Fire at Lloyd Noble Center: A Concessions Vendor's Unexpected Start
A new concessions vendor, Kristian Alexander, had a surprising start to his job at the Lloyd Noble Center when a popcorn machine caught fire between Sections 222 and 223 during a basketball game. The incident was captured on live TV by ESPN cameras, causing a brief pause in the game as officials dealt with the situation. The fire, which could be seen from various parts of the arena, was quickly extinguished by activating the arena sprinklers on the concourse.
The timing of the fire was notable as it occurred on the last day of long-time OU athletic director Joe Castiglione's tenure, just before the arrival of his replacement, Roger Denny. The incident also came shortly after the Oklahoma Supreme Court's decision to move forward with plans for a new arena as part of the Rock Creek Entertainment District. Despite recent challenges, including a ceiling leak during a women's basketball game, the Lloyd Noble Center managed to avert a potential disaster with the quick response of employees and security personnel.
Following the fire, security guards evacuated the affected sections and adjacent areas while fans were reseated in other parts of the arena. Alexander praised the effective communication among staff members, ensuring a safe and timely evacuation of spectators. Despite the interruption, the game between Oklahoma and Georgia resumed, with the Sooners facing a halftime deficit of 43-41. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and teamwork in handling unexpected emergencies at public events.