Thunder Celebrates Milestone With One Millionth Fan

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A woman from Choctaw received a big surprise before the start of Friday's Thunder game.

Kimberlan Alley was named the Thunder's one millionth home game fan at the Ford Center Friday night as the Thunder prepared to face off with the Detroit Pistons.

Alley, her husband, and two grandsons became the center of the Thunder's historic celebration.

"Oh my gosh. I'm overwhelmed. This is our first time bringing our grandkids. So, yeah, they're kind of overwhelmed. They don't know what's going on, but this is awesome," Alley said.

Alley and her family were greeted by Rumble and the Thunder Girls and received courtside tickets to the game.

The team also gave Alley a customized "millionth fan" jersey, restaurant gift cards, free Kids Club memberships, a team-autographed Thunder basketball, autographed player photos, a suite for a future home game, a free Rumble appearance to the event of their choice, a pair of KD2 Nike shoes and Nike Hyperized shoes, as well as Thunder merchandise.

The Thunder reached the milestone in just 55 home games dating back to Opening Night, 2008. Twenty-seven of those games have been sold out.

"We couldn't be happier to have a million fans in only 55 home games. That's quite an accomplishment, and what it really says is that the community has really embraced the team. There's a love affair about the Thunder, and we couldn't be happier to celebrate that moment tonight," said Brian Byrnes, Sr. VP of the Oklahoma City Thunder.