With the recent opening of the new I-40 Crosstown for eastbound traffic through downtown OKC, many of our fans will need to chart a new route to Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Circles indicate open exits from eastbound lanes on the new I-40 Crosstown. Marker indicates location of Chesapeake Energy Arena. (Map courtesy of Google Maps; graphic by the Thunder.)
The current exits available from eastbound I-40 into downtown and areas west are:
- Agnew Ave.
- Pennsylvania Ave.
- Western Ave.
- Shields Blvd. (which turns into E.K. Gaylord Blvd. heading north)
For a bird’s-eye view of the new exits and onramps, go to http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/i40-okc/eastbound.php.
Fans coming from the north (via I-235), from the south (via I-35) and from the east (via I-40) will be unaffected by the opening of the new stretch of I-40. However, with ongoing downtown construction related to Project 180 and construction of the Devon Tower, all fans are advised to review the latest information at http://www.okc.gov/project180/P180WeeklyMap.pdf.
Fans coming from the west (via the new I-40) are advised of the following routes:
- Easiest option: Exit I-40 E at Shields Blvd. Take Shields Blvd. north; Shields will turn into E.K. Gaylord Blvd., which runs just east of the arena. From there, follow normal routes to parking. (Please note certain road/lane closures: http://www.okc.gov/project180/P180WeeklyMap.pdf.)
- Alternate option: Exit I-40 E at Western Ave. Take Western Ave. north; turn right on Reno Ave., Sheridan Ave. OR N.W. 4th St. and continue east to downtown. From there, follow normal routes to parking. (Please note certain road/lane closures: http://www.okc.gov/project180/P180WeeklyMap.pdf.)
Currently, eastbound I-40 onramps downtown are located at Pennsylvania Ave., Western Ave. and Shields Blvd.
BEST ROUTES IN
From the north (via I-235):
- Exit I-235 S at N. 6th St./Downtown (Exit 1F)
- Turn right on Harrison Ave.
- Take slight right to N.W. 4th St.
- Take first left onto Broadway Ave.
- Follow from Broadway to E.K. Gaylord Blvd.
- Arena is just west of Gaylord on Reno Ave. Follow normal routes to parking.
From the south (via I-35):
- Continue from I-35 N to I-235 N
- Exit I-235 at Downtown/Sheridan Ave. (Exit 1C)
- Turn left onto Lincoln Blvd.
- Take first right onto Reno Ave.
- Arena is just west of Gaylord on Reno Ave. Follow normal routes to parking.
From the east (via I-40):
- Exit from I-40 W on to I-235 N (Exit 126)
- Exit I-235 at Downtown/Sheridan Ave. (Exit 1C)
- Turn left onto Lincoln Blvd.
- Take first right on to Reno Ave.
- Arena is just west of Gaylord on Reno Ave. Follow normal routes to parking.
From the west (via new I-40):
- Follow I-40 E to new Crosstown
- Exit I-40 E at Shields Blvd.
- Turn left onto Shields Blvd.
- Shields Blvd. becomes E.K. Gaylord Blvd.
- Arena is just west of Gaylord on Reno Ave. Follow normal routes to parking.
BEST ROUTES OUT
To the north (via I-235):
- Follow normal routes from parking to E.K. Gaylord Blvd.
- Head north on E.K. Gaylord Blvd.; continue as it turns into Broadway Ave.
- Turn right from Broadway Ave. onto 5th St.
- Take the ramp to I-235 N
To the south (via I-35):
- Follow normal routes from parking to E.K. Gaylord Blvd.
- Head south on E.K. Gaylord Blvd.; continue as it turns into Shields Blvd.
- Turn right onto NEW I-40 E onramp at Shields Blvd.
- Exit off of I-40 E to I-35 S
To the east (via new I-40):
- Follow normal routes from parking to E.K. Gaylord Blvd.
- Head south on E.K. Gaylord Blvd.; continue as it turns into Shields Blvd.
- Turn right onto I-40 E onramp at Shields Blvd.
To the west (via I-40):
- Follow normal routes from parking to Reno Ave. & Robinson Ave.
- Head south on Robinson Ave. for one block
- Turn right onto I-40 W onramp; merge on to I-40
Thank you for your patience as these improvements to our vibrant downtown area continue!
- Karina Henderson
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