontier branded merchandise. 

Opolis Clothing is another great outpost for all Oklahoma sports fans. This outlet, residing in OKC’s Midtown District captures the essence of Loud City on colorful and creatively designed t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts and socks.   

The Thunder’s official team shop sits on the westward side of the Paycom Center and is open to the public Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

 

At the game 

The Paycom Center recently renovated its grand entrance, adding new restaurants and lounges, a family fun zone and a larger video board. These improvements will add to what was already an astounding gameday experience for fans.  

The Thunder’s home arena seats more than 18,000 people and was named the second-best stadium food in the NBA by betting.com. With over 20 permanent restaurants and concession areas, it's easy to see why.  

Oklahoma-based Italian eatery Mazzio’s is a staple of the stadium food offered within the Paycom Center. Other restaurants featured are Top-A-Waffle, Wing N It, Slam Burger, Taco Camion, and more.  

 

Post-game 

Just because the game is over doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! The Paycom Center’s ideal placement at the edge of OKC’s downtown area puts the arena within reach of many fantastic nightlife options.  

Social Capital, a post-game watering hole just west of the Paycom Center, is open late and has a welcoming atmosphere to celebrate a victory. With over 100 local beers on tap, Social Capital is the perfect spot for fans to digest a Thunder win!  

 

Getting to the game 

Make it easy on yourself and  hop on the OKC Streetcar for a hassle-free ride to the game from Midtown or Bricktown. Single ride tickets cost $1 while day passes can be purchased for $3. The streetcar runs until midnight or later Monday-Saturday and has 22 platforms throughout the city center.