Paycom Center

Paycom Center, originally known as the Ford Center, is an arena located in downtown Oklahoma City. Construction began on May 11, 1999 and it opened to the public just over three years later on June 8, 2002. And since 2008, the venue has served as the home for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are an NBA team based in Oklahoma City. They play as a member of the NBA Western Conference Northwest Division. Currently the team plays their home games out of the Paycom Center. And the Thunder’s NBA G League affiliate is the Oklahoma City Blue, which it owns.

Currently, the Thunder is the only team in the major professional North American sports leagues based in Oklahoma state. Previously, Oklahoma City did host the New Orleans Hornets for two seasons following damage to their home arena by Hurricane Katrina.

Originally, the team was established as the Seattle SuperSonics, an expansion team that joined the NBA for the 1967-68 season. The SuperSonics then moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 after a settlement was reached between the ownership group led by Clay Bennett and lawmakers in Seattle following a lawsuit. The team, as the SuperSonics, qualified for the NBA playoffs 22 times, won their division six times, and made it to three NBA finals (winning their 1979 NBA championship game).

Planning an evening of entertainment in Oklahoma City is easier and more enjoyable when you know what to expect. As the state’s premier venue for sports, concerts, and live entertainment events, Paycom Center offers world-class experiences, but navigating parking, seating, venue policies, and the surrounding downtown area can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.

Whether you’re attending an Oklahoma City Thunder game, a major concert, or a family show, understanding the venue beforehand can turn a good night into a great one. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about Paycom Center, from its fascinating history and architectural highlights to practical information on tickets, parking, dining, and nearby attractions.

» Venue information: What to expect when you buy tickets at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.

» Rules and policies: All the need-to-know info before you head to the venue.

» Parking options: Find your ideal parking option or find the local public transportation stops.

» The venue’s history: Learn how the venue came to be.

» Seating chart: Learn all about your seating options.

» FAQs: Answers to many common questions about attending an event at the Orpheum Theatre.

» The best hotels nearby: Find your perfect stay with our recommended hotels.

» Local attractions: There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Minneapolis.

» Restaurant Recommendations: Check out these options for your pre-show dinner destination.