SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio and fans have been wondering about the future of the Spurs in the Alamo City since the recent news of the team looking to play home games away from the city starting next season.
Is this a sign of an impending relocation? Why two games in Austin? Is Austin going to be the new home for the Spurs?
Those questions and more have frayed nerves of the fanbase, but Spurs Chairman Peter J. Holt is telling San Antonio residents there is nothing to worry about and the team is here to stay in a letter released by the team.
San Antonio will play four games away from the city next season, including games at the Alamodome, in Mexico and in Austin.
The team recently asked the Bexar County Commissioners Court to be able to play four games away for the next two years. Instead, the commissioners approved a one-year trial run.
The games in Austin are what is worrying some fans.
With Austin being a go-to city, big tech firms throughout the city, and new Spurs ownership from Austin, it's enough to make fans and the city nervous.
"The way they [Spurs] painted it, to expand their fanbase," County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez said. "They want to be able to sell potentially to their Mexican fanbase, in Mexico City, in Monterrey, as well as their fanbase up the road in I-35 in the Austin corridor to potential ways to come for games."
"We also received a full-throated commitment from the Spurs that they are planning to stay here [San Antonio]. That this part of being successful in San Antonio is expanding that fanbase. Bringing in some different investors in terms of season ticket holders," Rodriguez said.
It should be noted the Spurs have been courting Austin fans for years through ride-shares, establishing their G League team in Austin, hosting an Austin Spurs game in the AT&T Center, and even providing helicopter rides to San Antonio for games.
"We know the Spurs are San Antonio's team, but again the reality is you have a booming community up I-35, just 80 miles away, and part of the ownership is from Austin," Rodriguez said. "We know this. At least on paper, the Spurs are here until 2032."
Mayor Ron Nirenberg and County Judge Nelson Wolff added that they are pleased and faithful in Holt's leadership.
"Peter J. Holt's heartfelt statement today could not have been said any better and should put speculation about the San Antonio Spurs' plans to rest," Nirenberg said on Facebook. "We are completely comfortable with Mr. Holt's leadership and his commitment to the City of San Antonio. We have full confidence that the Spurs will stay in San Antonio for decades to come."
The Spurs will go back to the Commissioners Court soon to discuss this topic and more.
OK, Spurs fans, what do you think? Let us know on Twitter at @KENS5 and @JeffGSpursKENS5.