Bricktown Businesses, Fans Sound Off On Team Decision To End Thunder Alley Viewing

The shooting of eight people near Chesapeake Arena Monday prompted changes to Thunder Alley on Wednesday. The outdoor block party will go on as normal before the game, but the festivities end once the game tips off. And Fans are not happy about the decision.

A Facebook page, fans pleas, and even arrests of those allegedly involved couldn't save Thunder Alley. Monday's shooting coupled with safety concerns cost some 6,000 fans the pure joy of seeing Rumble dance and KD dunk on the jumbo-tron during the game.

"Eight or 10 people that had to mess it up for everybody and that the part that hurts because now you are not going to see those shots on TNT or whatever showing all the people out here and the support," Greg Powell of Tapwerks said.

Even people with courtside seats enjoyed the ambiance of the alley and are offering alternatives; worried that a pregame celebration won't be the same.

"Not everyone could afford the tickets but they were still trying to rep their team but I do think after a certain time there should be an age limit," said Kirsten Baird, a Thunder fan.

5/23/2012 Related Story: Thunder Games Will No Longer Be Shown In Thunder Alley

"If someone is willing to pay 30 or 40 dollars to get into Thunder Alley, they are probably there to watch the game and not going to cause problems," said Danielle Cook who attended the game.

The problems which sent nine to the hospital trump the fun. A spokesperson for the team says fan safety is priority. And Bricktown business owners are wondering how Wednesday's announcement will affect their bottom lines.

"People want to drink and that is what we offer, so it'll be good for us," said Chris Hernandez of Bricktown Brewery.

Others tend to disagree.

"It is way cooler to have that going on (in the alley) than to get a few extra hundred dollars here that night," said Powell.

Fans are still invited here for pregame celebration, but at tipoff the jumbo-tron goes off.