Paycom Center

Paycom Center
"Loud City"
"The Thunderdome"
Paycom Center in 2024
Paycom Center is located in Oklahoma
Paycom Center
Paycom Center
Location in Oklahoma
Paycom Center is located in the United States
Paycom Center
Paycom Center
Location in the United States
Former namesFord Center (2002–2010)
Oklahoma City Arena (2010–2011)
Chesapeake Energy Arena (2011–2021)
Address100 West Reno Avenue
LocationOklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Coordinates35°27′48″N 97°30′54″W / 35.46333°N 97.51500°W / 35.46333; -97.51500
Public transitAmtrak Heartland Flyer
Tram interchange OKC Streetcar Arena
OwnerCity of Oklahoma City
OperatorASM Global
CapacityBasketball: 18,203
Hockey: 15,152
Concerts: 16,591
WWE/Boxing/MMA: 16,757
Construction
Broke groundMay 11, 1999[1]
OpenedJune 8, 2002
Construction costUS$89.2 million
($151 million in 2023 dollars[2])
ArchitectThe Benham Companies, LLC.
Sink Combs Dethlefs
Services engineerM-E Engineers, Inc.[3]
General contractorFlintco Construction Co.[4]
Tenants
Oklahoma City Blazers (CHL) (2002–2009)
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (AF2) (2004–2008)
New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (NBA) (2005–2007)
Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) (2008–present)
Oklahoma City Blue (NBAGL) (2021–present)
Oklahoma Freedom (PBR) (2022–2023)
Oklahoma Wildcatters (PBR) (2024-present)
Website
paycomcenter.com

Paycom Center (originally known as the Ford Center from 2002 to 2010, Oklahoma City Arena from 2010 to 2011, and Chesapeake Energy Arena from 2011 to 2021) is an arena located in Downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. It opened in 2002 and since 2008 has served as the home venue for the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s Oklahoma City Thunder. Previously, the arena was home to the Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League (CHL) from 2002 until the team folded in July 2009, and the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz of AF2 from 2004 to 2009 when the team moved to the Cox Convention Center (now Prairie Surf Studios). In addition to its use as a sports venue, Paycom Center hosts concerts, family and social events, conventions, ice shows, and civic events. The arena is owned by the city and operated by the SMG property management company and has 18,203 seats in the basketball configuration, 15,152 for hockey, and can seat up to 16,591 for concerts.[5]

From 2005 to 2007, the arena also served as the temporary home for the New Orleans Hornets of the NBA when the Hornets were forced to play games elsewhere following extensive damage to New Orleans Arena and the city of New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina. During the two seasons in Oklahoma City, the team was known as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. The response from fans while the Hornets played in Oklahoma City was an impetus to the city being discussed prior to 2008 for the location of a future NBA team, either by relocation or expansion.

  1. ^ Lackmeyer, Steve (May 12, 1999). "Company to Manage Both Downtown Arenas". The Oklahoman. Oklahoma City. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  2. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  3. ^ "Ford Center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma". M-E Engineers, Inc. Archived from the original on March 16, 2008. Retrieved September 22, 2011.
  4. ^ "What's on Deck". SportsBusiness Journal. July 30, 2001. Retrieved September 22, 2011.
  5. ^ "Chesapeake Energy Arena - Fast Facts - Capacities". Retrieved April 13, 2017.