Thunder Fever: OKC restaurants, bars prepping for NBA Finals Game 7
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma City bars and restaurants say they'll be ready to welcome thousands of fans cheering on the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 7 of the NBA Finals Sunday.
Many bars and restaurants in the metro on Thursday were packed with long lines, according to multiple News 4 crews covering watch parties. One popular spot, Fassler Hall, with a line stretching well past the restaurant and bar's entrance Thursday.
"Every time we've upped our staff, our security," said Fassler Hall Event Manager Jamie Tompkins. "We've had to double, triple order food, alcohol, just to make sure we're ready for everybody."
Tompkins said Fassler Hall was packed by 5 p.m. Thursday, just a few hours before the game started. She said that's been a common theme for every Thunder game, and that Fassler Hall won't be changing up its strategy heading into Sunday.
"We've got all the staff scheduled," said Tompkins. "We've ordered all the food and all the alcohol. So we're ready for everybody."
News 4 spoke with Social Capital General Manager Ryan Noe Thursday night, who told crews his beer garden saw more people than it's ever seen all at once, comparing it to a holiday party crowd.
He said Social Capital will likely have to pivot on Sunday to accommodate the extra fans.
"We'll probably have to add a couple of satellite bars outside, but yeah, I mean, there's only so much we can do," said Noe. "Both bars, kitchens, everything was just completely maxed out."
Noe says it's all been worth it, calling the economic impact the NBA Finals games have created, huge.
"We're talking thousands of dollars for everybody around here, and it's just helping, and at a time that, it's a tough industry, you know," said Noe. "So, at a time where it's much needed, especially local businesses, it's huge."
Both Fassler Hall and Social Capital teams say the Oklahoma City Thunder should have everything they need to pull off a win Sunday, including massive support systems all across the metro.
"The home crowd is everything," said Noe. "I think that'll be the difference."