Oklahoma City Arena now named Chesapeake Energy Arena

You probably should’ve seen this one coming. The arena formerly known as the Ford Center is now the arena formerly known as Oklahoma City Arena. When the season kicks off at home Nov. 4 (hopefully), you’ll be going to Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Chesapeake of course is one of the Thunder’s biggest corporate sponsors with chairman Aubrey McClendon being a part-owner of the team. Natural fit there, I’d say.

Clay Bennett on the change: “On behalf of the entire Thunder organization, we are extremely proud to enhance our already strong partnership with Chesapeake Energy. Besides being a leader in the national and international energy industry, Chesapeake is a dynamic business and community leader in Oklahoma. Together with the Thunder’s commitment to the community, it makes the naming rights partnership a perfect fit. The Thunder looks forward to many exciting years ahead playing in Chesapeake Energy Arena in downtown Oklahoma City.”

So, how much did it cost? According to the team, it’s a 12-year naming rights agreement and has an initial annual cost of $3.0 million with a 3.0 percent annual escalation. The agreement includes Chesapeake branding throughout the building including on the basketball court, prominent premium placement on the high-definition scoreboard and new state-of-the-art interior and exterior digital signage. Most of the signage will be in place by the start of the Thunder’s 2011-12 season.

I have to say, Chesapeake Energy Center rolls off the tongue a bit better than Chesapeake Energy Arena. But whatever. It’s really the Thunderdome or Loud City, depending on your preference and that’s really what matters. Of maybe we can brainstorm a slick nickname — The Peake, Peake Arena, Aubrey World, The McClendome, and such and such.

Regardless, see you at the CEA this year. Hopefully.

this does not surprise me one bit, ever since they avoided the contract with the Ford Motors of OKC I was tellin people that the new name was probably gonna be the Devon Center/Arena or the Chesapeake Center/Arena. I’m glad to see that its gonna be an Oklahoma company thats got the naming rights cause that’s the way it should be, but I think another company like Sonic, Love’s, Bar-S, or even maybe Braums woulda been nice.

Annual Oklahoma City Sports Events : Indoor Fun Places for Kids

Since it’s formation in 1957, the Oklahoma City All Sports Association has sponsored dozens of events including the yearly Winter and Summer Sooner State Games, the Big 12 Baseball Tournament, the NCAA Women’s College World Series and the All-College. For more information on any of these events call 405-236-5000.

From late March through the middle of September you can have tons of fun by visiting the State Fair Speedway – one of the largest dirt-track events in the country. The speedway, located at State Fair Park, is a half-mile track that features races such as the Pro Stocks and Super Springs. The event takes place every Friday night at 7 pm. For tickets call 405-948-6800, or for track info: 405-948-6796.

In the spring and summer you won’t want to miss the Oklahoma Red Hawks at the Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark on Mickey Mantle Drive. The games generally start a little after 7 pm and provide great fun for the entire family.

Baseball not your thing? What about basketball? Oklahoma City has recently added the NBA to their sporting list. Watch the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets at the Ford Center. Find more info on games and dates at their website: www.hornets.com

Join thousands of other fans this spring and summer as the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz at their home games. The season runs from April to July and play-offs are in August. The home games are played at the Ford Center and you can get more info by visiting their website: www.okcyarddawgz.com or calling 405-228-3294.

What’s more exciting than hockey? The Oklahoma City Blazers thrill the fans with 35 home games, beginning in mid-October. Prices are reasonable with children and elderly receiving discounts. Get more info by calling 405-235-PUCK.

A fast scream out to roofing tulsa for bringing this Associated Content Post!

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