Since 2002, The San Antonio Spurs and the San Antonio Rampage have called the AT&T Center home. But for the Friday night game vs. the Golden State Warriors, the San Antonio Spurs played the game at the Alamodome, setting a NBA attendance record at 68,323 fans. But many would ask why? The move was a way to commemorate the Spurs franchise’s 50th year. The San Antonio Spurs called the Alamodome home from 1993 to 2002, before moving to the new AT&T Center.
The Stars, the energy and the fans showed up for the spectacular event; however, the young up-start Spurs were no match for Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors who blew San Antonio out 144-113. Although the game went about the way that many analysts had predicted, the night was more about the 50th celebration and the attendance record. To be quite honest, it was a major look for the NBA and commissioner Adam Silver.
The buzz around the City of San Antonio was incredible. San Antonio’s number one news station KSAT was on location with their award winning sports team of Steve Spriester, David Sears, RJ Marquez and Greg Simmons covering the pre-game activities and excitement. From limited edition Spurs merchandise, to parties all around the Alamodome, the festive city showed up, and out! Corporate Sponsor and all-time Texas favorite grocery store, H-E-B had a plethora of activities in support at the H-E-B plaza which included a concert where ‘Tag Team’ performed live. Promediabank’s own chief correspondent, Knick George was on the scene and reported, “I’ve never seen this many people assembled in San Antonio for a sports event; the vibe is incredible.”
The previous record for a NBA regular season game was 62,046, set by the Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks in the Georgia Dome in 1998. Of course Michael Jordan was at his peak and the main attraction. Spurs legend and Hall of Famer David Robinson came to center court before the fourth quarter began and announced the attendance to the home fans accompanied by The Spurs Coyote holding up a sign with 68,323. The crowd erupted as Robinson stated, “Spurs fans, we have again set the standard for the league.” The chants of “Go Spurs, Go” echoed throughout the Alamodome. Spurs alumni were in the house; Tony Parker, Becky Hammon and Manu Ginobili were all in attendance. The Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who was instrumental in two of the Spurs championships was front and center. The crowd gave him a warm ovation as he was introduced in the video on the jumbotron. Steve Kerr would later state, “They played the video and introduced me, and to get the ovation from nearly 68k fans gave me chills, it was really a special night… Feeling the way I did, I know how fortunate I was to be part of the Spurs organization.” Warriors star Stephen Curry added, “It was awesome, It was cool to see the Spurs recognize their 50-year history and all the great moments, the success and championships they’ve had and the greats were in the building.”
San Antonio Spurs standout and star player, Keldon Johnson stated, “Obviously, I hate to lose, but with the turnout, how can you be mad. The Spurs fan base surpassed anything we could imagine. That made tonight special.” Unfortunately, the Spurs will return to the AT&T Center to resume play, but the team is in awe of the love and support they’ve received from the fans. While hosting one of the worst records in franchise history (13-29) the team has alot to hand their hats on. The San Antonio Spurs are one of the youngest teams in the league with plenty of up-side going into the 2023 season.
The current roster can at least hang on their mantle that they were a part of history. The Spurs began their storied tenure at the HemisFair Arena in 1973 before coming to the Alamodome in 1973. As a matter of fact, it was at the Alamodome that the franchise won their first NBA championship in 1999. Overall, the 50th celebration of one of the most pure sports franchises in the world will forever be remembered. Even though the beloved San Antonio Spurs took a beating, at least the home fans got to see the Golden State Warriors who are without a doubt the reigning champions and the gold standard of winning. The day will go down in epiphany as El día de las grandes espuelas de san antonio.
