Thunder Fans Want To Bring Back ‘Thunder Alley’

<p>Four years ago, thousands of Thunder fans stood outside Chesapeake Arena as the games played on the Jumbotron. </p>

Friday, May 20th 2016, 3:55 pm

By: Karl Torp

Thunder Fans Want To Bring Back ‘Thunder Alley’

Thunder fans are making their push to bring back an event that was synonymous with Thunder Pride: the original Thunder Alley.

Four to five thousand fans would gather outside Chesapeake Energy Arena to watch the playoff games on the Jumbotron.

OKC lets open #ThunderAlley back up!!!!!
— Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) May 20, 2016

The team and Oklahoma City decided the event was too dangerous after eight people were shot near the arena after a game in May of 2012.

“I think it really put us on the map,” said Thunder Fan Andy Mahbubani.

Mahbubani has started a social media effort to bring “Thunder Alley” back.

His posts have been shared around 2,000 times in a just a couple days.

Almost 2000 shares!#bringbackthunderalley @MickCornett @okcthunder @okcpd @MrAnthonyMorrow @KDTrey5 @russwest44 pic.twitter.com/hifYpJ8OrH
— Andy Mahbubani (@andymahbubani) May 20, 2016

“Whether they are charging admission, more security, bringing it into Cox Convention Center, we are open to ideas,” added Mahbubani.

What may be frustrating to fans is the success of similar events.

The Toronto Raptors have held what fans call "Jurassic Park" for the past three years. It attracts as many as 8,000 fans outside their arena.

“There’s been almost no problem at all,” said Dave Haggith, with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the parent company of the Toronto Raptors.

“It’s all about organization with the fan base, taking all the security measures. It’s a fantastic opportunity to reward the fans,” said Haggith, which said the Air Canada Centre’s location, makes for a controllable environment to show the playoff games outdoors.

Friday afternoon, the Thunder's spokesperson told News 9 it’s open to the idea of showing the playoff games outside again, but first needs to discuss security and the logistics to make it happen.

Karl Torp

Karl Torp anchors our weekend evening newscasts. He couldn't be more excited to call the "Sooner State" home.

The team and Oklahoma City decided the event was too dangerous after eight people were shot near the arena after a game in May of 2012.

“I think it really put us on the map,” said Thunder Fan Andy Mahbubani.

Mahbubani has started a social media effort to bring “Thunder Alley” back.

His posts have been shared around 2,000 times in a just a couple days.

Almost 2000 shares!#bringbackthunderalley @MickCornett @okcthunder @okcpd @MrAnthonyMorrow @KDTrey5 @russwest44 pic.twitter.com/hifYpJ8OrH
— Andy Mahbubani (@andymahbubani) May 20, 2016

“Whether they are charging admission, more security, bringing it into Cox Convention Center, we are open to ideas,” added Mahbubani.

What may be frustrating to fans is the success of similar events.

The Toronto Raptors have held what fans call "Jurassic Park" for the past three years. It attracts as many as 8,000 fans outside their arena.

“There’s been almost no problem at all,” said Dave Haggith, with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the parent company of the Toronto Raptors.

Friday afternoon, the Thunder's spokesperson told News 9 it’s open to the idea of showing the playoff games outside again, but first needs to discuss security and the logistics to make it happen.

","published":"2016-05-20T20:55:11.000Z","updated":"2016-05-20T23:44:39.000Z","summary":"

Four years ago, thousands of Thunder fans stood outside Chesapeake Arena as the games played on the Jumbotron.

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