A Young Thunder Fan's First Game in Chesapeake Energy Arena

Dec 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) defend Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second quarter at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It all started with a letter on July 6th. Now a young OKC Thunder fan is chronicling his adventures during his first visit in Oklahoma City.

Today was my second day in the wonderful town of Oklahoma City. The first day was filled with nothing but surprises; this was the day that truly mattered. I finally got to step in Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Let me tell you….anything I type from here on out will not do how I felt justice. Surreal is an understatement. But I’ll give it a shot.

First things first, the Thunder won in one of their best performances of the season. They looked awful in their previous two games without Victor Oladipo, and it was feasible to think they would drop a third straight tonight. But the way they responded-especially Russell “Cyborg” Westbrook-was incredible.

It had everything to do with the Cincinnati Kid being in attendance.

I’m not here to provide analysis of the game. I’ll do that for the other 81 games this season (and hopefully countless seasons in the future). This was MY night. These are MY experiences. And dang was it better than I could ever have imagined.

When I walked into the arena I was eerily calm. Maybe that was because a similar trip to New Orleans two winters ago ended with the Saints disappointing me. Maybe I’m just growing up. God I hope I’m not growing up.

The first stop was the Thunder team store. Almost all of my Thunder gear was Kevin Durant apparel; needless to say that had to change.

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I copped a nice Victor Oladipo t-shirt, cementing the NBA’s best singer as my favorite OKC player. (Word to Dipo, please don’t break my heart like the last guy.) I also bought a beautiful ski cap that I refuse to take off because A) it is wildly comfortable and B) the Thunder are 1-0 since I put it on.

People noticed my sign, I talked to some natives, passed out a few business cards, then went to my seat. I couldn’t miss the player intros, that would be sacrilegious. Any nerves I had dissolved at that moment; I was just happy to finally be in a place where being a Thunder fan was normal.

The pregame atmosphere was nuts. I’ve been to NBA games in Indiana, Cleveland and New Orleans but NOTHING compares to Oklahoma City. It was like a college game. I finally felt everything I had felt through the television the last eight years; Thunder Nation is truly where I belong.

The game tipped and I couldn’t have asked for a better performance. I got to see Russ do something that hasn’t been done in 18 years. I got to see the play of the year live. It’s like he knew I was going to be there (no really I think he did).

I’m 19-years old and  when that play happened my voice cracked like puberty had just hit me again. And that’s before I got to see the small intricacies: Dipo dancing, Russ posing in the air, Tyler Ulis and Devin Booker just watching in disbelief of what just happened. I throw shade at Russ, but golly that man is incredible.

The best part of the experience, however, was everything non-basketball related that happened.

May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; A member of the Oklahoma City Thunder storm chasers spirit team entertains fans prior to action against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Around the second quarter, a member of the Storm Chasers came up to personally give me one of the t-shirts they throw during a timeout. She said she noticed my sign and thought I deserved the shirt (and more importantly the free Cane’s meal); she proceeded to give me her Thunder bracelet as well.

That interaction basically sums up the people of Oklahoma City: everyone here is so kind. If the rest of the world acted like they do in Oklahoma City, this world would be in a much better place. But I digress.

Next, one of the coolest moments of my short career happened. A man named Ferris (Ferris if you’re reading this I told you I got you!!) asked me why we drove 842 miles. “Been a Thunder fan…run a blog…here’s my card.” And guess what?!?!

FERRIS ALREADY FOLLOWED US ON TWITTER AND HAD READ MY WORK. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Ferris was a dope dude, we talked some Thunder basketball, it was super cool. Shoutout Ferris.

And finally, the cherry on top of it all. The game was nearing the end and my attempts to get on the Jumbotron had failed. But the wonderful people around me began pointing to my sign with me AND YA BOY MADE IT ON WITH LESS THAN FOUR MINUTES TO GO.

Look above Steven Adams’ left shoulder and you’ll see a very blurry image of an orange shirt-wearer pointing at “842 miles.” Have I mentioned that I love the people of Oklahoma City?

It all was just too perfect.

The Thunder played great, I met someone who already knew about Thunderous Intentions, I got free apparel…what more could I ask for?

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One last thing though. Afterwards, we went to Earl’s Rib Palace in Bricktown. The staff, like everyone else in Oklahoma City, was so nice even though we came in justttttttt as they were closing early due to inclement weather. As a former restaurant employee, I can tell you that interaction is no fun. But they didn’t seem to mind one bit.

Oh and the food? It was out of this world. I’m actually finishing up the leftovers of my smoked chicken breast sandwich as I type. Have I mentioned that I love Oklahoma City?

I’ve been here two days, and I already feel one with the community. It’s truly incredible how welcoming everyone here is.

To the City of Portland: Thank you for passing on Kevin Durant nine years ago. You may be a neat place, but Oklahoma City and the Thunder organization is where my heart belongs.

This is only my second day in Oklahoma City. I have two more, plus ANOTHER game to watch Monday. But I can honestly say the 12 hour drive down has already been worth it.