Oklahoma City Thunder Boosts City's Economy

Regardless of the outcome of their game Wednesday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder has been a hit financially again this season for themselves, as well as for Oklahoma City.

The city said 41 home games translated into a direct economic impact each game of $1.5 million. Do the math.

City Special Projects Director Tom Anderson said “It creates jobs in the tourism based economy, and it generates sales tax for the state and the city, and it creates an image for Oklahoma City you just can't place a dollar value on.”

Deep Deuce Urban Johnnie Owner Rick Haynes said Thunder games this year have meant a 50 percent increase in sales on game days. “And even away games help our business because people come here to watch the game,” he said.

Bricktown Brewery Assistant General Manager Garrett Sullivan said the Thunder's previous deep playoff runs have helped Bricktown Brewery increase its sales $1.3 million over just four years ago. “It's something we just can't do without,” he said.