The new scoreboard created the biggest buzz among $30 million of Ford Center renovations at the Thunder's preseason home opener. More than twice the size of the old scoreboard, the $3.9 million structure is 35 feet wide, 31 feet tall and features 10 video boards. To appreciate the size of the new scoreboard, video panels from the old scoreboard are located in the upper deck on both ends. "I really like what they've done throughout the arena," said Kendall Tilley, from Springfield, Mo., who attended five games last season. "The scoreboard is a lot bigger. The picture is crystal clear. This is a really nice arena to watch a game."
One highlight of the new scoreboard is the "Bennett" wedge. It's named after team chairman Clay Bennett, who conceived the idea of a smaller scoreboard underneath the main scoreboard to give fans close to the court a good view.
Other renovations include: a new Thunder locker room, new officials locker room, 48 club level suites, new concession choices and new club and restaurant areas.
One subtle change is shot clocks are slimmer, an improvement over bulky black boxes that hindered viewing behind the baskets.
Noel and Lauren Stephens of Oklahoma City have season tickets in section 110.
"It improves your view quite a bit on both ends, especially at the angle right in front of you where you have a little bit of goal obstruction," Noel said. "It's definitely a much better view on both ends, especially the goal closest to us."
Fans in lower sections on each side have more space. One row of seats, and two seats per row, was removed in many lower sections. Seats are cushioned.
"There's definitely a lot more room," said Karry Meadows, a season-ticket holder from Blanchard in section 103. "That's really nice. And the new scoreboard is awesome."
