OMNI Hotel, local restaurants anticipating surges in business during NBA season

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Businesses downtown are booming ahead of the NBA season as the Oklahoma City Thunder gear up to take the court again.

A representative from the Omni Hotel in Scissortail Park said they are anticipating big crowds for Tuesday night's game and through the rest of the season.

"We are close to occupancy for tonight's game, and during the finals, we sold out majority of the nights.

The Omni is even boosting security as they expect to host local and visiting fans.

"Some of the things that we're doing are additional security, obviously, to handle crowd control and then additional staffing in all areas so we can be prepared for the amount of fans that come out," said Kelly Keener, Assistant General Manager of the Omni.

SPARK, the burger joint just steps away from the Paycom Center, is also prepping for hungry fans to pack their dining area before and after games.

"We're expecting to be busier than previous years. People are excited to come out early, and we have our patio bar ready, and we have a bunch of food ready," said Kyle Koessel, General Manager of SPARK.

Loud city fans traveled from near and far to witness the banner ceremony and watch the team get their bling.

Alex Daly said he and his friends flew into OKC from New Jersey for the season opener.

"We're definitely going back to back, there's no way we don't," they said.