With the NBA Playoffs in full swing, the San Antonio Spurs faced elimination at home in the 5th game of their series with the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks jumped out to an early double-digit lead but the Spurs rallied to cut to four by halftime. Unfortunately the aging and injured Spurs came up short, losing the game and series. But that doesn’t detract from the wonderful experience offered by the AT&T Center. I’ve got a few suggestions for anyone looking to visit for a concert or game.
AT&T Center Information
AT&T Center
One AT&T Center
San Antonio, TX 78219
(210) 444-5000
Google Maps – AT&T Center
The arena was built in 2002 as the new home for the Spurs, who previously played at the Alamodome. Formerly known as the SBC Center until the company purchased AT&T in 2005 and adopted the AT&T moniker for their conglomerate. Interestingly enough, both were previously pieces of the Ma Bell phone monopoly.
The building holds as few as 13,000 for hockey (San Antonio Rampage) to as many as 19,000 for concerts. For Spurs and Silver Stars basketball games, the maximum capacity is 18,500. Since getting the naming rights of the building, AT&T has moved its home office from San Antonio to Dallas.
Before Heading to AT&T Center For The Game
I strongly recommend dining at the Blue Star Brewery, located in the Blue Star Art Complex, before you head to a game. Not only do they offer excellent food for a reasonable price, they also brew their own beer on site and offer many unique options that you cannot experience anywhere else. If the food options weren’t enough to persuade you, the Blue Star also offers a complementary shuttle service to the AT&T Center with the purchase of food and/or drink. The driver even takes your drink order so you will have a beer waiting for you on the ride home. The shuttle leaves 30 minutes before game time and departs 20 minutes after the final whistle.
Directions To The AT&T Center
When it comes to getting to the AT&T Center, you have plenty of options.
Start Point: I-10 East
• From I-10 East, continue through downtown, Exit Houston Street, turn left on Houston Street to the AT&T Center.
• From I-10 East, Exit I-35 North, Exit Walters/AT&T Center Parkway, turn right on Walters Street and turn left onto Houston Street to the AT&T Center.
• From I-10 East, Exit I-35 North, Exit Walters/ AT&T Center Parkway, proceed through Walters intersection and turn right on AT&T Center Parkway to the AT&T Center.
• VIA Park & Ride from Crossroads Mall
Start Point: U.S. HWY 281 South
• From U.S. Highway 281 South, travel through downtown and Exit I-10 East, Exit Houston Street, turn left on Houston Street to the AT&T Center.
• From U.S. Highway 281 South, Exit Commerce and turn left on Commerce Street, turn left on Coca-Cola Place toward the AT&T Center.
• From U.S. Highway 281 South, Exit I-35 North, Exit Walters/ AT&T Center Parkway, proceed through Walters intersection, turn right on AT&T Center Parkway to the AT&T Center.
Start Point: I-35 South
• From I-35 South, Exit Loop 410 South, Exit W.W. White Road, turn right on Gembler Road and left on AT&T Center Parkway to the AT&T Center.
• From I-35 South, Exit Loop 410 South, Exit I-10 West, and Exit Houston and turn right on Houston Street to the AT&T Center.
• From I-35 South, Exit AT&T Center Parkway and turn left on AT&T Center Parkway toward the AT&T Center.
• VIA Park & Ride from Randolph Blvd.
Start Point: I-35 North
• From I-35 North, Exit I-10 East, Exit New Braunfels, turn left on New Braunfels Avenue and turn right on Houston Street to the AT&T Center.
• From I-35 North, Exit I-10 East, Exit Houston and turn left on Houston Street to the AT&T Center.
• From I-35 North, Exit I-10 East/U.S. Highway 90, Exit I-37 North then Exit I-35 North, Exit Walters/ AT&T Center Parkway proceed through Walters intersection and turn right on AT&T Center Parkway to the AT&T Center.
Start Point: U.S. HWY 90 East
• From U.S. Highway 90/I-10 East, Exit New Braunfels, turn left on New Braunfels Avenue and turn right on Houston Street to the AT&T Center.
• From U.S. Highway 90/I-10 East, Exit I-37 North, Exit Commerce and turn right on Commerce Street, turn left on Coca-Cola Place toward the AT&T Center.
• From U.S. Highway 90/I-10 East, Exit Houston and turn left on Houston Street to the AT&T Center.
AT&T Center Parking
If you don’t take advantage of shuttle services from The Blue Star Brewery and the Josephine Street Café or the two VIA Park & Ride locations (Randolph and Crossroads Malls), you still have an abundance of parking options.
The AT&T Center offers 7 official lots varying in price from $5-$20 depending on the event and proximity to the facility. Here’s a handy traffic map to help figure out the appropriate lot for your event.
AT&T Center Concessions
When it comes to food, the folks at the AT&T Center thought of darn near everything. They have familiar chains like Pizza Hut and Whataburger to stadium originals like Nachos, Burritos and Texas BBQ. The best value for your money in the arena is the BBQ Combo Plate. For $10 you get a BBQ sandwich, French fries and a soft drink, which is an unbeatable value at a sporting event.
They also have two fine dining restaurants on the premises, Terrace Restaurant and Saddles & Spurs Club, which are only accessible with Premium Seating.
Guest Tips
•Taking a shuttle to the game is a great way to reduce costs and experience local San Antonio flavor.
•Beer will not served after a certain point during the event (3rd Quarter for Spurs games), so be sure to know when service stops.
•For team gear, hit the Team Shop on the level behind section 108.
•The HEB FANFiesta located on the Balcony Level between Sections 215 & 217 and is a great way to spend some time before the game and during halftime, particularly for families.
•One of the marquee events in South Texas is the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, which is held at the AT&T Center. I urge you to check it out, even if it doesn’t sound appealing, as it will be an enjoyable experience you’ll never forget.
After your event
The Downtown area of San Antonio is built for out of town visitors, so you have a myriad of entertainment options. But before you leave the AT&T Center after a Spurs game on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, be sure to stop off at Overtime, a party featuring live entertainment and drink specials in a courtyard right outside the venue. The bands vary greatly in style from Metal to Disco.
Of course there is also the 2nd most famous attraction in San Antonio (behind the Alamo), the Riverwalk, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. Visit the San Antonio Riverwalk site for more information including directions and listings.
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