This season, fans attending home games at Paycom Center will notice several updates, including changes to parking and an array of new flavors and aromas, all thanks to the team’s Loud City Hospitality brand and its latest local collaborations.
Although still managed by Levy Restaurants, the renowned national brand celebrated for its top-notch stadium cuisine, the concessions at Thunder basketball games have been rebranded as Loud City Hospitality — mirroring the “Live On” branding initiative by the University of Oklahoma.
A standout addition from Loud City Hospitality for fans is Big O’s Pork and Dreams, which has been introduced as one of the newest local operating partners.
Owen “Big O” Wilson Jr. proudly holds the distinction of being the first Black business owner to secure an operating agreement within Paycom, an achievement he admits took considerable time to fully comprehend.
“My mother passed away in 2008. The first person I wanted to reach out to was her,” Wilson shared. “My wife and I just sat together thinking, ‘Wow, this is actually happening, we’re reaching a new milestone.’ It’s incredible to reflect on our journey, from the food truck to our first restaurant, then to a second location, and now to Paycom. It feels like we’re truly advancing.”
Big O’s plans to offer a selection of beloved dishes, including their famous loaded baked potatoes, pork ribs, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, and more.
“Additionally, during the season, we will feature stuffed turkey legs,” Wilson mentioned.
He expressed his desire for his recent achievements to serve as a testament to the idea that diligent effort truly bears fruit.
“Just as the Scriptures mention, a man who doesn’t work shouldn’t expect to eat, and I pour my heart into everything I undertake. Alongside this venture, I manage several other businesses,” he remarked. “Stay patient. Success doesn’t arrive instantly. However, if you excel at what you do, keep pursuing it, and you will find your rewards as well.”
Along with Big O’s, the local favorite Boomarang Diner is set to debut at the Paycom Center for the 2024-2025 Thunder season. Nestled in Section 308, Boomarang will serve up a range of delicious offerings, including their Diner Double cheeseburger, which boasts two beef patties, two slices of cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, and a variety of toppings. Patrons can also enjoy a chicken tender basket, tater tots, or an Oreo milkshake.
In Section 101, Schwab’s will introduce the BLT Hot Dog, a tantalizing bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a hint of black pepper mayo.
Section 102’s Full Court Press will be featuring savory roast beef and caprese paninis. The roast beef panini combines tender roast beef with caramelized onions, arugula, provolone cheese, and garlic aioli, while the caprese panini highlights fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a rich pesto aioli.
At the MIO Cart located in Section 110, visitors can enjoy carne asada street corn, featuring street corn topped with savory carne asada, tajin seasoning, and crumbled cotija cheese.
The Michelob Ultra Club in Section 116 will serve the Loud City Chicken Sandwich, which includes spicy fried chicken accompanied by jalapeno bacon, pepper jack cheese, and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey. Additionally, you can indulge in the Brisket Grilled Cheese, overflowing with house-smoked brisket, American cheese, and decadent bacon jam, all nestled between Texas toast.
Over at Okie Dilla in Section 215, you’ll find the chicken tinga crunchwrap, a delicious combination of chicken tinga, Monterey Jack cheese, fresh lettuce, and pico de gallo wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla.
For those craving wings, Kung Pao Chicken Wings will be available at Baseline in Section 216, while Blue Pit in Section 225 will delight guests with their brisket baked beans.
Guests staying in the Club Level Suites will have the option to order Walking Sticks sandwiches, which include combinations such as turkey with havarti and apricot chutney, ham with swiss and mustard butter, or roast beef with horseradish cream and arugula. Additionally, a bocconcini cucumber salad will be available.
Beyond these menu updates, Dan Mahoney, the vice president of broadcasting and corporate communications, shared insights about other changes coming for Thunder fans at the Paycom Center.
The most significant alteration will be the impact of demolishing Prairie Surf’s current studio, paving the way for the construction of a new Thunder arena.
“One of the immediate effects of this will be on parking,” noted Mahoney. “The 700 or so fans who were using the parking underneath the Prairie Surf Studios, which was previously the Convention Center and before that the Myriad, will need to adapt. This means there might be some confusion. If you’re attending games, it’s advisable to arrive early, leave early, and be prepared for a new parking arrangement as you’ll need to navigate around until you become familiar with the changes.”
Although construction might lead to some inconvenience for fans of the Thunder, the ownership team is optimistic that various enhancements will create a more enjoyable and seamless experience for attendees.
One significant improvement is the arena’s newly introduced Sunset Express Market, a convenient grab-and-go shopping destination that enables visitors to enter using a phone or credit card, select their desired drinks and snacks, and exit seamlessly. Guests will only be billed for the items they take with them, and the selection features a variety of popular ready-to-eat food and drink options, including hot dogs, popcorn, personal pizzas, candy, and a range of bottled and canned beverages.
Additionally, a recent collaboration unveils the official Oklahoma City Thunder Vodka — an 80 proof, 40% ABV vodka — crafted by Hochatown Distilling Company based in Broken Bow.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What’s new at Paycom Center? Updates for Thunder home gamedays
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