Thunder dialed back energy consumption vs. Blazers

The concourses have been empty this season at Chesapeake Energy Arena with no fans allowed at Thunder games due to COVID-19 protocols, but on Tuesday night the concourses were both empty and dark.

Due to freezing temperatures that caused power outages in the area, turning off con course lighting was one measure the Thunder took to reduce power consumption during its home game Tuesday against the Trail Blazers.

In partnership with ASM Global, the company that manages the arena, and the City of Oklahoma City, the Thunder took the following steps:

• Outdoor video board turned off until further notice.

• All exterior arena signage turned off.

• Except for minimum lighting needed for safety and security, light sat entrances turned off.

• Roof lighting turned off.

•Inside the arena, concourse lighting, video panels and TVs turned off.

Basically, everything that had no impact on t he game was shut off, said Dan Mahoney, the Thunder's vice president of broadcasting and corporate communications.

Still, the decision to play the game drew outrage from many local residents who were doing their part to save power.

"As per league policy, the decision on whether tonight' s game will be played rests solely with the NBA, in consultation with local government officials," Mahoney said Tuesday afternoon. "The Thunder will follow whatever directive and guidance we receive from the NBA."

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt downplayed the city' s role in the decision.

“We did not make a decision to allow them to play or anything like that ,” Holt said Wednesday .“We did not have that discretion. Yes we own the building, but once you sign a lease with somebody you have to keep your word. There was not any additional legal authority that we possessed in this situation to override our valid lease, and I'm pleased that they were responsive to the situation and clearly stepped back their energy consumption.”