The San Antonio Spurs are heading home tied 1-1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals and San Antonio officials are planning a series of downtown watch parties to rally behind the silver and black.
The City of San Antonio Downtown Office announced Friday it will host free public watch parties for Games 3, 4 and 5 of the series at locations across downtown and the East Side.
“We are so excited to keep up this momentum in Downtown San Antonio,” Chief Downtown Officer Shanon Shea Miller said in a statement. “Let’s show Oklahoma City what San Antonio is all about!”
The Spurs split the first two games of the Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City earlier this week.
In Game 1, Victor Wembanyama recorded 41 points and 24 rebounds as San Antonio defeated the Thunder 122-115 in double overtime to steal home-court advantage in the series opener.
Oklahoma City responded in Game 2 with a 122-113 win Wednesday night to even the best-of-seven series at one game apiece heading into Friday’s matchup in San Antonio.
The winner of the series will advance to the NBA Finals and face either the New York Knicks or the Cleveland Cavaliers. New York currently leads that Eastern Conference Finals series 2-0.
Game 3
The watch party for Game 3 will take place Friday at La Zona, located at 333 W. Commerce St., where a playoff pop-up will run from noon ahead of the 7:30 p.m. tipoff. The event is weather permitting.
Food and drink vendors will open at 6:30 p.m. Organizers said guests are encouraged to bring chairs, though coolers and ice chests will not be allowed.
Game 4
The watch party for Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at Legacy Park, located at 103 W. Houston St., ahead of the 7 p.m. tipoff. The event is also weather permitting.
Food and drink vendors will open at 6:30 p.m. Outside food and beverages will be permitted for Game 4, though glass containers and confetti are prohibited. Guests are also encouraged to bring chairs.
Game 5
The watch party for Game 5 will take place Tuesday at The Espee, located at 1174 E. Commerce St., on the East Side ahead of the 7:30 p.m. tipoff.
Unlike the first two events, the Game 5 watch party will take place rain or shine. Organizers said guests are encouraged to bring chairs, though coolers and ice chests will not be permitted.
Concessions will be available for purchase, but cash will not be accepted. Bags up to 4.5” x 6.5” are permitted at The Espee, as well as clear bags up to 12” x 6” x 12”. Exceptions are allowed for diaper bags and bags for medical equipment. The venue will not hold prohibited bags.
The first 50 attendees will also receive an exclusive Spurs playoff giveaway.
Where to park
City officials are encouraging fans heading downtown for the watch parties to plan ahead due to expected crowds and traffic around the events.
Drivers can find city-owned parking garages and lots through the city’s SAPark system, though event parking rates of up to $15 may be in effect during busy weekends.
The St. Mary’s Garage, located at 205 E. Travis St., and the City Tower Garage, located at 60 N. Flores St., are both located near downtown event areas.
The city offers free parking Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. at city-owned parking facilities for Downtown Tuesday’s, while City Tower Sundays provides free parking Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage.
Officials recommend using public transportation, rideshare services, taxis, biking or walking when possible. Fans are encouraged to check traffic conditions before leaving for the events.
For those using public transportation, nearby VIA Metropolitan Transit offers its Link ride-share service within the downtown zone for $1.30 per ride, as well as Park & Ride options for certain large events.
