A roaring crowd of 68,323 made it to the Alamodome on Friday night as the Spurs matched up with the defending NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors. Fans from all around the city watched the hometown team take the court in the Dome for the first time since May 12, 2002.
“It was thrilling to see many different people from across our city or even a different state all coming together to enjoy the same thing they all had in common, which is basketball,” senior Cloe Gonzales said.
The organization came prepared for the return, celebrating their 50th anniversary with pre-game events, legendary former players, and a post-game firework show. The arena also got tens of thousands of fans in attendance to turn their flashlights on with fiesta-colored tints pre-game, a moment that fans are sure to remember.
“My favorite part of the game was in the beginning when everyone had their flash on with music blasting waiting for the athletes to come in,” Gonzales said.
The Spurs fell to the Warriors 113-144, but the fans had fun the entire night and showed how much they love having the Spurs in San Antonio.
“I couldn’t even see the farthest person away,” Spurs point guard Tre Jones said to San Antonio Express-News writer Tom Orsborn. “I can’t believe that many people came out and supported us. I can’t say thanks enough to the whole city for the support they continue to give us, no matter what.”
