The Big 12 Fan's Guide to OKC

by ccmachine on Mar 7, 2007 2:30 PM CST in Basketball

The Big 12 women's tournament is already in their second day and the men are less than 24 hours from tipping off. So for all of you heading to my home city to watch the tournaments let me give you a quick tour.

Ford Center

The Ford Center where the men's tournament is hosted is also home to the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets of the NBA. It is located just off I-40 and is easily within walking distance of several downtown hotels and restaurants. If you wanted to you could stay downtown and never have to drive to see the game or to get food. There are several entertainment options within walking distance of the Ford Center as well.

As far as the arena itself goes it is a great one, except for the fact that the seats leave you little foot room especially if you have long legs. But you're supposed to stand anyway to watch your team, unless of course you are a Colorado fan in which it is fully acceptable to show up with a paper sack over your head and sit in the corner.

There isn't a bad seat in the Ford Center. If you are lower level you can almost be right on top of the action and if you are in the upper level you won't need binoculars unless you are already extremely near sighted.

Lodging

Like I said earlier there are several places to stay in downtown Oklahoma City within walking distance from the Ford Center. The Courtyard is literally next door. However, if you haven't already made your reservations you most likely won't get one and if you do it'll cost you an arm and a leg plus your first born child.

If you can't stay downtown then the next two most likely choices for you would be NW OKC or just south of OKC in Moore both are 15-20 minute drives from downtown. Warning: Anyone coming from Austin, if you stay in Moore you'll be extremely close to Norman.

Bricktown

When not watching basketball Bricktown is where you'll want to be. Located just east of the Ford Center Bricktown offers all the entertainment and dining you could want. Here's a quick rundown of the food options.