The Hell that is the AAC

[Spurminator]

"The Wave" and "The Dot Race" have had a love child using very strong fertility drugs, and its name is The American Airlines Center of Dallas, TX.

Is there a worse venue for a basketball fan to watch a live game? (Well, a fan over the age of 12 that is...)

From the mic'd rims to the plastic clappers given free with every seat, watching a Mavs game live is the equivalent of watching basketball on television while someone pokes your forehead with their finger repeatedly for 2 and a half hours. Known as the AAC, it seems to be a laboratory for ADD. It's as though they set it up to distract as many people from the actual game as possible, which is curious since the Mavs are actually a good team and entertaining in their own right. You have movie clips (sponsored, of course, by Blockbuster) during the game, sound effects, and the most obnoxious PA announcer in the history of human competition (imagine a Texas A&M Yell Leader with a microphone). The only time he stops talking long enough to take a breath is when he announces a player on the opposing team... I'm convinced he is actually inhaling as he reads their name when they make a basket or substitution.

Fans lucky enough to arrive early enough are treated to the emcee stylings of Chris Arnold, who is basically Stuart Scott without the journalistic talent. Once he's done pimping the latest Mavs gear, fans can look out for one of the 800 carnies throwing frisbees, slinging T-shirts, tossing basketballs or hyping up the crowd. It's enough to make you wish they would just show the commercials from the TV broadcast during timeouts. The costumed stunt dunker (MavsMan) seems like a welcome return to classic basketball normalsy by comparison. They have a drum line. They have dancing fat guys.

But maybe the fans deserve it.

Watching a game with Mavericks fans is like sitting in a calculus lecture with 20,000 emotionally unstable (often schitzophrenic) people talking themselves through each problem, trying desperately to understand how it works. They booed a goaltending call that had clearly occurred after the ball hit the backboard. One fan behind me uttered the phrase, "Knock him down harder next time" seven times during the first three quarters (seriously, I counted). This same fan could be heard before the game bemoaning what a dirty player Bruce Bowen is. The same fans who were gone 2 1/2 quarters through the last game the Spurs played in Dallas could be seen taunting Spurs fans as they left the arena with 6 minutes to go in the game.

And then there is the whining. It's normal for fans to boo calls against their teams, but I've been to many arenas and stadiums in my life and no fans (except for perhaps Sacramento fans, but I've never been to Arco) whine as loudly as Mavs fans. Mark Cuban, for everything he has done for the Mavs team, has created a "Culture of Bitching" at Mavericks games. Every semi-controversial call is replayed on the jumbotron. Every foul is either a flop or a mugging, depending on the recipient's team. A movie clip was shown from "A Christmas Story" where Scott Farcas badgers Ralphie with the taunt of "What, are you gonna CRY now? Come on, baby, CRYYYYYY..." and not five seconds later, fans were hysterical over an offensive foul call.

I believe a lot of this stems from the Don Nelson era... perhaps Avery will provide some levity. Or he'll be lambasted for failing to stick up for his team. For all the rampant homerdom present among Mavericks fans, they are also irrationally critical of their own players. Michael Finley deserves better. Hell, Shawn Bradley deserves better.

Fortunately, about 40% of the fans at any given Mavs/Spurs game in Dallas are Spurs fans, so the overwhelming fatuity is diluted somewhat.

Perhaps this rant stems from sour grapes... I can't lie, the fact that the Spurs lost by 70 points only enhanced the annoyance of the experience. Like having to listen to a ten year old take drumming lessons while you're already hungover. But next time I visit the AAC for a game, I may prefer to stand outside by the concessions and watch it on the monitor... only to return to my seat when the Mavs are down by 20 and all of their fans have left the arena, and the PA announcer has quieted to a constant whisper. I'll still have to watch my head for T-shirts parachuting from the rafters, but I suppose I could live with that.

[Jdspur20]

you should hear mav fans on the radio, its even worse.

[Kori Ellis]

Like having to listen to a ten year old take drumming lessons while you're already hungover.

:lmao

Sorry about your experience, Spurminator.

[MannyIsGod]

That post is awesome.

[Spurminator]

But next time I visit the AAC for a game, I may prefer to stand outside by the concessions and watch it on the monitor... only to return to my seat when the Mavs are down by 20 and all of their fans have left the arena, and the PA announcer has quieted to a constant whisper. I'll still have to watch my head for T-shirts parachuting from the rafters, but I suppose I could live with that.

Actually, fuck that. I'm going all out at the next one. I'm wearing my Bruce Bowen jersey and screaming for blood. I'm gonna steal any T-shirt they sling-shot near me. Especially if a kid catches it. I'm gonna interrupt the Mavs Drum Line and disrupt their rhythm.

WAR!

[T Park]

Best post EVER.

You rock Spurm.

[T Park]

Fuck Yeah Spurm!!!!

[adrienne]

Screw you all.:)

[slayermin]

Actually, fuck that. I'm going all out at the next one. I'm wearing my Bruce Bowen jersey and screaming for blood. I'm gonna steal any T-shirt they sling-shot near me. Especially if a kid catches it. I'm gonna interrupt the Mavs Drum Line and disrupt their rhythm.

WAR!

Hell yeah. That's what I'm talking about.

No shirt for you, you little punk!!!

[timvp]

This needs to be put on WOAI for all the world to see.

:smokin

[Kori Ellis]

That's a great idea -- Spurminator, can I use it on SpursZONE?

[T Park]

SPurm,

those jackasses are the same way when they come to SBC.

Except for the pussies head for the exits with 2 minutes left to avoid being seen post game.

They run shit all day long, then cower at the end.


Mavs fans, are easily, the worst I have ever encountered.

[Kori Ellis]

Screw you all.:)

Congrats on the big win, Adrienne :flipoff :)

[Spurminator]

Absolutely.

And feel free to make any necessary edits, I did give the AAC concessionists a lot of my money.

[timvp]

I went to Reunion Arena or whatever it was called for game 4 of the 2001 playoffs. Mavs fans don't know basketball at all. Spurm describes it well. I was in a Terry Porter jersey and my friend was in a Sean Elliott jersey. There was almost a full out brawl after some drunken hicks tried to start stuff.

Too bad the Mavs won that game. We had the brooms ready to sweep the Mav fans out of there.

:smokin

[adrienne]

I don't see anything wrong with making it a family experience instead of just an excuse for a bunch of overweight drunks to chug beer and swear at the other team (despite the fact that most players in the NBA could kick just about any NBA fans ass).

[Kori Ellis]

Absolutely.

And feel free to make any necessary edits, I did give the AAC concessionists a lot of my money.

I'm not editing out anything. I'm adding in your next post that says "Fuck that ..." but I'm change fuck to screw.

Can I put your real name on it? If so, send it to me on PM. If not, I'll make you anonymous.

[T Park]

ahh the game were Dirk lost his teeth.

haha. Too bad they got there asses whooped in SA the next game.

[SequSpur]

I can't lie, the fact that the Spurs lost by 70 points only enhanced the annoyance of the experience.

Exactly.

[Kori Ellis]

Here you go, Spurminator.

Thanks.

http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=1FB7CCC4-6454-4B40-8FA8-E253CE3B5345

[baseline bum]

Mav fans aren't Laker fans. You motherfuckers in Texas have it so easy.

[alamo50]

Word.

[ShoogarBear]

Great post, Spurm.

[samikeyp]

Nice post Spurm.

Kori,

Shouldn't that be "AAC" ? :)

[Jdspur20]

Congrats on the big win, Adrienne :flipoff :)


Kori rocks :smokin

[SenorSpur]

Having lived in "Big D" for 15 years (San Antonio transplant) I've been in attendance at many Spurs/Mavs games over the years. From Reunion arena to the ADD (as it's sometimes called).

The experience at the AAC has become more and more annoying over the years. From Cuban's incessant "jock sniffing and cheerleading, to the overzealous PA announcer, to those "stupid" mics on the rims, which makes each missed shot sound like a "sonic boom" - it's hard to decide what to hate more. Especially annoying are those fat guys "shakin' their groove thang" and their "jelly-bellies" for the cameras during timeouts. So are the those "painted-up" Mavs zanies, who run around the concourse shirtless like packs of "wild hounds".

The Mavs "in-game" presentation is the culmination of the NBA's Marketing epidemic and Cuban's thirst to national attention. Maybe I'm too ol' school, but I don't need all the "fluff", "hoopla", "pomp & circumstance". Simplicity is better. Just play the damn game. That's why I always enjoy attending games at the SBC whenever I'm in town.

The local sports hosts have long accused the organization of putting entertainment ahead of winning. That was very evident during the Nelson era. However as Spurm mentioned earlier, with Avery on board - that may change.

The fact that our boys got "punked" last night made the experience was even worse. However, I'll still continue to venture into enemy territory every time they come to town. I'll continue dressing up in full Spurs regalia to "piss off" the local faithful. I will also relish the opportunity to put the Mavs playoff hopes and their championship expectations to sleep. I hope we meet their punk-asses in the playoffs.

It's tough living in a town where you're constantly overrun with Mavs publicity 24x7. That's why I'll continue to support my boys remotely and through this forum.

Fantastic post Spurm!

[50 cent]

I was there last night and go to every Spurs game at the AAC (ADD). It is annoying as hell. The announcer is the most irritating person I have ever heard in my life - "TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Shots!"

Chris Arnold is the gayest wanna be gangsta in the world - what an assclown that guy is.

The fat dudes are actually kinda funny and the Mavs dancers are all incredibly hot.

The drum line is beyond retarded, but whatelse would you expect from Cuban.

I liked how when they gave out the $25000 ring, Cuban is out there in his trashy MFFL shirt tucked in with jeans that had no belt. The place is a freakin zoo, but there is plenty of eye candy in the stands and when the dance team is on the court.

SBC is a much better BB environment.

[silverandblackreign]

Just want to follow up with my two cents.....I was in attendance at the AAC last night, and I lost a "whole lotta" respect for Dallas after last night. Maybe it was just our location, but there were nothing but idiots surrounding us. Everytime Dallas commited one of those hard fouls (i.e. Stackhouse pushing Gino right before half) - they were all yelling "foul 'em harder next time Stack"...yeah, real cool!

They proceeding to go on and on about how Dallas was kicking SA's ass on national tv, and as we started to leave (with like 2 secs left in the entire game) - the people in our area started to mouth off about "go back to SA, poor spurs fans etc..." - NO CLASS! It took everything I had to keep from getting back in there face -

Oh, well - there was Dallas's one token win against the Spurs for the year....Dallas fans have no class, no respect, and a serious case of penis envy!

[baseline bum]

That doesn't sound too hardcore. I used to do the same to Laker fans at the Dome. You gotta expect some trashtalk from opposing fans in their city.

[silverandblackreign]

Theres a big difference between some trash talk and just downright acting like dumbasses - I fully expect to ribed a bit when your in another teams place. I guess you just had to be there. That was just the tip of the things that were said - I could go on and on......

Like I said earlier - no class, no respect, and a serious case of penis envy!

[50 cent]

I love living in Dallas, but as far as basketball knowledge, people here are idiots. And yes, they have huge penis envy for the Spurs. But, when your the best, everybody wants to be like you and trashes you as much as possible. I don't mind it.

[SenorSpur]

Thanks for bringing the thread back into focus. I love living here too. The local Mavs peeps are idiots, the cheerleaders are incredibly hot and the arena eye candy is sweet.

[Obstructed_View]

I apologize in advance for the rambling first post.

As a resident of Dallas, I'm ashamed of the Mavs fans here; the environment has been cultivated and encouraged by Mark Cuban. He is a microcosm of them. They know nothing about the rules, cry to the officials on every whistle and are sorer winners than they are losers. Last night was a new low, even for them. Very classless display. The fans here remind me of the 1994-1996 Houston fans with the exception that at least Houston's team won the title.

Fortunately for the rest of us, it's why we'll always have the satisfaction of seeing the Mavericks, their rotten fans, their homer media, and their petulant owner, eliminated from competition each year. Remember that Cuban, however, gets the last laugh in the money that comes rolling in.

Kevin McCarthy was great for nearly 20 years as the voice of the Mavs and was fired by Cuban and replaced with "Annoying" Billy Hayes. I believe that was about the same time Dennis Rodman was signed to disrupt team chemistry.

I'm obviously biased, having previously lived in a city whose fans never ever chant "airball" or "ref you suck". They just root for their team and remember that it's just a game.

[silverandblackreign]

Yeah - you cant believe how many times the idiot in front of me yelled "You suck #24, you suck" (the ref was wearing #24 obviously) - all of this after he just got done buying like 6 beers and proceeded to spill half of one down the back of the guy in front of him!

Everytime the ref would call a foul on the Mavs - it was just hilarious to hear the comments around me. At first they automatically thought the call was against the Spurs and began to yell every infraction /rule violation in the book, (traveling, 3 seconds, holding) before they realized it was on the Mavs and the berating began....it became quite comical!

[dotcombust_]

Spurminiator- AGREED :) ... I was there last night and it was TORTURE. I was there with my 3 Mavs Fan friends/co-workers so they went pretty easy on me... but the assclown sitting next to me with mavs gear in full effect had me really close to the edge when he stuck the Avery Johnson Flyer in my face shouting "Thanks for Avery!!" ... down at that point by nearly 40pts, Stackhouse on a breakaway dunk, and biting my tongue I think I handled it pretty well.

This was my first Spurs/Mavs game at the AAC- my last being a couple years ago at the reunion. In my 7 years living here and showing up for the Spurs, I've never been heckled by fans as much outside before the game, during the game and on the way out of the game as this year. I dont know if its because of the envirionment created by Cuban or the evergrowing rivalry created over the last few years. Maybe both.

Baseline_Bum- I agree you have to be able to take it as well as give it out. My sister and hubby were baseline bums for only one season last year so I got to see a couple games at SBC center. You guys clearly had much more respect for those fans around you. Rowdy yes, but respectful at the same time... every venue has its clowns as I'm sure the SBC Center has its few.... Goign to the Ball Park for Rangers/Yankees games I've grown to accept this :)

And whoever here says the "Eye candy is sweet" at the AAC... its pretty good but I wouldnt trade any of that SWEET SWEET Latina Candy at the SBC center for it !:D~

Mavs fans you guys kicked our butts for 4 quarters, I accept it. Enjoy it while it lasted.

GO SPURS GO!!!!!!!!!

[TDfan2007]

Yeah, I went to a Mavs game = pure shit.

I loved my one trip to the SBC center and hope to go again (Tim's injury stopped me from going as i only have enough $ for one game)

[TDfan2007]

The game I went to was Spurs - T'Wolves last year. It was Tim's first game back from injury and he wrecked on KG for 22 and 11. The experience was just plain awesome. Robert and Manu spent about 20 minutes signing autographs during the pre-game (Manu said Pop would bench him if he stayed any longer and signed autographs :lol ). The SBC Center has a college intensity atmosphere (I couldn't even hear myself think) and best of all there was a comradary among the fans, we all gave eachother high fives and socialized throughout the game. There was also no senseless whining about an obvious call that just happened to go against your team, something many NBA fans are guilty of (*cough* Dallas *cough* Sacramento).

Spurs fans truly are the best fans in the NBA. :angel

I'm keeping my fingers crossed to see if I get some tickets to a game this year.

[baseline bum]

I'm obviously biased, having previously lived in a city whose fans never ever chant "airball" or "ref you suck".

You never heard stuff like this at Hemisfair? Dude, my section screamed 'bullshit on the ref' in unison at least every other game at Hemisfair Arena. You're re-writing history if you think the Spurs fans didn't do the kind of crap you're talking about.

[Kori Ellis]

I'm obviously biased, having previously lived in a city whose fans never ever chant "airball" or "ref you suck".

The Baseline Bums chant "ref you suck" at every game at the SBC Center.

[bgantz]

I'm a mavs fan, but i read hear offen because i enjoy the spurs somewhat as well, and i'm interested in your opinions. I would be a spurs fan for sure if the mavs ever left dallas. But maybe i can offer some insight.

I've never had a problem with the AAC. it's an enjoyable experience if you are a mavs fan obviously, but that's kind of the point, it's for mavs fans and other teams fans aren't supposed to enjoy the atmosphere. from the hand clappers to thundersticks, it's all free and people love free shit. it honestly didn't help that your team didn't show up, otherwise every little thing in the arena wouldn't have pissed you off. it's fun if you are a mavs fan because everything is pro-mavs, but not if you are an opposing team fan.

as far as mavs fans, i think most spurs fans need to realize the hell that was the 90's for mavs fans. most mavs fans won't seem totally knowledgable because the mavs have only really been good for about 5-6 years, and no one could get interested in the 90's. it's like how Dallas cowboys fans are in my opinion the most knowledgable football fans in the US because of the success we've had. but mavs fans are passionate just because we've been starved for good basketball for a a long time, and this is a window when there's success, and excitement, and progress. that's all.

[Obstructed_View]

The Baseline Bums chant "ref you suck" at every game at the SBC Center.
That's too bad. I guess San Antonio has no more class than Miami or LA. :depressed

[Obstructed_View]

as far as mavs fans, i think most spurs fans need to realize the hell that was the 90's for mavs fans. most mavs fans won't seem totally knowledgable because the mavs have only really been good for about 5-6 years, and no one could get interested in the 90's. it's like how Dallas cowboys fans are in my opinion the most knowledgable football fans in the US because of the success we've had. but mavs fans are passionate just because we've been starved for good basketball for a a long time, and this is a window when there's success, and excitement, and progress. that's all.
Mavs fans? I saw all three of you there at Reunion Arena in the 90s, when nine thousand Spurs fans would show up to the Spurs Mavs games. Our money was the only thing that kept the franchise in town. The average Mavericks fan credits Mark Cuban with the team's turnaround, even though he didn't buy the team until all the key players were in place. Mavs fans know so little about basketball because they've been going to NHL games for a longer period of time. :spin

And please dont tell me how smart Dallas Cowboys fans are. The Cowboys are going to the Super Bowl after a win and are going to miss the playoffs after a loss. That doesn't sound smarter than any other NFL fan to me.

That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it for now.

[Spurminator]

For the record, I have no problem with airball chants and booing the refs. I think it's fun when fans get into the game. It just seemed to me that a lot of the Mav fans' fervor was combined with a lack of understanding of what happens in a typical basketball game.

[samikeyp]

And please dont tell me how smart Dallas Cowboys fans are. The Cowboys are going to the Super Bowl after a win and are going to miss the playoffs after a loss. That doesn't sound smarter than any other NFL fan to me.

To be fair, some of us are Cowboys fans, and know better! :)

[Obstructed_View]

To be fair, some of us are Cowboys fans, and know better! :)
Actually, I've been a Cowboys fan as long as I can remember, but I still wouldn't classify the average Cowboy fan as being more knowledgable about football. I've been to Texas Stadium where the fans wait until the official points in a direction before they cheer or boo because they don't know the difference between a false-start and an offsides. They are passionate and, for the most part, loyal, however, which puts them above the average Mavericks fan.

[bgantz]

Actually, I've been a Cowboys fan as long as I can remember, but I still wouldn't classify the average Cowboy fan as being more knowledgable about football. I've been to Texas Stadium where the fans wait until the official points in a direction before they cheer or boo because they don't know the difference between a false-start and an offsides. They are passionate and, for the most part, loyal, however, which puts them above the average Mavericks fan.

i think you are definitely off base here. fans are fans, there are ones that don't know the game as well in every city. but cowboys fans are reguarded as some of the most knowledgable, seriously. ask peter king who wrote this into one of his columns during a past training camp. i find that the average football fan in dallas knows a hell of a lot more about football that in other cities. and yeah fans kneejerk sometimes too, but so do yankees fans....

and yes fans credit mark cuban for the mavs success, because before him there was no hope whatsoever....he's spent the money, and done what he can to attract the fans.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

That post is awesome.


:lol

It was so awesome I was looking for the link!!

Not the usual bs. Nice job!

[Shelly]

Funny post.

As far as the Spurs games are concerned, I do want to go on record that I find 'Crazy Lou' just as annoying as "Y'all ready for this?"

[Kori Ellis]

I do want to go on record that I find 'Crazy Lou' just as annoying as "Y'all ready for this?"

Agreed. Crazy Lou is not even close to being as good as Chris Duel was and he's like 1,000 times more annoying.

[TOP-CHERRY]

And Mavs fans have the nerve to complain about Kings fans HAHA!! :rolleyes

:lol

[BUMP]

]

[Cant_Be_Faded]

It's funny because miced up rims = sheer mung, and only one championship over twelve years of being over the salary cap

[Cant_Be_Faded]

.lol white republican mavs needing miced rims

Lol every game sold out and half the people don't watch while pretending they're living in LA

[BUMP]

cool story

lol you do not know any of us

lol we will fucking destroy you

etc

[Magua]

:lolThese past 3 years have done irreparable harm to spurfan's psyche...watching their 2 most hated rivals in the Lakers repeat as champs, then the Mavs win one has them losing their shit.

:lolspurs
:lolfans buying another fool's gold season
:lolcbf
:lol"never rolls alone"

[Bonner4MVPzz]

:lolThese past 3 years have done irreparable harm to spurfan's psyche...watching their 2 most hated rivals in the Lakers repeat as champs, then the Mavs win one has them losing their shit.

:lolspurs
:lolfans buying another fool's gold season
:lolcbf
:lol"never rolls alone"

Tis sad that this is true.but still gotta support my team :flag:

[Axe Murderer]

ha ha!

as soon as the infamous pm is mentioned cbf disappears faster than mookie at a TING family reunion i saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd

[Spurminator]

tbh, the last few times I've been to a Spurs game, the presentation has reminded me far too much of the AAC.

Mark Cuban, live sports pioneer. :depressed

[MannyIsGod]

You would think winning a championship would give mavfan just a bit more confidence.

[Axe Murderer]

oh

[Leetonidas]

:lolThese past 3 years have done irreparable harm to spurfan's psyche...watching their 2 most hated rivals in the Lakers repeat as champs, then the Mavs win one has them losing their shit.

:lolspurs
:lolfans buying another fool's gold season
:lolcbf
:lol"never rolls alone"

still have 4 rings tbh