The alternating storms of rain and floods of sunshine can mean only one thing: spring has come to Oklahoma. As the calendar flips over to April, the Thunder has brought back one of its fan-favorite traditions, Thunder Alley.
This pregame festival on Reno Ave. attracts families and friends, superfans and those just looking for a great place to spend time until the game begins. Whether you don’t have tickets or don’t miss a single game, Thunder Alley can help you get geared up for the action that’s about to take place inside Chesapeake Energy Arena.
We’ll have more tips and insights on Thunder Alley when the Playoffs begin. But as we conclude the regular season, here’s your guide to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun happening now in Thunder Alley!
WHEN SHOULD I GET THERE?
Thunder Alley starts three hours before tipoff, so get there early and pack in as much fun as you can! The only exception is for the game on Sunday, April 7, against the Knicks – with a noon tipoff time, Thunder Alley will open at 10 a.m.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Let’s start with the shirt on your back. Whatever you’re sporting, make sure it matches Thunder blue because that’s what everyone around you will be wearing. (And nothing matches Thunder blue quite like Thunder blue.)
Beyond that, it’s pretty simple. Bring your friends and family so they can help you get excited for the game. Don’t leave the kids at home – there will be plenty of fun for them to take part in. Bring some spending money so you can enjoy the Budweiser Beer Garden, grab a hot dog and get some fresh gear at the Thunder Shop merchandise trailer. Bring your appetite because the McDonald’s truck will be there with some complimentary snacks. Bring your spirit for the team – if you have trouble finding it, let the Storm Chasers, Thunder Drummers and Thunder Girls help you locate your Thunder pride!
Oh, and if you’re going to the game – definitely bring your tickets.
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE TICKETS?
You can roll into Thunder Alley without tickets and still have an opportunity to see the game! Before you start enjoying the fun, go to the north side of the arena and register for the KIA THUNDER REWARDS ZONE, where we give away 50 pairs of tickets an hour before every game. (And no, that doesn’t go away during Playoffs!) Even better – PREREGISTER HERE and streamline the process when you stop at the Rewards Zone table so you can spend more time enjoying Thunder Alley.
OK, LET’S SAY I’M AT THUNDER ALLEY. NOW WHAT?
Follow the sounds of the tunes coming from the Skullcandy truck on the west end of Reno. On April 4, Skullcandy will also have an awesome BMX show going on, so don’t miss that. Near the northeast entrance to the arena, the kids can try on their NBA dreams on our sport court. On the east end of Thunder Alley, just off of E.K. Gaylord, the kids can also bounce around on our giant inflatable games.
For the car buffs, Chevy will have a car display so you can sneak a peek at their latest models. On April 4 and 7, Hertz will display two vehicles for Green Week – a fuel-efficient Chevy Cruze and a CNG-powered Honda Civic, both wrapped in Thunder colors and logos and soon available to rent as part of the Hertz 24/7 Give+Go program. You can also stop by the AAA booth to make sure you’re covered the next time you take a drive.
Be sure to get your face painted, make some noise with a Storm Chaser, say hello to the Thunder Girls – and enjoy the people-watching and all the unexpected fun that can happen when you’re surrounded by your fellow Thunder fans.
- Karina Henderson
As you head west from Bricktown, stop by all the interactive displays, where you can get your picture taken at several photo stations and write on our #WeAreThunder wall.
