Spur: AT&T Center Crowd Lame

[timvp]

Harvey: Next round, next decibel? Mob rules
San Antonio Express-News

I tell Robert Horry that the AT&T Center crowd is the Robert Horry of NBA crowds.

He tilts his head, smiles and asks, "How's that?"

I tell him. I tell him Spurs fans, too, have seen a few things. I tell him they know to pace themselves, and I tell him they don't get overly excited about ordinary games anymore.

The Robert Horry of basketball players smiles again.

And I tell him: But at least you showed up for the first round.

He laughs and isn't as harsh. He says the atmosphere in the AT&T Center against Denver in the first round was fine, and he went on to say how much he appreciates the San Antonio fan base.

His Rockets were booed in Houston after losses, he says, and his Lakers were booed in Los Angeles. Here, he says, "they tell you to get 'em next time."

But variations of that are heard in every sport. Athletes annually announce they have the best fans in the world, and that means one thing. Someone is lying.

I've often wondered if it matters at all. Horry repeated Friday afternoon what Gregg Popovich always says. Playing at home means far less than playing well.

Still, Horry insists there's a power that comes from a crowd. "I can feel it rattle in my bones," he said, "and it gives you an extra push."

He says it affects players differently, and Tim Duncan must be one of those. His free-throw percentage, for example, was over 70 percent on the road this season. Then all he had to deal with were people yelling at him.

At home he hears something worse when he stands at the line. Silence. Then, if he misses, the entire building seems to gasp, projecting their apprehension upon him. Perhaps that explains why his percentage dropped below 58 at home this season.

The silence and gasping is just part of San Antonio's ambience, especially in contrast to what is going on elsewhere. Horry admits the Golden State fans are so dynamic they seem to jump through his television, and they remind him of the Sacramento cowbell days.

Then Phil Jackson's whistle would get drowned.

Horry remembers the Detroit crowd of 2005. "They were rowdy in a good way," Horry said.

And his memory of playing the Finals in Philadelphia — rowdy in a bad.

Now the gold T-shirts in Oakland have given way to powder-blue in Utah. The crowds in Denver were loud, too, while Phoenix was respectable though not Warrior-like.

Spurs fans? At least their reputation is intact. This week, after Amare Stoudemire made his they-are-dirty comments, an Arizona columnist wrote, "his saucy outburst will further charge an already rabid fan base."

If Stoudemire indeed awakened a sleeping giant, then the giant has a beer, is 15 minutes late for the tip and, indeed, has been sleeping.

Various Spurs have said that. They have privately wondered about the lack of electricity, and one has used the term "lame."

Those who run basketball operations have been concerned, too. They've rethought everything from the start times to the choice of arena music.

"Y'all ready for this" is soooo '90s.

But it's also to be expected. Golden State is celebrating a generational breakthrough, while San Antonio has been treated to one of the best shows in sports.

Consider how the last four seasons have ended at home for Spurs fans: A championship celebration in 2003, Derek Fisher's .4 moment the next year, a Game 7 and another championship celebration after that and the Game 7 overtime loss to Dallas last season.

By any standard, that's entertainment.

Horry lived through the same with the Lakers when he won three consecutive titles. And he says, as the years went on, Lakers fans learned the routine. "After every round," he said, "the decibel level went up."

So now comes the next round at home, against a team with the league's second-best record, with the path to a title clear to both franchises.

Golden State for a night?

The Robert Horry of crowds would become that.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA051207.01C.COL.BKNharvey.spurs.34a5c7a.html

[timvp]

I have to agree with the "lame" assessment. Somewhere along the lines, Spurs fans went from rabid to lazy. It used to be that the Spurs had a decided homecourt advantage, but now the crowd only shows up when it wants to.

Crowds from Golden State and even Utah put the AT&T Center to shame most nights. Do Spurs fans not want to win as much anymore? I'm not exactly sure what happened.

Hopefully this Amare Stoudemire incident has woken up the fan base. The Spurs have two huge games coming up. And if it doesn't inconvenience San Antonio too much, it'd be nice if the crowd comes prepared.

Now isn't the time to settle. One day winning will be a distant memory. Now is the time to get while the gettin' is good.

Bring it.

:smokin

[ponky]

"Yall ready for this?" LMFAO. I go to the Spurs/Mavs games in S.A., the one back in November, right after Thanksgiving, was REALLY awesome. The crowd was great and being rude as hell...I loved it. Anyway, I've also been to other non-Mavs games in S.A. and yeah, the crowd is not as great but at least their team is winning and there will always be a core fanbase going nuts over the team, win or lose.

[FromWayDowntown]

If Angel Luv wants a marketing idea -- have the Baseline Bums (who've, I think, strayed from their original identity as well) stand at every entrance tonight and hand out a copy of this column with instructions for each entering fan to read it.

It's an interestingly-timed call out by Buck Harvey. Tonight's game is big.

[Ginofan]

Perhaps the fanbase is a little spoiled with all of the winning as of late, we always think there will be another game, we'll make it past this round and then that's when we will cheer hard.

But this is the "next" game, the "next" round. We need to be heard people. BE LOUD, BE ROWDY, BE SPURS FANS!

[Jimcs50]

Fans are too busy eating and drinking in SA. You can not clap and yell with food and drink in your mouth. I swear, it is 180 degrees from the Hemisfair days and I think that the fans have just gotten lazy and lazier over the years. If I hear the PA announcer ask for a little help one more time, I will puke.
I think it is not coincidental that the Spurs play better on the road lately....they want to hear screaming and booing at them, it is better than the luke warm crap they get at home.

[timvp]

If the Spurs had Golden State's crowd, they'd win the championship.

[GrandeDavid]

I haven't been to a playoff game this season yet, so I can only judge by the regular season. I saw the Spurs rout the Warriors and I can't recall now which other teams, all wins, because it wasy pretty unelectric. I've been criticizing the home crowd for a few years now. I have also noticed a drop off.

At games in Brazil, fans will often stand the entire game, even during regular season games, cheering. LJ is right, we have gotten lazy. Its gotten to the point where if you are a huge fan and yell support from section 200 over a nice play, there's a great chance the Spurs' bench will hear you loud and clear.

For ONCE, just stand most of the game, Spurs fans. The Spurs lose momentum in games and we want to blame fatigue or age. Bullshit. Fans are not making enough damn noise!!

Also, I want to know when someone will get fired or some new blood will come in to manage the arena during those games. The music and sound effects are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO old and gay. Time for an overhaul. I get embarrassed at games in listening to the crap they play.

In playoff games, you don't want to play "if you're happy and you know it clap your hands". And give the Pat Benatar a rest, same with the little post free throw country music twang.

[SA210]

I'm really pumped for tonights game. The crowd better be crazy beyond belief.

[ponky]

I haven't been to a playoff game this season yet, so I can only judge by the regular season. I saw the Spurs rout the Warriors and I can't recall now which other teams, all wins, because it wasy pretty unelectric. I've been criticizing the home crowd for a few years now. I have also noticed a drop off.

At games in Brazil, fans will often stand the entire game, even during regular season games, cheering. LJ is right, we have gotten lazy. Its gotten to the point where if you are a huge fan and yell support from section 200 over a nice play, there's a great chance the Spurs' bench will hear you loud and clear.

For ONCE, just stand most of the game, Spurs fans. The Spurs lose momentum in games and we want to blame fatigue or age. Bullshit. Fans are not making enough damn noise!!

Also, I want to know when someone will get fired or some new blood will come in to manage the arena during those games. The music and sound effects are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO old and gay. Time for an overhaul. I get embarrassed at games in listening to the crap they play.

In playoff games, you don't want to play "if you're happy and you know it clap your hands". And give the Pat Benatar a rest, same with the little post free throw country music twang.


:lmao this was too funny. my favorite from the spurs arena was "who let the dogs out" about standing, is this a basketball game in brazil or a futbol game? i've been to crazy futbol games (europe) where everyone stands the entire game which is why im' curious.

[SA210]

They can start by getting rid of Stan Kelly! Immediately.

[phyzik]

someone just needs to get a nerf bat and go down to the lower levels and just start smashing the shit out of people who are just sitting there and scream at them "IF YOUR NOT GONNA GET OFF YOUR FAT ASS AND CHEER, KINDLY MAKE YOUR FAT ASS WAY TO THE UPPER LEVEL AND SWITCH SEATS WITH SOMEONE WHO WILL!!"

[GrandeDavid]

:lmao this was too funny. my favorite from the spurs arena was "who let the dogs out" about standing, is this a basketball game in brazil or a futbol game? i've been to crazy futbol games (europe) where everyone stands the entire game which is why im' curious.

Bro, I'm talking about a basketball game. Where I live my city's team is usually near the top so they get lots of support.

Soccer games probably suck because its mainly dudes who go and require a massive police presence. "Lame", to quote the anonymous Spurs player.

[GrandeDavid]

First, I'm gonna rule some guys out. I don't think it was Ginobili, Oberto or Elson. I don't think Butler or White would say that either. I also have a hard time believing Bruce Bowen would say that and, like Ginobili and Oberto as foreign guys, I just cannot see Parker using that term. I'm guessing Matt Bonner is too new and humble to go there. Mike Finley is too professional to care, and Horry was quoted as being appreciative of the crowd for not booing. Jacques Vaugn? No way!

Brent Barry might say that.

Me? I think it was Tim. That sounds like a Tim term. Thanks, big fella, and I don't mean that sarcastically! I couldn't agree more! :lol

[DarrinS]

Maybe the wrong crowd has tickets.

[SA210]

I think it might be Timmy as well. :lol
I agree with him or whomever it was though.

[SA210]

someone just needs to get a nerf bat and go down to the lower levels and just start smashing the shit out of people who are just sitting there and scream at them "IF YOUR NOT GONNA GET OFF YOUR FAT ASS AND CHEER, KINDLY MAKE YOUR FAT ASS WAY TO THE UPPER LEVEL AND SWITCH SEATS WITH SOMEONE WHO WILL!!"
:lmao Awesome!

Or just have Tony Soprano do that with a real bat.

[mbass]

I haven't been to a playoff game this season yet, so I can only judge by the regular season. I saw the Spurs rout the Warriors and I can't recall now which other teams, all wins, because it wasy pretty unelectric. I've been criticizing the home crowd for a few years now. I have also noticed a drop off.

At games in Brazil, fans will often stand the entire game, even during regular season games, cheering. LJ is right, we have gotten lazy. Its gotten to the point where if you are a huge fan and yell support from section 200 over a nice play, there's a great chance the Spurs' bench will hear you loud and clear.

For ONCE, just stand most of the game, Spurs fans. The Spurs lose momentum in games and we want to blame fatigue or age. Bullshit. Fans are not making enough damn noise!!

Also, I want to know when someone will get fired or some new blood will come in to manage the arena during those games. The music and sound effects are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO old and gay. Time for an overhaul. I get embarrassed at games in listening to the crap they play.

In playoff games, you don't want to play "if you're happy and you know it clap your hands". And give the Pat Benatar a rest, same with the little post free throw country music twang.

-----
Fans of all ages attend the Spurs games and pay good money for tickets. If all the fans stand thruout the game, us seniors (and there are many, many who are fans - just look next time you are in the arena) will have to stand the entire game also. Does that matter to you???

[Jelly]

I haven't been to a game in years (I'm out of the area). I bought my Mom and Dad 2 tickets three years ago and for decent seats they cost me $230 - for regular season! I recall George Gervin once saying that back in the day, the Hemisphere Arena went crazy and the noise was incredible. He chalked the new "lameness" to Spurs games no longer being accessible to your average San Antonian. Watching a playoff game with friends a few weeks ago, I was embarrassed by all the empty seats. This appears to be the result of all these new corporations buying up all the front row seats and not being able to fill them with disinterested clients. If they haven't given them away by a few nights before, they should give them to their employees. They obviously don't and that is such a shame. How many employees would kill to sit in those seats. Then you'd have some energy.

[Shelly]

Bring back Crazy Lou!

:lol

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I remember going to game 6 against Detroit a couple of years ago and the Spurs fans showed up like it was a regular season game.

WTF is wrong with SA? Spurs fans are spoiled.

And I may as well join the pile on about the music, the 80s and 90s crap has got to go. They need to do something to give the arena an edge.

[exstatic]

I think the crowd is uninspiring. That being said, I don't think they're Robert Horry. I think they are a direct reflection of the Spurs themselves. I think the fans see the Spurs pacing themselves during the year, and decide that is a good idea. The team is also not overly demonstrative. Another mirror image.

[L.I.T]

To continue the piling on...I remember a couple of years ago, I think it was in the Alamodome, they had a '70's disco' theme...I still have flashbacks.

[exstatic]

Tim. He uses that type of quaint terminology. Retarded, Lame, etc.

[ALVAREZ6]

That means step it the fuck up AT&T.



Take notes from Golden State.

[JamStone]

That's retarded!

[ATXSPUR]

I have to agree with the "lame" assessment. Somewhere along the lines, Spurs fans went from rabid to lazy. It used to be that the Spurs had a decided homecourt advantage, but now the crowd only shows up when it wants to.

Crowds from Golden State and even Utah put the AT&T Center to shame most nights. Do Spurs fans not want to win as much anymore? I'm not exactly sure what happened.

Hopefully this Amare Stoudemire incident has woken up the fan base. The Spurs have two huge games coming up. And if it doesn't inconvenience San Antonio too much, it'd be nice if the crowd comes prepared.

Now isn't the time to settle. One day winning will be a distant memory. Now is the time to get while the gettin' is good.

Bring it.

:smokin

What happened is the Spurs crowd acts like they have been there before now. I think the crowd is great! Sure they arent golden state or even utah..but that golden state crowd wont be back for another 13 years after this season. The lower tier teams always have the loudest crowds in the NBA.

[ATXSPUR]

I remember going to game 6 against Detroit a couple of years ago and the Spurs fans showed up like it was a regular season game.

WTF is wrong with SA? Spurs fans are spoiled.

And I may as well join the pile on about the music, the 80s and 90s crap has got to go. They need to do something to give the arena an edge.

I do agree with the music. It is waaaay too old. They have got to play some d4l or dfb...something....the outdated ish is just humilliating...and cheesy.

[ashbeeigh]

I don't know if it's been said yet, but everyone that goes to the game tonight will be getting little silver "Go Spurs Go" flags to be a little less lame. It's not a yellow, white, orange, or blue t-shirt in combination with loud screaming to show enthuasism, but it is a half assed start. I just hope that it can help, a little.

Did y'all hear David Chancellor a few night ago asking everyone to wear black? Beamer responded with 'how about silver?" David was like "No, that's not enough."

[samikeyp]

When it is loud, the AT&T can be a great home court....when its loud. This thread pretty much nails it. Win or lose, back in the day at Hemisfair it was loud and nasty for the opposing team. To some extent I blame the fact that the NBA has become very corporate and your average fan can get priced out of the picture, however places like Golden State have managed to overcome that. This is the only pro sports team in SA...we as fans, used to act like it and go nuts all the time, we need to again right now.

[spurtime]

I'm lucky enough to get seats right behind the visitor's bench about 8 games per season. I'm absolutely vicious to the opposing teams' players and say things that I know will get under their skin throughout the games. I feel alone down there at times. Too many people are there to people watch, it seems. I agree with the lameness assessment

[samikeyp]

Whomever said it was right.

[samikeyp]

Tim needs to grab the mike before Game 3....walk to center court and say...

"rock this bitch"

The roof would literally blow off. :)

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

It's Tim, words like 'lame' are are part of his concise vocabulary.

[BigShotBob]

Do you think Duncan feels that way because he used to play in the Alamodome when we would open the 'football seats' and have record attendance for an NBA game? Even though the sound didn't conduct as well, Spurs playoff games felt baseball games there were so many people they could fit in that place.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Do you think Duncan feels that way because he used to play in the Alamodome when we would open the 'football seats' and have record attendance for an NBA game? Even though the sound didn't conduct as well, Spurs playoff games felt baseball games there were so many people they could fit in that place.

I don't think that has anything to do with it.

I went to games in 2003 when they won it at the SBC and from the first round all the way through to the Finals, the crowd was intense.

2005, the only game I made was game 6 against Detroit and I could tell before tip off that we weren't going to win. There was no electricity in the arena and the crowd was there like they expected to win instead of expecting it to be a game.

Spurs fans have gotten spoiled and content, to an extent so has its ownership. In the same way that Spurs fans think we'll keep winning forever, our management seems to be focused on the almighty dollar more than winning as many rings as possible while they have the best PF ever on their squad.

[Solid D]

Season Ticket Holders need to join the NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER and bring it like that Dr down on the first row who gets up and gets "down".

None of this mamby-pamby, elbow-length-silk-gloves-wearin', pinky finger extended drinkin', don't mess up my hair whinin', arrive at the 2nd quarter and leave early garbage. STEP UP or give your tickets to somebody who cares about gettin' up and gettin' busy!!!

http://www.drudgereport.com/siren.gif http://www.drudgereport.com/siren.gif http://www.drudgereport.com/siren.gif

[GrandeDavid]

-----
Fans of all ages attend the Spurs games and pay good money for tickets. If all the fans stand thruout the game, us seniors (and there are many, many who are fans - just look next time you are in the arena) will have to stand the entire game also. Does that matter to you???

Nobody HAS to stand up, and please make exceptions for seniors. But if you are able to walk all the way to your seat from the parking lot, I'm betting that a little lifting out of the chair won't do much harm. ;)

[blaze89]

Thinking there are alot of factors involved - many have been mentioned.

Spurs fans are spoiled that's for sure. I don't think many appreciate that, as Spurs fans, we are living in great times. Utah and, especially, Golden State have had little to scream about the past few years.

Ticket prices are too high, it is a corporate base down there.

Been to playoff games the past couple of years and in the balcony you find many fans wearing their "colours", caps - dressed to support the team and yelling. I noticed at the lower ring of the stadium, it's people who are the be seen - more like a social gathering of "Y'know who I saw there". It's as if they are too good to at least wear a Spurs t-shirt. I like the idea of black t-shirts given to fans prior to the game but will people wear them during the game.

[blaze89]

It's Tim, words like 'lame' are are part of his concise vocabulary.


Yup, and I'll be one of many who would agree with him - or whomever said that.

[clubalien]

I think "not going nutz" not fighitngg the the stands, not throwing trash at players, not burning cars is something civil and soemthing to be proud of. When you are in the stands for your local HS football game, you have chants of defense you jump up and cheer when they are running for a touchdown. You react to a missed catch. But when you are at home watching the tv you act the same. I think because we respectable watch the game and don't go crazy should be assosated with spurs ball. We bring the class, the others are just assess.

[Dave McNulla]

He says it affects players differently, and Tim Duncan must be one of those. His free-throw percentage, for example, was over 70 percent on the road this season. Then all he had to deal with were people yelling at him.

At home he hears something worse when he stands at the line. Silence. Then, if he misses, the entire building seems to gasp, projecting their apprehension upon him. Perhaps that explains why his percentage dropped below 58 at home this season.



you gotta boo duncan at home when he's shooting free throws and wave those long balloons too. watch his free throw shooting go up.

[spurschick]

Spurs fans have gotten spoiled and content, to an extent so has its ownership. In the same way that Spurs fans think we'll keep winning forever, our management seems to be focused on the almighty dollar more than winning as many rings as possible while they have the best PF ever on their squad.

It may seem that way, but it's not true. Fans may be in denial that the golden age of Tim Duncan is on the horizon, but management certainly is not. In the end, all the marketing in the world won't bring in the "almighty dollar" if the team doesn't win.

I said it in another thread and I'll repeat it here. Once you've been to the mountain top, the climb may not get you as excited. BELIEVE is the mantra, but perhaps everyone believes so much that they can't fathom anything less than a championship.

[DarrinS]

Season Ticket Holders need to join the NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER and bring it like that Dr down on the first row who gets up and gets "down".

None of this mamby-pamby, elbow-length-silk-gloves-wearin', pinky finger extended drinkin', don't mess up my hair whinin', arrive at the 2nd quarter and leave early garbage. STEP UP or give your tickets to somebody who cares about gettin' up and gettin' busy!!!




That's what I'm talkin about. I find it ironic that the people that sit in the first two rows are the very people most likely to be injured by a player fighting for a loose ball. The first two rows should be a no blue-hair zone. In the old days, even a blue-collar guy could get decent seats to a game. Nowadays, you have all these executive luxury boxes and crap like that. As much as I used to like going to games at the hemisphere, I haven't enjoyed them as much at SBC/AT&T (or whatever the hell the thing's called now). And the seating is terrible. I'm only 5'9" and my knees hit the seat in front of me. Sadly, the best way for me to watch a game is on my 40" high def. at home. Besides, I can TiVo the thing and watch at my own pace. I don't have to watch all the dog and pony shows, acrobats, racing colored balls, etc. Last time I went, they had all these annoying cheerleaders (male and female) in the stands. Oh well, this rant has gone on long enough.

[clubalien]

I must say I belive we win this championship, after all it is an odd year! So if we don't get the the nba finals It would be a let down.

[Fabbs]

If Angel Luv wants a marketing idea -- have the Baseline Bums (who've, I think, strayed from their original identity as well) stand at every entrance tonight and hand out a copy of this column with instructions for each entering fan to read it.
It's an interestingly-timed call out by Buck Harvey. Tonight's game is big.
Great idea. :clap Who can get a printin? Any SA area shops want to donate printing and put that on the bottom as well as pluggin them on the radio?

You know it would probably make national TV news as well.

[dallasmavsnfuego214]

He says it affects players differently, and Tim Duncan must be one of those. His free-throw percentage, for example, was over 70 percent on the road this season. Then all he had to deal with were people yelling at him.

At home he hears something worse when he stands at the line. Silence. Then, if he misses, the entire building seems to gasp, projecting their apprehension upon him. Perhaps that explains why his percentage dropped below 58 at home this season.


i agree with Duncan here. the hardest part about shooting free throws is when it is silent cause you know everyone is concentrating on you. at the same time when they are waving their balloons it just looks like they dont give a damn and are being goofy. if i was an NBA player i would want their to be a little buzz in the arena so it doesnt feel like everyone is watching you.

[mbass]

Nobody HAS to stand up, and please make exceptions for seniors. But if you are able to walk all the way to your seat from the parking lot, I'm betting that a little lifting out of the chair won't do much harm. ;)


Thanks - but what I object to is standing the ENTIRE game. Also consider that there are some short people and children that are fans. I live in Dallas and would hate for the Spurs fans to become as RUDE as the Mavs fans. I can hardly go into American Airlines center anymore with my Tim Duncan/Spurs stuff without getting some weird stares and comments.

Also we can't assume that it was Duncan who made the "lame" comment - personally I think that it was Barry.

[spurschick]

Great idea. :clap Who can get a printin? Any SA area shops want to donate printing and put that on the bottom as well as pluggin them on the radio?

You know it would probably make national TV news as well.

While the Express-News can write whatever they want, I don't think the Spurs organization wants to come out and say "you fans suck and here's proof." :lol

[ponky]

Thanks - but what I object to is standing the ENTIRE game. Also consider that there are some short people and children that are fans. I live in Dallas and would hate for the Spurs fans to become as RUDE as the Mavs fans. I can hardly go into American Airlines center anymore with my Tim Duncan/Spurs stuff without getting some weird stares and comments.

Also we can't assume that it was Duncan who made the "lame" comment - personally I think that it was Barry.


oops, too late for that. i get the same treatment in s.a. wearing mavs gear except that instead of stares, it's getting hit on the head (yes, on purpose) with those damn plastic beat stix. so i've opted to sometimes wear my black german national team nowitzki jersey so i don't get hick saliva on me or accidentally punch out the older lady with the beat stix. actually, the best place i've watched a live game is (no lie) new jersey, great seats, low price, no one harassing me much about cheering for the mavs, you can scream during the free throws and everyone hears you, get to shake hands with the mavs during shootaround and there are usually more transplant fans from nyc cheering for the opposing team than for the nets

[Lebowski Brickowski]

Great article. If only the noise from my house could be miked into the arena! :lol
I know from live games that the 200's are louder and rowdier than the lower level. I've got a great idea.
the fo shoud invert the ticket pricing.
then it would be "prestigous" in the 200s and that is where people would go to see and be seen -- there could be bars and clubs, etc... and the rich folk would be set above all the "common" fans
All the cheap tickets would be lower level and those people wold be so psyched just to be down there that by the time the game tips off, the roof would come off.
It's a simple idea that would change the face of the NBA.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

I agree 100%



compared to Jazz/Warriors arena the ATT crowd is damn weak





I wish the fans weren't so spoiled, and could just go nuts every play

[spurschick]

Also we can't assume that it was Duncan who made the "lame" comment - personally I think that it was Barry.

We also can't assume that it was anyone on the current team. Other players have come and gone since the team moved from the Alamodome and nobody said that the comment was made this year.

[ponky]

We also can't assume that it was anyone on the current team. Other players have come and gone since the team moved from the Alamodome and nobody said that the comment was made this year.

in that case, NVE

[FromWayDowntown]

While the Express-News can write whatever they want, I don't think the Spurs organization wants to come out and say "you fans suck and here's proof." :lol

Of course not. It was more of an immediate short-cut and a bleary-eyed thought at 7 am on a Saturday.

I've been to every home playoff game since 1999 and certainly can't dispute that the outward enthusiasm of Spurs fans in these games is less than inspirational. I don't know how anyone can go to these games and not be excited and interested in cheering. I haven't sat down for a minute of any home playoff game in the last 4 years!

I think there's now a routine to all of this and I think that hurts some. For years, I thought the game management folks didn't do enough to re-arrange their in-game agendas to meet with the flow of the game -- you'd get the Spurs on a run, the crowd in a fury, and you'd end up with the HEB beach ball game (or something like that) during the opponent's timeout, which would deflate the arena immediately. This year, they seem to be more cognizant (or just lucky) in that every big timeout by the opponent seems to be followed with stuff that will keep the fans involved.

In the end, though, creating noise and excitement is on the fans who go to the game.

I've never been more embarrassed as a Spurs fan than the last few times the Mavericks have been in the building and their fans have been able to drown out the Spurs crowd. I realize I might be giving fuel to ponky and other Maverettes, but as a Spurs fan who vividly remembers the rowdy days of the HemisFair and the unanimous and loud nature of those crowds in the playoffs, getting out done by Mav fan was sickening.

I think there has been a proliferation of ticket buyers who just want to say they were there and hope that something good happens; there are more ticket buyers who have the corporate collar on and can't (or won't) really get rowdy because of business concerns; there are more tickets that are scooped up from brokers by those who have only a passing interest in the game or are rooting for the visitor; there are those who just think that rooting loudly and boisterously at a game is below them. I don't know that the solution to those problems can ever be said to lie with the Spurs.

Perhaps the onus is on those who are interested in screaming and yelling to just do that and to encourage those around you to do that. Complacency can take a lot of forms.

[spurschick]

Perhaps the onus is on those who are interested in screaming and yelling to just do that and to encourage those around you to do that.

The perfect example are those who sit in the balcony (Club 200) and scream/cheer their asses off for the entire game. It hasn't gone unnoticed and they will be getting their due.

[GrandeDavid]

Also we can't assume that it was Duncan who made the "lame" comment - personally I think that it was Barry.

I agree it could have been Barry. It was a pretty funny comment and based on my recent experience, again, during the regular season, pretty true.

[BigBeezie]

I think the only "lame" thing about a Spurs game is the intro music. They need to change it up a little bit and maybe it will excite people to get there on time and ready to roll. I must admit that I'm perpetually late for regular season games, but that's what happens when you expect the same thing each time. A guy from work and I were saying they need to play Pantera's "Walk" as the intro music, as opposed to "ya'll ready for this".

[BigBeezie]

I'm pretty tired of the male/female cheerleader group too. We should have a contest of who could hit Steve Nash with a loaded hotdog from section 114.

[FromWayDowntown]

I will say this: I do think the Spurs home crowd can rise to the occasion and has done so in the past.

I think sometimes it takes a rivalry to bring out the best hostility that San Antonio can offer. When the Spurs have a rival (LA in the day; Dallas now, I guess) the Spurs fans seem to bring their A game more times than they don't. Maybe it takes some hatred of the other team (or its fan base) to get Spurs fans riled up. And maybe, with all of our lamentations here, Amare Stoudemire has already provided all of the fuel that Spurs fans need.

I hope that's true.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I think the only "lame" thing about a Spurs game is the intro music. They need to change it up a little bit and maybe it will excite people to get there on time and ready to roll. I must admit that I'm perpetually late for regular season games, but that's what happens when you expect the same thing each time. A guy from work and I were saying they need to play Pantera's "Walk" as the intro music, as opposed to "ya'll ready for this".

I still remember a couple of years ago when the Spurs announced there would be a new intro. at the first regular season game, and everyone was excited to have something besides 'Y'all Ready for This".

So what do they do? They have drummers hanging from the ceiling.... and then break into Y'all Ready for This?

:pctoss

Idiots. Fucking idiots.

[spurastic]

Hey, we're doing our part in Club 200!!! What are you guys talking about. We go to the Spurs games, and it's very exciting and upbeat and loud. When I watch the replay on TV, it seems extremely quiet as they must be able to mute the crowd noise. At Dallas games, they pipe in a lot of the crowd noises, have the drummers, and the dud that yells all the time over the loud speaker, but the crowd is actually much quieter.

[spurschick]

Hey, we're doing our part in Club 200!!! What are you guys talking about. We go to the Spurs games, and it's very exciting and upbeat and loud.

Yes it is and you guys do a great job. As I said, you'll be getting your due.

[jag]

seeing as how the spurs have some of the worst marketing in the NBA and they've been in the playoffs for 10 years straight, i can understand how the fans might not be too excited about round 2

[SequSpur]

No offense, I know some of you all read this stuff, but the Baseline Bums are terrible from a loudness standpoint.

[kris]

The oldies song that goes "mmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmm mmmmmm" is very embarrassing to the whole organization. Whoever does their music only hits once on every 10 songs.

Spurs fans are very polite and even at their most racous are just cheering. They're not rabinous (word?) like GS and Utah.

I don't help at all. I used to be an awesome fan, but now I act like I'm studying game film more than being a fan of the game.

I think the biggest factor is more of the crowd is older than other crowds. Spurs have more senior fans than almost every team.

To me the worst crowds are Miami and Chicago. Miami is awful and I thought Chicago was ok until I watched game 3 where the crowd looked like it was afraid to cheer because they might be committed to thinking the Bulls would win. The Bulls were down by 6 with about 3 minutes to go and the crowd was as stunned as I was when Derek Fisher hit .4.

[SequSpur]

Exactly...

One thing I would like to add, is ever since they moved to the ATT, it's just not the same...

I can't even get away with got damn it.. without some old lady or Mom giving me dirty looks... WTF?

[kris]

No offense, I know some of you all read this stuff, but the Baseline Bums are terrible from a loudness standpoint.

The Baseline Bums lost their bravado when they lost George Valley.

Valley was the whole point of the organization and they kicked him out like he was just some bum.

[kris]

My vote is for Tim.

[Trainwreck2100]

Valley was the whole point of the organization and they kicked him out like he was just some bum.


A baseline bum???

[tmtcsc]

:lol We didn't win jack shit in the late 70's and 80's or most of the 90's when our home crowd was rabid. We had a college like atmosphere in David's rookie year.


After that, we just choked away opportunities or played below our potential -Regardless of the fans.

As soon as Tim got here, we won. End of story. Our crowd reflects our best player. Loud ? Not really. Rabid ? Not really. Excited ? Not really. It's ho-hum and just win.

We did get crazy for Game 7 against the Pistons. That was the loudest, most rabid fan based game I have been a part of.

I hope the crowd can give the guys an extra jolt. We can't afford another slow start at home or a bunch of missed FT's.


PS: Golden State, Sacramento, Denver all have pretty rabid fans but they haven't won lately. Maybe quiet is better. :dizzy

[alamo50]

I refuse to read Harvey's articles so I have no idea what y'all are talking about. I know the crowd will be loud tonight and this article will have nothing to do with it at all.

[kris]

Loudest Spurs crowd in my estimation may be a tie between Lucious Harris missing two free throws in the finals and Mario Elie hitting a 3 on the Rockets in 99.

[ShoogarBear]

Maybe the loudest crowd I ever witnessed was the Spurs' first-ever home NBA playoff game against the Celtics in the HemisFair back in 1976.

The crowd gave the team a 3-minute standing ovation before the lineups were even announced.

Too bad they lost.

[judaspriestess]

I agree with the "lame" label given to the crowd. I don't live in SA anymore but we have Leaguepass and now NBA TV. I cannot believe how lame the crowd is usually at the games. Even if the Spurs are winning, you begin to see the crowd thinning. I think to myself, my God how lucky fans are in San Antonio to have the PRIVELAGE of having a winning team. The day will come when the Spurs may not be the powerhouse they are. I relish any opportunity to see my Spurs play. Hemisfair Arena used to rock. I usually have to go into hostile territories to watch the Spurs play now, ie lakers, suns, portland, seattle.

[Que Gee]

And I may as well join the pile on about the music, the 80s and 90s crap has got to go. They need to do something to give the arena an edge.

AMEN to that!
:toast

Even for the last few years that players think the music choice is comical.

[greens]

I don't think it's Tim. Yesterday, he said that the crowd in SA is one of the best in the league:
http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=15

[TxJudsonRocketTx]

Reading this got me thinking, I remember 2 years ago I went home to Kansas City on Christmas to a meaningless game between the Bengals and Chiefs, the Bengals already clinched their spot and the Chiefs were out after the Steelers won that day, and I have still never experienced a louder crowd at Arrowhead than what I heard that day. I've been to a Monday Night Football vs Elway and the Broncos, and two Christmas day games vs. the Raiders, and they may have been as loud, but not louder. I dont know what it is about Spurs fans, maybe its that they're spoiled or maybe its because its an early round, I dont know. My best guess is that the lower bowl is full of nothing but rich L.A types, but in Kansas City when you pull up to Arrowhead, playoff game or not, you know the fans are going to be rocking the stadium and taking the decibel reader to its limits.

[DarrinS]

No offense, I know some of you all read this stuff, but the Baseline Bums are terrible from a loudness standpoint.


Well, they are pretty old. They're also too caught up in their little rituals -- it's very repetitive. I sat with them one time and it was like my first time going to a Catholic church.

[SpursWoman]

My season tickets were pretty close to them, and we never really heard them. They aren't even a shadow of what they used to be. :depressed

[DarrinS]

Well, the bravatars are back, so that's a good thing. :toast

[mbass]

The oldies song that goes "mmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmm mmmmmm" is very embarrassing to the whole organization. Whoever does their music only hits once on every 10 songs.

Spurs fans are very polite and even at their most racous are just cheering. They're not rabinous (word?) like GS and Utah.

I don't help at all. I used to be an awesome fan, but now I act like I'm studying game film more than being a fan of the game.

I think the biggest factor is more of the crowd is older than other crowds. Spurs have more senior fans than almost every team.

To me the worst crowds are Miami and Chicago. Miami is awful and I thought Chicago was ok until I watched game 3 where the crowd looked like it was afraid to cheer because they might be committed to thinking the Bulls would win. The Bulls were down by 6 with about 3 minutes to go and the crowd was as stunned as I was when Derek Fisher hit .4.



We're all polite - our role models are David Robinson/Tim Duncan. I loved your comment about studying game film - I'm the same way.

[rwb]

I have never been to a Spurs game because I work evenings and I just can't afford the tickets on the nights I don't work. But I tape every game and try to sneak online at work to keep up with the score. It drives me insane to watch the games later and see so many good empty seats when there are people who'd love to fill them and cheer the team on in person, and you know most of the noise is coming from the seats up next to the ceiling. I really hope the Spurs crowd goes crazy tonight and helps push them into killer mode. I say if there are no shows for the corporate seats that they let fans in who may not have the money, but have the lungs.

But I'd be okay with dropping, "If You're Happy and You Know It" and "Day-o."

[ATXSPUR]

The oldies song that goes "mmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmm mmmmmm" is very embarrassing to the whole organization. Whoever does their music only hits once on every 10 songs.

Spurs fans are very polite and even at their most racous are just cheering. They're not rabinous (word?) like GS and Utah.

I don't help at all. I used to be an awesome fan, but now I act like I'm studying game film more than being a fan of the game.

I think the biggest factor is more of the crowd is older than other crowds. Spurs have more senior fans than almost every team.

To me the worst crowds are Miami and Chicago. Miami is awful and I thought Chicago was ok until I watched game 3 where the crowd looked like it was afraid to cheer because they might be committed to thinking the Bulls would win. The Bulls were down by 6 with about 3 minutes to go and the crowd was as stunned as I was when Derek Fisher hit .4.

lol actually the Spurs have hit their shot the majority of times when they play that mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmm. atleast from my obseervation.

[Trifecta]

Hey, we're doing our part in Club 200!!! What are you guys talking about. We go to the Spurs games, and it's very exciting and upbeat and loud. When I watch the replay on TV, it seems extremely quiet as they must be able to mute the crowd noise. At Dallas games, they pipe in a lot of the crowd noises, have the drummers, and the dud that yells all the time over the loud speaker, but the crowd is actually much quieter.


Club 200 -- keep it flowing'!

I am yelling through my TV all the way from SoCal!!!!

Everyone has to keep me isolated and on "losing my voice (and mind)" watch just like Wild Bill in the Green Mile :)

SoCal will represent this evening!!!

Spurs take no prisoners tonight!!!!

[RonMexico]

Welcome to life as a die-hard Phoenix fan that has seen the fandom completely collapse in the 14 years since the Finals run of '93. I watched an old home game on ESPN Classic (1993 WCF Game 7) and the fans were almost as good as current Golden State fans.

Now, they're just a bunch of transplant posers from California and the rest of the country and they know jack shit about the NBA and even less about basketball as a whole. It's pathetic and it pisses me off... now I haven't been to a game in 3 years out there, but I'll tell you that I was impressed with the SBC/AT&T Center crowds in the 3 games I've seen there since 2004. Who knows, though... maybe they've adopted the mentality of the team and just kind of coast along, knowing they can turn it up when they have to.

Ever since the population of Phoenix grew from double digits to the 5th largest city in America, the people that can afford to go to the games are no longer the true homegrown fans. So I want to thank San Francisco and LA for becoming so overpriced and for the illegal immigrant trade completely destroying the solidarity of the city.h

[coachmac87]

ya..its all about stan kelly....he sounds like a pussy when he yells and his voice cracks...we need something intimidating...and seriously does any PA ask the crowd to help?? seriously thats basically saying come on home team u suck at getting loud...it all starts with the PA he gets u hyped

[jag]

i live in chattanooga, TN and i can remember going to the games at the alamodome and the SBC when i lived in SA, when the spurs get deep in the playoffs...the fans represent, the place is electric. I have no doubts about the spurs or the fans.

[NASHville]

If the Spurs fans had half the heart of the Warriors fans the AT&T center would be one tough place to play.

[DudleyDawson]

I blame it on the AT&T Center. That place is one of the most poorly designed arenas in the league. The acoustics are terrible, and the seating arrangement makes no sense. Honest to god, why are there a thousand separate sections on the lower level? Then there's those terribly placed box seats about 15 rows up from the court that are hardly ever occupied. The Hemisfair used to rock, the dome would rock, this place is pathetic. How can you expect crowd camaraderie when the seats are divided up like they are? Look at all the "loud" arena's compared to ours. The AT&T Center was/is a big disappointment. I've been to many different events in that building, with the craziest of fans, and the place still doesn't rock like most other places. You put Golden State fans in our building and they wouldn't have nearly the same effect on the game they're having now. They would have to work twice as hard to generate the same level of noise they get in their building. I was at game 7 back in 2005 where the fans were standing and screaming the entire game, and Al Michaels didn't even have to raise his voice on TV to speak over the crowd noise.

[spurschick]

The fans tonight were awesome! I'm freakin' exhausted.

[LilMissSPURfect]

we are spoiled and just staking out and saving up for the partying downtown in june

[my2sons]

If the Spurs fans had half the heart of the Warriors fans the AT&T center would be one tough place to play.

What is phoenix's playoff record at the at&t...uhm...it is one tough place to play

[Amuseddaysleeper]

watch the spurs management say "y'all ready for this" is too 90's so they start opening games with "Smells Like Teen Spirit" instead :lol

[Extra Stout]

What is phoenix's playoff record at the at&t...uhm...it is one tough place to play
2-4 since 2003.

Meanwhile, they are 2-6 against the Spurs in the playoffs at US Airways Center over the same period.

So at&t offers a bit of a respite for the Suns.

[Russ]

Teams with lame (demanding) home crowds are ususually mentally tough. More so than those with adoring loud fans.

The crowds in the old Hemisfair were great but the team probably depended on them too much.

At any rate, the PA man no longer says "Welcome to the noisiest arena in the NBA!" Those were the days . . . :clap

[LilMissSPURfect]

I watched a game in the denver series where i was switching from espn to i think it was kens or channel 35 or something.... on the local channel the at&T crowd sounded loud but when i switched over to espn (or tnt) the crowed seemed like it was muted! Someone need to TRIP o'er those abc/espn wires and unplugg their asses!

[spurschick]

on screen it sounded like a dead crowd most of the game.

It was anything but dead. What you heard on tv didn't do it justice.

[Marcus Bryant]

I'm fing hoarse this morning.

[emmo]

that was the best crowd noise i've heard at a spurs game since the memorial day miracle. game five of the sacramento series last year was pretty good, but tonight was by far better. i can't speak from yelling last night.

some of the music needs to go (are you ready for this?), but i noticed one piece of music that got the fans loud was that one tejano song. people were screaming "ay yay yay"! now typically that wouldn't work, but this is san antonio. think using stuff that is relevant to the culture of the crowd is a good idea. it not only gets the crowd going, but is probably annoying to the visiting team/fans. also liked the use of the cotten eyed joe (bullshit!).

one more thing... what was with those lame noisemakers last night... guess they were cheaper than handing out black t shirts.

[DarrinS]

I blame it on the AT&T Center. That place is one of the most poorly designed arenas in the league. The acoustics are terrible, and the seating arrangement makes no sense. Honest to god, why are there a thousand separate sections on the lower level? Then there's those terribly placed box seats about 15 rows up from the court that are hardly ever occupied. The Hemisfair used to rock, the dome would rock, this place is pathetic. How can you expect crowd camaraderie when the seats are divided up like they are? Look at all the "loud" arena's compared to ours. The AT&T Center was/is a big disappointment. I've been to many different events in that building, with the craziest of fans, and the place still doesn't rock like most other places. You put Golden State fans in our building and they wouldn't have nearly the same effect on the game they're having now. They would have to work twice as hard to generate the same level of noise they get in their building. I was at game 7 back in 2005 where the fans were standing and screaming the entire game, and Al Michaels didn't even have to raise his voice on TV to speak over the crowd noise.


I completely agree. And the location of the AT&T center sucks ass.

[T Park]

:lmao

god, i could never work in public relations.

people in this world bitch about the stupidest shit i've ever seen.

Now free noise makers given out are bad?


GOD!!!

[T Park]

And the location of the AT&T center sucks ass

:rolleyes

Why is the location bad?

Cause its on the "east side"

Could've been downtown but thank the genius city managerial staff for that.

[Sec24Row7]

Thank mayor Ed Garza for where the AT&T center is... not having it downtown costs the city MILLIONS of dollars a year in lost revenue... and hurts downtown...


Oh well... i guess they will have a chance to fix it in 25 more years when they build the next one.

The crowd last night was pretty damned rowdy... It was no Golden State crowd, but then again... we have been there before... we just arent in the same situation Golden State is in...


Spurs should call the Crowd at AT&T "lame" more often... they came to yell last night.

[emmo]

Now free noise makers given out are bad?

not bad, just ill conceived or as i put it... lame. free doesn't give you a free pass from constuctive criticism.

and about the pr dept, i think they do an ok job. i actually attended the game with a former pr dept employee. he was the one who actually commented on the lame noise maker.

all in all, great atmosphere, great fans and great game!

[spurschick]

But here is the question, would you rather the crowd look unified, a.k.a. black t-shirts, or be loud? I'm personally tired of thundersticks, but the clackers from last night and some of the other noisemakers they've handed out (except for the crickets) have actually helped in the loudness department. IMO, I would much rather have a loud crowd than one all in black that sits there and does nothing.

[Dro210]

The Spurs crowd in the AT&T suck, but Spurs FANS are the best fans around... With years and years of winning comes the negative of selling season tickets to rich bandwagoners, and then the die-hards don't get to do to the games, and definatly don't get to sit lower level. Golden State probably doens't sell too many season tickets since they usually suck, which means more tickets for the real fans, and not the front-runners.... that's why you're seein so many true fans in there and goin crazy.

[Dro210]

But here is the question, would you rather the crowd look unified, a.k.a. black t-shirts, or be loud? I'm personally tired of thundersticks, but the clackers from last night and some of the other noisemakers they've handed out (except for the crickets) have actually helped in the loudness department. IMO, I would much rather have a loud crowd than one all in black that sits there and does nothing.

Definatly... I couldn't stand it yesterday, we started making our run towards the end of the 1st half, and if you couldn't see 'em, you wouldn't even know anybody was sitting in the stands.... They've gotta get loud and get excited and help our boys out. Why go to the games if it doesn't mean anything to you?

[efrem1]

Thank mayor Ed Garza for where the AT&T center is... not having it downtown costs the city MILLIONS of dollars a year in lost revenue... and hurts downtown...


Arco Arena is out in Natomas away from downtown. It brings the businesses to it. The Maloofs wanted a downtown arena, but they were so greedy that the whole thing fell though. I don't think the AT & T being away from the center of town is a bad thing.

[AnkleBreaker21]

That means step it the fuck up AT&T.



Take notes from Golden State.
thats stupid, how long has golden state been out of the playoffs. then they beat dallas, of course there going to be fuckin loud.

[Buddy Holly]

Thank mayor Ed Garza for where the AT&T center is... not having it downtown costs the city MILLIONS of dollars a year in lost revenue... and hurts downtown...

Garza? He wasn't even in office when the site of the arena was selected/

WTF?

[BigBeezie]

Last night the AT&T Center had a crazy crowd. The only thing that compares is Game 7 in 2005. It was almost that loud!!!

[Marcus Bryant]

So you want the crowd to be like the Bums of the Hemisfair days but you place the Bums 40 rows up from the floor? Hey, it's today's NBA, I guess.

So much noise at NBA games is manufactured anyways.

[T Park]

another rip that i dont understand "Well the bums arent close to the floor"


So if you owned the Spurs, youd give up those 2 and 3 hundy seats to the bums fans?

Youd say "Yeah, I dont want the 20 or 30 grand in ticket revenue"

Give me a break. Ideally? Yeah it would happen, but lets live in friggen reality world please.


BTW, I notice the Warrior's yellow shirts have a sponsor.

How greedy of that owner...........

[SpursWoman]

So if you owned the Spurs, youd give up those 2 and 3 hundy seats to the bums fans?

Youd say "Yeah, I dont want the 20 or 30 grand in ticket revenue"


Then they would only get 10-15K, then....they aren't totally free. :fro

[Marcus Bryant]

another rip that i dont understand "Well the bums arent close to the floor"


So if you owned the Spurs, youd give up those 2 and 3 hundy seats to the bums fans?

Youd say "Yeah, I dont want the 20 or 30 grand in ticket revenue"

Give me a break. Ideally? Yeah it would happen, but lets live in friggen reality world please.


BTW, I notice the Warrior's yellow shirts have a sponsor.

How greedy of that owner...........


Uh, that's part of the point. The other is that you shouldn't expect the same level of crowd intensity as you had back in the day when the upper crust dominates the lower bowl (a fan probably couldn't get away with dousing opposing players with beer either). Today "Baseline Bums" is such a misnomer. "Street Level Bums" is more appropriate.

[BigBeezie]

My father-in-law was telling me a pretty funny story. His best friend threw beer in the coach of the Celtics face back in like 1986 or something like that. The coach got ejected and the guy doused him with beer. It made me laugh.

[bringBAKElie]

Three friends and myself were lucky enough to get sixth row tickets to game two of the 03 finals. By the third quater we were being asked to sit down for the second time and warned that if we didnt we would be escorted out. In the fourth the usher came over and told us it was our last warning. We lost the fucking game. Im fairly young and dont know how it used to be but the crowds declined greatly, even since the 99 finals. I think its a fucking joke that we were asked to sit down duing a finals game, just my input

[Dro210]

another rip that i dont understand "Well the bums arent close to the floor"


So if you owned the Spurs, youd give up those 2 and 3 hundy seats to the bums fans?

Youd say "Yeah, I dont want the 20 or 30 grand in ticket revenue"

Give me a break. Ideally? Yeah it would happen, but lets live in friggen reality world please.


BTW, I notice the Warrior's yellow shirts have a sponsor.

How greedy of that owner...........


True.... but the true fans are gonna be there getting rowdy, helping the team win. Wins = more playoff games, more playoff games = alot more than 20-30k... and a championship, even just a WCC brings in millions in merchandise sales. It's the true fans buyin that stuff, not the execs sittin in the 100 sections. (No offense to any true fans in the 100 section.... as long as you get loud that is)

Ok, that may be a stretch... but in all honesty...

Us true fans really would more than make up for the losses in ticket sale revenue, with all the beer, merchandise, and souvenires we would buy.

[T Park]

Us true fans really would more than make up for the losses in ticket sale revenue, with all the beer, merchandise, and souvenires we would buy.

so people that are sitting down there arent true fans?

[Dro210]

so people that are sitting down there arent true fans?

IMO.... Most of 'em.... No

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I have to say that regular season 2003 the crowds were a lot rowdier than regular season 2007... I had wonderful seats near the court this time, but the fact that half of the charter seats are empty until mid way through the third really pissed me off. There wasn't nearly as much atmosphere in the AT&T as there was in 2003.

I'm not going to say we're a spoiled fan base, I don't know why people aren't as into it now as they were 4 years ago*, but through my anecdotal observations they aren't and that's a pity.

*maybe it's because in 2003 we only had 1999, and many non-Spurs NBA fans detracted from that championship because of the lockout, so we were still hungry to win another championship and assert our team as one of the enduring greats. Today, with 3 in the bag, this era is already the most storied in Spurs history, so maybe the desire for more has waned in some people... but not me! GET OUT, GET LOUD AND BE PROUD!!! Are you ready to make some noise..? :lol

[Dro210]

I was really young when I went to games in the Hemisphere, but my dad always tells me the fans were great back in his day... especially nack in the ABA days and shortly after.

But I can speak on the Alamodome, and in the Dome, where there were more seats, and mainly more cheap seats available to the real fans.... It got LOUD in there. I mean LOUD.... and that was sound filling what's basically a football arena capable of holding probably 70-80+ thousand, with only about 42,000 in there.

42,000 strong... I loved it

[romsey31]

haaa... try a game in indiana if you wanna see lame.

[FromWayDowntown]

haaa... try a game in indiana if you wanna see lame.

Having been at Conseco for the Spurs/Pacers game on April 1, I'll vouch for that. My buddy and I got to sit courtside -- literally first row near half-court -- and noticed that most of the uppers were empty that night and that "fans" were far more interested in insulting Jamaal Tinsley than they were in cheering him (at least until Tinsley hit the game winning layup).

I was disappointed in Indy fans. There was much, much more enthusiasm for a struggling Hoosiers team a couple of years ago than there was that night for the Pacers taking on one of the league's elite.

Of course, the night before the game, I heard a local Indianapolis sportsguy say something like "Now the Pacers, but I'm not sure why we even care anymore."