San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the US in terms of population. The AT&T Center is the host for NBA’s Spurs which gets the undivided attention of the entire city since it is the only team to be playing any of the Big Four sports leagues. AT&T Center was established in 2002 on the east side of San Antonio. It has a seating capacity of 18,500 for basketball, and 19,000 for other events like musical concerts. The arena also hosts hockey with a seating capacity of 16,000. Apart from the stadium, the AT&T Center also has 50 luxury suites, 2018 club seats, and 32 restrooms.
Before AT&T Center was formed, the Spurs played in the Alamodome, which was built in 1993. Despite having a newly made stadium, Spurs was not satisfied with the seating capacity of the stadium and wanted a more basketball friendly arena. First Spurs had plans to work with the authorities of San Antonio to build a new stadium next to Alamodome, but later they found a better opportunity with Bexar County to build an arena near Freeman Coliseum. The agreement also included hosting a new ice hockey team, Stock Show, and Rodeo Association Multi-day Events. The contract between Spurs and Bexar County was signed on the same day Spurs was awarded their NBA Championship rings.
The arena was completed in 2002. Total of $186 million was spent on the construction, and the stadium was first called as SBC Center. Later in 2005, when AT&T purchased SBC, they also made changes with the stadium name to AT&T Center.
How to get to AT&T Center
The AT&T Center is located far to the east side from downtown San Antonio. You can go on a road trip to the stadium from the city and pass through interesting places such as River Walk, Tower of the Americans, and Alamo. AT&T Center has ample parking space, so you do not have to worry about your car when you are enjoying a game or an event. You can take the Interstate 35 northbound from downtown and exit at Walters Street/AT&T Center Parkway. From there follow the signals and keep on the AT&T Center Parkway. You will see the parking lots after a mile from the exit.
You can also take the bus option from Route 24, that connects the arena to downtown. The buses are available 24/7, so you do not have to worry about postgame arrangements.
Other things to do around AT&T Center
Apart from the games and events, there is not much that you can do around this area. Most of it is an industrial region. At the AT&T Center Parkway toward I-35, you can find a couple of fast-food joints and gas stations. If you have time, you can go exploring the local restaurants in the general area.
