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AT&T Center

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Alamodome Hop 4
Expansion Funnel Raw 50 → Dedup 0 → NER 0 → Enqueued 0
1. Extracted50
2. After dedup0 (None)
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AT&T Center
NameAT&T Center
LocationSan Antonio, Texas, United States
Broke ground1999
OpenedOctober 18, 2002
OwnerBexar County, Texas
OperatorSpurs Sports & Entertainment
SurfaceHardwood (basketball), Ice (hockey)
Construction cost$186 million
ArchitectEllerbe Becket
Structural engineerWalter P Moore
General contractorHunt Construction Group
Former namesSBC Center (2002–2006)
Seating capacityBasketball: 18,418, Hockey: 16,151, Concerts: 19,000
TenantsSan Antonio Spurs (NBA) (2002–present), San Antonio Rampage (AHL) (2002–2020), San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (2003–present)

AT&T Center is a premier multi-purpose indoor arena located in San Antonio, Texas. Primarily serving as the home venue for the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA, the facility also hosts a wide array of major concerts, family shows, and the annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Owned by Bexar County and operated by Spurs Sports & Entertainment, the arena opened in 2002 and has been a central hub for entertainment and sports in South Texas.

History

The development of the arena was driven by a public-private partnership between Bexar County and the San Antonio Spurs ownership, led by Peter Holt, to provide a modern replacement for the aging Alamodome. Groundbreaking occurred in 1999, with construction managed by the Hunt Construction Group. The venue opened on October 18, 2002, as the SBC Center, hosting its first NBA game featuring the San Antonio Spurs against the Toronto Raptors. A key early event was the 2003 NBA Finals, where the San Antonio Spurs won their second championship, defeating the New Jersey Nets. The arena's success spurred further development in the surrounding area, cementing its role in the city's growth.

Architecture and features

Designed by the architectural firm Ellerbe Becket, the structure features a distinctive exterior of precast concrete and glass. The interior is configured with multiple seating levels, including expansive luxury suites and exclusive club spaces operated by Levy Restaurants. A signature design element is the massive, center-hung scoreboard, one of the largest in the NBA, featuring high-definition video screens. The playing surface can be rapidly converted from a hardwood basketball court to an ice hockey rink or a dirt floor for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, showcasing its versatile engineering. Back-of-house facilities include extensive locker rooms, media centers, and practice courts for the San Antonio Spurs.

Events

Beyond San Antonio Spurs games, the arena is a major stop on tours for global music artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Elton John. It has hosted significant sporting events, including the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament regional finals, the 2013 NBA Finals, and games for the United States men's national basketball team. The annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo transforms the venue for several weeks each February. Other notable events have included the Cirque du Soleil, professional wrestling from WWE, and political rallies for figures such as Barack Obama.

Tenants

The primary and founding tenant is the San Antonio Spurs, who have played there since the 2002-2003 NBA season. From 2002 to 2020, it was also the home of the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is an annual tenant, occupying the facility for an extended period each winter. The arena has also served as a temporary home for other teams, including the San Antonio Silver Stars of the WNBA and the San Antonio Talons of the AFL.

Naming history

The arena's naming rights were originally secured by telecommunications company SBC Communications prior to its opening, dubbing it the SBC Center. Following the acquisition of AT&T Corporation by SBC Communications in 2005, the parent company renamed itself AT&T Inc. Consequently, the arena was renamed in January 2006. The partnership with AT&T Inc. represents one of the longest-running naming rights agreements for a major NBA venue, reflecting the corporation's deep roots in Texas.

Transportation and access

Located east of downtown San Antonio near Interstate 10 and Interstate 37, the arena is served by the VIA Metropolitan Transit public bus system. The property includes extensive on-site parking lots, with additional shuttle services offered from downtown during major events. Its proximity to the Freeman Coliseum and the Willie Nelson-named "Willie's Place" at the adjacent Rolling Oaks Mall creates an entertainment district. Future plans have considered enhanced public transit links as part of broader city infrastructure projects.

Category:San Antonio Spurs Category:Indoor arenas in Texas Category:National Basketball Association venues