Fans of the San Antonio Spurs are headed for a spot in the NBA record books Friday as the team makes a return to the Alamodome, its home from 1993 to 2002.
The “Back Home in the Dome” game is the highlight of the Spurs’ celebration of its 50th year in San Antonio. The Alamodome was the second arena used by the Spurs, who first played at the since-demolished HemisFair Arena after moving to San Antonio in 1973 from Dallas.
For the Spurs’ attempt to break the NBA attendance record, the Alamodome was configured to seat 65,000. As of Thursday morning, the team said 64,387 tickets had been distributed for the game, so the team released additional standing-room spots on the floor and some obstructed-view seats to accommodate additional demand.
The turnout for the game against the Golden State Warriors is on track to surpass the league record set on March 27, 1998, at the Georgia Dome, where 62,046 tickets were distributed for the Atlanta Hawks’ game against the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls.
Warning of heavy traffic downtown, city officials are urging people attending the game to arrive early or use VIA Metropolitan Transit’s Park & Ride service, which will run from the AT&T Center and the Crossroads transit center in Balcones Heights beginning at 2:30 p.m. The cost for the park and ride is $1.30 each way, and discounts are available for students and seniors.
Free parking is being offered downtown at the City Tower garage, located at 117 W. Commerce St., and St. Mary’s garage, at 205 E. Travis St. You must show a game ticket and enter between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in order to park free of charge.
The Alamodome opens at 4:30 p.m. and the game tips off at 6:30 p.m.
After the game, Spurs fans can party on outside the arena at the H-E-B Plaza — with food, music and merchandise — and then watch fireworks set to begin around 10:10 p.m.
