Stars come out for Thunder opener

BY BERRY TRAMEL | Published: October 29, 2008 | Modified: October 30, 2008 at 7:57 am

lahoma City is a great city.”

* Singer/songwriter Graham Colton, who performed the national anthem and at halftime. “This is really special for me, being born and raised here,” said Colton, the high school quarterback for Wes Welker at Heritage Hall. “I was very honored. Last time I played here (the Ford Center), I played with John Mellencamp. Two sold-out houses, that’s pretty good.”

* Gov. Brad Henry, who sat on the baseline with his wife and two youngest daughters. “This is fabulous,” Henry said. “This is a great thing for Oklahoma. The whole state. Tonight’s event is a bi-partisan event. Democrats and Republicans sitting next to each other, cheering for someone.”

* Seattle attorney Brad Keller, whose courtroom theatrics helped Bennett win a settlement to get out of his KeyArena lease and move the franchise to OKC. “It’s great to be here,” Keller said. “Fantastic. So much fun to see the excitement. Everyone turned it up a few notches. We’ll be back next year. I want to see (the Ford Center) after it’s remodeled.”

* Olympic gold medalist Bart Conner.

* OU basketball coaches Jeff Capel and Sherri Coale.

* Athletic directors Mike Holder (Oklahoma State) and Joe Castiglione (OU).

* OSU president Burns Hargis.

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