Paycom Center tops list of burial wishes for Oklahoma sports fans

TL;DR

A recent survey reveals that many Oklahoma sports fans prefer having their ashes scattered at Paycom Center, home of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. Emotional connections to teams and venues drive this unique burial wish.

Key points

Survey reveals burial wishes of Oklahoma sports fans
26% choose Paycom Center for ashes scattering
Emotional memories and team loyalty drive choices
Paycom Center linked to identity and community
Fans willing to bend rules for their wishes

Mentioned in this story

Paycom Center

Oklahoma City Thunder

Where would you like your ashes scattered?

Many Oklahomans would choose to stay with their favorite sports team for eternity, quite literally following their passion to the grave.

According to a survey by SportsbookReview.com in which 3,013 sports fans questioned, 26% said that emotional memories drove their choice, 25% due to lifelong support for the team, 19% because it would be meaningful to their surviving loved ones, 17% for feeling like the arena or stadium is a second home and 13% because the team represents part of their identity.

And yes, even if it wasn't allowed, some fans said they would be willing to bend the rules.

So where would most Oklahoma sports fans choose to spend their afterlife? The home of the 2025 NBA Champions.

Fans wait to cross a street outside Paycom Center as fans gathered at Scissortail Park before Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoff between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns in Oklahoma City, Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Paycom Center, Oklahoma City

The Paycom Center, home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, tops the list of where Oklahoma sports fans would choose to scatter their remains.

Oklahoma City had never truly had a professional sports team to call its own before the Thunder moved to the city in 2008, and since then, with the team's success continuously on the rise, the passion has only grown. The arena has become one of the loudest arenas in the NBA, giving the team one of the best home-court advantages in the league.

Q&A

What percentage of Oklahoma sports fans want their ashes scattered at Paycom Center?

The survey indicates that a significant portion of Oklahoma sports fans, specifically 26%, expressed a desire to have their ashes scattered at Paycom Center.

Why do fans choose to have their ashes scattered at sports venues?

Fans cite emotional memories, lifelong support for their team, and the significance of the venue to their identity as key reasons for their choice.

What is the significance of the Paycom Center for Oklahoma sports fans?

Paycom Center is considered a second home for many fans and is associated with their favorite team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, enhancing its emotional value.

What other reasons do fans give for their burial wishes related to sports teams?

In addition to emotional connections, fans mentioned wanting to honor their loved ones and the meaningfulness of the venue as reasons for their burial wishes.