$14.5 million Thunder practice facility won't be ready before season

The state-of-the-art practice facility will underscore the franchise's focus on players.

"Our organization starting with our ownership group, are committed to building, enhancing and sustaining an elite basketball operation," said general manager Sam Presti. "Our hope is this building puts both our players and staff in position to maximize their roles."

Originally scheduled to open in late September when training camp begins, adjusted estimates have the Thunder Training Center being completed in November or December.

Add-ons have delayed construction, but the primary reason the project is behind schedule is 50-plus days lost to weather issues, including near record snow fall last winter.

"There weren't many days for several months that there wasn't any standing water somewhere at this job site," said project manager John Russell. "It was a terrible winter to try and get it out of the ground. That's just part of business. You deal with the weather the best you can."

Located near Broadway Extension and Britton Road, the new practice facility will feature two full-length practice courts, state-of-the-art weight equipment, basketball offices, a players' lounge, locker room, hyrdotherapy pools and a 27-seat theater team meeting room to watch film.