San Antonio Spurs fans descended upon downtown Austin on Friday, marking the commencement of the NBA regular season with exuberance and anticipation. The gathering was in support of the Spurs as they prepared for their I-35 Series matchup against the Houston Rockets at the Moody Center.
This game is part of the Spurs’ initiative to broaden their presence along the Interstate 35 corridor, with the franchise actively hosting games and community events throughout Central Texas.
Leading up to the game, the Spurs organized various activities across Austin, culminating in a lively pregame celebration at Scholz Garten. Fans flocked to the downtown area, eager to enjoy live music from a local DJ, pick up team merchandise, and participate in giveaways.
“Every year we come by, and we always leave with a handful of little neat stuff to collect throughout the years,” said Ricardo Gerarde, a fan who traveled from North Texas. “And when we’re married, we’ll still be coming to the Spurs games. Hopefully, I can keep the tradition going with the little ones.”
Enthusiastic supporters donned team gear, hopeful for a strong performance after a disappointing loss to Oklahoma City in their season opener. Fan Chelly Bell expressed unwavering loyalty, stating, “I will never give up on my team, and they haven’t given up on me either. There’s something about the smaller, homegrown, awesome watch parties that just really makes you feel like a little Spurs family.”
Some fans took their enthusiasm to another level in hopes of boosting the team’s morale. Trey Cuddihy dressed as a nun, emulating the beloved “Spurs Nuns” who have become fixtures at games. “We lost our season opener, so we thought, what is the best thing that we can contribute to our team? We show up as the nun, we bring the good vibes, and we make sure that we win,” Cuddihy explained.
The I-35 Series continues to attract supporters from across Texas, with fans traveling from various cities to partake in the excitement. One attendee from Dallas noted that while collecting team memorabilia and traveling can be costly, experiencing the games live is priceless.
With sellout crowds anticipated as the Spurs split select home games between San Antonio and Austin, fans believe the vibrant atmosphere underscores the strength of the Central Texas basketball community.
