Chesapeake Energy Arena facts for kids
Chesapeake Energy Arena is a large indoor stadium located in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. It's a place where many different events happen, like sports games and concerts. It is most famous for being the home court of the National Basketball Association (NBA) team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The arena was also home to the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets from 2005 to 2007. Before its current name, it was known as the Ford Center from 2002 to 2010, and then the Oklahoma City Arena from 2010 to 2011.
| "Loud City" "The Thunderdome" |
|
 |
|
| Former names | Ford Center (2002-2010) Oklahoma City Arena (2010-2011) |
|---|---|
| Location | 100 W Reno Ave Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102 |
| Coordinates | 35°27′48.44″N 97°30′53.79″W / 35.4634556°N 97.5149417°W |
| Owner | City of Oklahoma City |
| Operator | SMG |
| Capacity | Basketball: 19,599 Hockey: 18,036 Football: 17,868 Concerts: 20,817 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1999 |
| Opened | June 8, 2002 |
| Construction cost | $89 million |
| Architect | Sink Combs Dethlefs The Benham Companies |
| Tenants | |
| Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)(2008-Present) New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (NBA) (2005-2007) Oklahoma City Blazers (CHL) (2002-2009) Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (af2) (2004-2009) |
|
About Chesapeake Energy Arena
This arena is a very important place for sports and entertainment in Oklahoma City. It opened its doors on June 8, 2002. The city of Oklahoma City owns the arena. It was built to host many different kinds of events.
What Happens Here?
Chesapeake Energy Arena is mainly known as the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is a professional basketball team in the NBA. The arena is packed with fans during their games.
But it's not just for basketball! Many other exciting events take place here:
- Basketball: It can hold almost 20,000 fans for basketball games.
- Hockey: It has also hosted hockey games.
- Football: Indoor football games have been played here too.
- Concerts: Many famous music artists have performed concerts at the arena. It can fit over 20,000 people for these big shows.
A Look Back
Before the Thunder made it their home, other teams played here. The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets played their NBA games here from 2005 to 2007. This happened after Hurricane Katrina damaged their home arena in New Orleans.
Other teams that used the arena include:
- The Oklahoma City Blazers, a hockey team, from 2002 to 2009.
- The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz, an arena football team, from 2004 to 2009.
The arena has changed its name a few times. It was first called the Ford Center. Then it was the Oklahoma City Arena. Finally, it became Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Images for kids
-
Oklahoma City hosted and defeated Minnesota for their first win.
See also
In Spanish: Paycom Center para niños
