Oklahoma City Thunder
Updated: Aug 30
Oklahoma City Thunder Travel Guide: Paycom Center
How to Get There
Flying In: You will fly into Will Rogers World Airport (OKC). It is incredibly easy to navigate and heavily serviced by major domestic carriers like Southwest Airlines, making it a very quick and affordable flight from most major hubs.
Airport Transit: The airport is located just a few miles southwest of the city center. Grabbing a 15-minute Uber or Lyft directly from the terminal to your downtown hotel is highly efficient and inexpensive.
Where to Stay
Paycom Center sits right on the edge of the central business district and the vibrant Bricktown entertainment area. Staying in this immediate footprint gives you fantastic walkability to the arena, parks, and dining.
Budget/Mid-Range Options
Hyatt Place Oklahoma City / Bricktown: Located right in the heart of the district, this is a highly reliable option that includes a free hot breakfast and puts you a short walk away from the arena. Redemptions typically range from 5,000 to 8,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Colcord Hotel Oklahoma City: Situated just steps from the arena, this historic, beautifully restored boutique hotel provides upscale comforts and easy access to nearby gardens. Redemptions generally require 40,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Higher-End Options
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel: You cannot beat this location. This massive, stunning luxury hotel sits directly across the street from the arena and overlooks the massive downtown park. It features multiple high-end restaurants, a fantastic rooftop pool deck, and is the absolute premier launchpad for a Thunder weekend.
Nearby Activities
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: Located just a short walk north of the arena, this breathtaking and deeply moving memorial honors the victims of the 1995 Murrah Building bombing. The outdoor reflection pool and surrounding grounds are an absolute must-visit.
Scissortail Park: Located directly across the street from the arena doors, this massive 70-acre urban park features walking trails, an outdoor roller rink, and plenty of green space. It is a fantastic spot to take a morning walk or relax before heading to the game.
Pregame Food and Drink
Spark: Situated right inside the park just steps from the arena, this highly popular spot serves incredible burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard. It has a great outdoor patio and is perfect for a quick pregame meal.
Fassler Hall: Located a short rideshare away in Midtown, this massive German-style beer hall features fantastic sausages, an extensive local craft beer list, and a lively communal atmosphere.
Bricktown Brewery: If you want to stay near the arena footprint, this historic multi-level brewery offers great local draft beers and standard pub fare, getting completely packed with Thunder fans before tip-off.
Getting to the Event
OKC Streetcar: The streetcar system connects the downtown core directly to the surrounding entertainment areas. You can ride the transit loops, which have stops located just a few blocks from the arena entrances.
Walking: If you secure a hotel anywhere in the central business district, walking is the easiest and most reliable option. The sidewalks are wide, safe, and generally very pleasant during the NBA season.
Driving: Driving downtown is generally much easier than in other major NBA markets. If you drive, utilize the massive underground parking garages directly adjacent to the arena to bypass any surface lot crowding.
Where to Sit at Paycom Center
The Thunder Bench: The home team sits in front of Sections 116 and 117.
Away Fans: If you are traveling to support the visiting team, you want to target Sections 114 and 115, which sit directly behind the visitor's bench.
The Premium Club Experience: Look for seats in the Club Level (200-level), which provide access to exclusive, less-crowded concourses, upgraded food options, and elevated mid-level sightlines. For an even closer premium view, look for sideline Courtside Club tickets.
The Sweet Spot: Paycom Center is known for having one of the loudest, most intense atmospheres in the NBA (dubbed "Loud City"). To get great lower-bowl energy without center-court prices, look at the corner sections, specifically Sections 110, 111, 120, or 121.
The Budget Seats: The 300-level (Loud City) provides the most affordable tickets and the loudest, most rowdy fan experience. For the best balance of price and center-court views, aim for the lower rows of Sections 315-317 or 328-330.
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