Thunder playoff stint benefits Ponca City economy

A revolution has started around the state.

This revolution begin in 2008 and is known as the Oklahoma City Thunder.

NBA playoff season has became a statewide party, where groups gather at sports bars to Thunder Up.

Ponca City doesn’t offer many sports bars, but it seems many have found a good seat for the game at Ground Round Grill and Bar.

General Manager, Darnell Harris said they see a significant increase on game nights.

“On a game night we usually do two to three thousand dollars more,” Harris said.

Which means about 100 more people walk through their doors when the Thunder hit the court.

Other bars like UnWINEd haven’t experienced any significant increase, but say in previous years it’s the finals that bring the crowd in

This year marks the fourth time the Thunder has made it to the playoffs and the third time to compete in the Western Conference Finals.

Game two of the conference finals is tonight against the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma is hoping history repeats itself.

The Thunder beat the Spurs in 2012, which lead the team to its one shot at the finals, where the Miami Heat came out on top.

Although the state would love to see a Championship, bars are still banking from making it this far.

People do splurge on dinners and appetizers during games, but Harris said the biggest money making item is beer.

“We sell about 50 percent more beer on game days," Harris said.

Tip off is at 8 tonight.

If the Thunder take this series they will either rematch the Heat in the finals or meet up with the Indiana Pacers.

Visit our poll cast your prediction on who will compete for the NBA Championship.