The Oklahoma City Thunder will open their 2026-27 season in San Antonio on Oct. 20 but return to OKC to take on the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 22 and the LA Clippers on Oct. 25. 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.
Getting to the game
Make it easy and hop on the OKC Streetcar for a ride to the game from Midtown or Bricktown.. The best part? It's completely free! The streetcar runs until midnight or later Monday through Saturday and has 22 accessible platforms throughout the city center.
With Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center, being demolished to make way for the new Continental Coliseum, the parking garage beneath the building will no longer be accessible to fans. Construction will continue until the Coliseum’s expected 2028 completion, and we recommend arriving early to find parking and enjoy some pre-game fun before the action begins.
Pre-game meal
If you're looking to grab a bite to eat before the game, you’re luck. 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 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 Paycom, is a New Orleans-inspired restaurant serving scrumptious Cajun cuisine and stationed on the riverwalk in OKC’s Bricktown Entertainment District.
For a pre-game drink with a view, grab a patio table at FLORA Patio, directly across the street from Myriad Gardens.
For dinner in a truly one-of-a-kind setting, book a table at Teller's, located inside The National. We recommend ordering the charred eggplant dip, creamy Burrata flatbreads and pork Milanese.
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 has a wide variety of contemporary styles to help fans Thunder Up. To rep our state’s capital away from the court, check out Shop Good’s OKC-branded merchandise.
Opolis Clothing is another great outpost for all Oklahoma sports fans. This outlet, residing in Midtown, 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 Paycom Center and is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At the game
Paycom Center recently renovated its grand entrance, adding new restaurants and lounges, a family fun zone and a larger video board. These improvements add to what was already an amazing gameday experience for fans.
The Thunder's home arena seats more than 18,000 people and was named the home of 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.
If you want to grab a bite inside the arena, we recommend Empire Slice House, Oklahoma’s iconic pop culture-inspired pizzeria and official Paycom Center concession partner. Other options include Big O’s Pork & Dreams, Eddie’s for wings, and the Michelob ULTRA Club, where you can even make a reservation ahead of time.
Tips for Attending a Thunder game
• Arena doors open 90 minutes before each home game. Arrive early to soak up the pre-game atmosphere, and then head to Sections 116–118, where players often stop to sign autographs before the game.
• Bags must be smaller than 6 x 9 x 2 inches, including clear bags, and every bag is searched at entry.
• Children age 2 and younger get in without a ticket; guests age 3 and older need a game ticket. Kid-friendly concourse activities include face painting and sign making.
• Photo ops are everywhere, including a 360º photo booth near Section 116.
• Free face painting for all ages is located at Sections 102–103 and 320.
• Celebrating a first game? Stop by an information booth at the north gate or southwest entrance for a personalized "My 1st Game" button.
• Rumble the Bison is always around for hugs, photos and high-fives, and you'll find a caricature artist at Section 305.
• Nursing parents can use the private mother's room next to First Aid at Section 112.
• Ear plugs are available at the Fan Information Booths in Sections 106, 116 and 312, and phone charging stations are located near Sections 111, 118, 229 and 313.
Post-game
Just because the game is over doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! 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 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!
For a nightcap, head to The Vault, hidden underground in The National's historic bank vaults. This speakeasy-inspired escape pairs old-world grandeur with modern craft, including one of the largest curated spirits collections in the country.
For the full-season schedule and other team information, head to the OKC Thunder's website.
Photo By: Jimmy Do
