Tulsa Sports Bar Opens On Christmas Day For Thunder Tipoff

Oklahoma's economy gets a big present. The curtain on the NBA season is finally lifted and the Oklahoma City Thunder take to the hardwood.

News on Six was at the Blue Rose where fans are finally saying "Thunder Up," and managers are responding with "ka-ching!"

A lot of restaurants and sports bars don't open on Christmas Day. But when the owners here at the Blue Rose found out the Thunder got a coveted Christmas Day opening game at home against the Orlando Magic, they gladly cashed in on the NBA's long-awaited tip-off.

Managers say the success and popularity of Oklahoma's college football teams kept the bar busy throughout the fall. But once the bowl games are over, the only local team left to root for is the Thunder.

If the NBA lockout wiped out the entire season, it would have been a rough winter and spring for sports bars. But now, it's shaping up to be an unforgettable season.

The sports world heavily favors the Thunder to clinch the Western Conference for a shot at the NBA finals.

Fans in the cheap seats hope that happens, too. But for now, they are just thankful to spend Christmas with the Thunder.