Spurs playoff victories bring more than excitement to basketball fans. The wins ignite a citywide tradition of honking horns, gathering downtown or on Military Drive to celebrate Spurs pride.
Downtown on Commerce Street or Military Drive are two of the main gathering spots after a playoff victory. Fans drive through the streets, cheering and celebrating with strangers who share the same excitement.
For many San Antonio residents, the celebrations start after the clock hits zero. It was no different on April 28, after the Spurs beat the Portland Trailblazers 114-95. Drivers lined Military Drive, horns blasting as fans waved Spurs flags and cruised along the street displaying their pride.
“I’ve been honking down Military after Spurs playoff wins for as long as I can remember. It’s like a family tradition now,” said Jonathan Granato, a resident of the Southeast side of San Antonio.
Granato was waving a Spurs flag on the back of a red pickup truck on Military drive the night of April 28 celebrating the Spurs series victory over the Portland Trailblazers.
The “honking” tradition in San Antonio started in 1999 when the San Antonio Spurs won their first ever NBA championship in franchise history. It has become a staple in every Spurs playoff run since.
“There is a change in the atmosphere across San Antonio after a playoff win, but It’s more than just a win; it’s a display of pride for our home team. It brings the city together,” Granato said in an interview after the truck’s driver had pulled over into an AT&T parking lot.
For many people in San Antonio, the Spurs are more than just a basketball team; they’re a part of the city’s identity. Over the years, fans have built traditions around big wins, especially during the NBA playoffs when excitement starts to seem a bit more heavy.
“I look forward to one day having my own family and continuing the honking tradition that’s been a part of my life growing up,” said Granato.
The San Antonio Spurs have won five NBA championships and are now on their “Race for Seis” in hopes of bringing another Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy to San Antonio.
“I can’t wait to see what the Spurs do in this next round,” said Martin Arce, a Spurs fan who was waving a Spurs flag after the win on Apr 28 by the QT on Military Drive. “Every playoff game brings more excitement to the city, and you can feel the energy building after every win. I think this honking tradition really shows how much San Antonio stands behind the Spurs. It’s like the whole city comes alive to support the team and celebrate together.”
The San Antonio Spurs will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in game one of the second round of the NBA playoffs at 8:30 p.m. May 4 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
