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Power Rankings: NBA Arenas

By Luke Dahlgren

Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; A general view outside of the venue during a practice day before the first round of the NCAA men
Mar 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; A general view outside of the venue during a practice day before the first round of the NCAA men /

#12 – Chesapeake Energy Arena – Oklahoma City Thunder

The Name: Oklahoma City, OK is 1,194 miles away from the Chesapeake Bay. I propose that the Verizon Center and the Chesapeake Energy Arena switch sponsorships in order to remove confusion for travel plans. Much like “The Q” and the proposition for “The Viv”, this could be called “The Chez”. 4/10

The Aesthetics: How much do you like the Thunder’s shade of blue? You will get a TON of it from the design on the court to the glow of the scoreboard to the giant video board outside of the arena. I don’t mind the hue myself, but it’s far too overused here. (Of course, it is much better than the vomitorium of color the Thunder use otherwise).

The Experience: Successful small market teams provide some of the best experiences in sports, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are no exception. The Chez is LOUD, and in playoff series the zeal of the fans will build on itself. It helps that, win or lose, the Thunder tend to inspire exciting games.

Overview: This arena is bad in all of the superficial qualities, yet thoroughly enjoyable as a game experience.

Next: #11

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