Some fans say the atmosphere downtown near the Chesapeake Energy Arena wasn't the same without the Thunder Alley watch party.
The eyes of the nation were upon us Thursday night, and so was an army of officers.
Some fans leaving the arena after the game say they felt safer without the big crowds outside.Rusty Surette, News 9
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma City Thunder broke San Antonio's 20-game winning streak with a dominating 102-82 victory in game three.
5/31/2012 Related Story: Thunder Snaps Spurs Streak, Snatches Game Three
News 9 spoke with several Thunder fans after the game. Some fans say the atmosphere downtown near the Chesapeake Energy Arena wasn't the same without the Thunder Alley watch party.
It was the first home game since the shooting happened in Bricktown, and all the changes were put in place.
The eyes of the nation were upon us Thursday night, and so was an army of officers. All of them were there to keep fans safe.
5/31/2012 Related Story: Big Changes Coming To Bricktown Following Shooting
There was certainly a different feeling in the air Thursday night compared to previous playoff games. That's because the Thunder Alley festivities and watch party were nixed following several shootings in Bricktown earlier this month.
5/22/2012 Related Story: OKC Officials: Thunder Alley Watch Party Cannot Continue In Current Form
News 9 talked with fans both inside and out Thursday night. Some say it's a shame it had to be scaled back. Others leaving the arena after the game say they felt safer without the big crowds outside.
"Leaving the game tonight was a lot different from leaving the game the other night. I was here with my 15 year old son, and when we walked outside, we knew something was up when we came outside. There were a lot of people everywhere. So, it was nice to come out and not have the crowd tonight," Thunder fan Jerold Smith said.
An estimated 140 officers were in the Bricktown area Thursday night.
The Thunder Alley pre-game festivities are still on. It's just the large watch party and activities during the game that have been axed.
