NBA Playoffs Brings In Millions, Boosts Business In OKC

The excitement around the NBA playoffs is here in OKC for the first time in years.

"It feels energetic, it feels electric," Sue Hollenbeck, the city's special projects manager, said.

She says the city has been preparing for this. "We're always talking about the playoffs no matter what happens."

Being the only professional sports team in the state, Hollenbeck says the Thunder's playoff run is raking in a lot of revenue. "Every game is going to bring in a million plus per game," she said. "Every game and every round is going to bring in just a little bit more and more."

More tourists and more media means more business for everyone. "Absolutely it trickles down to the rest of the city," Hollenbeck said.

It trickles down to local spots like Fassler Hall. "Yeah, so we pack out," Fassler Hall General Manager Chad Peoples said.

Their business nearly doubles on gameday. "Especially when those games are on Mondays or Tuesdays, it's definitely way busier here than it normally is on a Tuesday," Peoples said.

He says he’s noticed the energy is different this time around. "You can feel it’s back to pre-covid times of everybody getting excited and the energy in here is electric for sure," he said.

So, yes, it brings in money and business, but for Thunder fans, it's so much more. "It's probably one of the most fun teams, basketball or otherwise, to watch and it's just so much fun," Hollenbeck added.

The next Thunder playoff game is scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 p.m.