Paycom is bringing Empire Slice House, seat upgrades to Thunder games. Here's what we know
When the Oklahoma City Thunder welcomes fans back to Paycom Center for their regular season home opener at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, they'll have a number of things to show off.
Among the changes fans can expect are additions to the menu from Levy Restaurants and partnerships with new vendors as well as upgrades to the arena itself.
Changes to Paycom Center for the 2023-24 Thunder Season
One change fans may notice visually at Paycom Center is a new and improved scoreboard, replacing the scoreboard that had been in the arena since 2009.
"It's a really exciting addition to the game experience, to be able to watch the game, be able to see some of the video content and to really have that first-class, big league experience," said Dan Mahoney, vice president of broadcasting and corporate communications.
The changes don't stop there though, as Paycom has replaced all of the seats in the arena, which were original from 2002, and added new seats including improved angles for better sightlines from corners. Along with the new corner "geometry" there is a new upgraded premium seating experience at the half-court line.
Fans also may notice a new art installation created by Simple Modern on the northeast club level landing. Simple Modern and the Thunder are partnered this season and 10% of any product purchase made at Thunder games will go toward sustainability education.
New food vendors and menu items for the 2023-24 Thunder season
Levy Restaurants, which are known for their brand partnerships that allow them to bring first-class dining to stadiums, arenas and more, have partnered with Oklahoma City's 84 Hospitality Group to bring the city's beloved New York-style pizza shop, Empire Slice House, to Paycom.
"We're also thrilled to be part of the Paycom Center family and can't wait to bring the Empire Slice House experience to sports and concert fans coming from near and far," said Rachel Cope, founder and CEO of 84 Hospitality Group.
Cope said Empire will feature a Rumble's slice of the game, in addition to standard pepperoni and cheese pies, an Italian chopped salad and garlic knots. The first pie debuting for Sunday is the Rumbles Rancher — pepperoni, bacon, Canadian bacon and ricotta. Empire will be located at Section 115.
More: Rise of an Empire: Plaza pizza spot that sparked a dozen concepts celebrates 10 years
In addition to Empire, Paycom will have Cupbop, Korean barbecue in a cup, which can be found at Sections 102 and 222 and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, located at Section 107.
More: Hungry for OU football? Here are 9 new food and drink items you'll find at OU home games
Levy's chefs also have worked to create a selection of new food items for the season at Paycom Center in addition to those offered by Empire, Cupbop and Freddy's.
New menu items and tips to help locate them are listed below.
Smoked Green Chile Pork Mac and Cheese: Michelob Ultra Club, Section 116.
MIO Dog (Black pepper sausage, pulled pork, tobacco onions, Seikel's mustard, La Baguette bun): MIO Cart, Section 113.
The Cheeta-Elote Dog (Footlong corndog rolled in Cheetos): Baseline, Section 118.
PB&J Sandwich (Pulled pork, brisket and jalapeno sausage topped with slaw): Blue Pit BBQ, Section 225.
Elote dip with house-made tortilla chips and pretzels: Jack Daniel's Old #7, Section 116.
Cuban grilled cheese: Full Court Press, Section 120.
Off The Block baked potato (Barbecue-stuffed baked potato): Chop-n-Block, Section 317.
The Big 3 (Rumble popcorn chicken, loaded nachos, black pepper sausage): Baseline, Schwab's and Loud City Grille, multiple locations.
Levy's Famous Dessert Cart: 200's Level.
Club Special and Island Punch cocktails: Multiple locations.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What's new in food and beyond at Paycom Center for the Thunder season
