Thunder Alley telecasts discontinued by OKC team
BY BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Thursday, May 24, 2012
5/24/12 at 4:45 AM
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A Thunder official announced that the team no longer will allow fans to view game telecasts within the Love's Thunder Alley zone, located immediately north of Oklahoma City's Chesapeake Energy Arena on Reno Avenue.
Following the Thunder's Game 5, series-clinching victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, eight people were wounded by gunfire in the nearby Bricktown area. Minutes earlier, an estimated total of more than 6,000 fans had watched the game on a video board in Thunder Alley.
In a decision resulting apparently from a concern for fan safety, the Thunder no longer will televise games in Thunder Alley. In the announcement released by the team on Wednesday, there was no reference to the shootings.
For three hours prior to the start of OKC home games, Reno Avenue is closed to traffic between Robinson Avenue and E.K. Gaylord Boulevard. Pregame parties include music, face-painting booths for kids and Thunder merchandise sales.
During Oklahoma City's home playoff games against the Dallas Mavericks and Lakers, large crowds watched on a video board in Thunder Alley. For remaining home playoff games - including next week's Game 3 and Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs - there will be no outdoor telecasts. The Thunder Alley pregame routine will continue unchanged.
"It's a chance in a safe, family-friendly environment for our fans to embrace the Thunder experience and get ready for the game," Dan Mahoney, the Thunder's vice president of corporate communications and community relations, was quoted as saying in the news release.
"For those with tickets, they can enter the arena when doors open.
"Other Thunder fans can enjoy the pregame entertainment and then go to their favorite viewing establishment to watch the game."
Thunder vs. Spurs
Game 1:
7:30 p.m. Sunday, at San
Antonio
TV: TNT- 29
Game 2:
8 p.m. Tuesday, at San
Antonio
TV: TNT- 29
Game 3:
8 p.m. May 31,
at OKC
TV: TNT- 29
Game 4:
7:30 p.m. June 2,
at OKC
TV: TNT- 29
Game 5:
*8 p.m. June 4, at San
Antonio
TV: TNT- 29
Game 6:
*8 p.m. June 6,
at OKC
TV: TNT- 29
Game 7:
*8 p.m. June 8, at San
Antonio
TV: TNT- 29
*if necessary; Radio: all games on KYAL-97.1
Original Print Headline: Thunder Alley video dropped
Bill Haisten 918-581-8397
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com
