Are the Spurs leaving San Antonio?
Spurs owner Peter Holt says the team is not going to leave San Antonio, in reaction to rumors that the squad could be relocating to a new home.
San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt has reassured the team’s fans that they are not moving to a new home, amid speculations that the squad will be relocating.
Spurs are here to stay
In a statement, Holt said he wanted to reassure the city “that the Spurs are in San Antonio to stay,” and that the city and the team are inextricably linked.
“I was raised in San Antonio and this city has helped define the foundation of the Spurs. The Spurs are as much a part of San Antonio as San Antonio is part of the Spurs,” according to Holt.
“My family became involved in the Spurs in the 90s because there was a real threat that the team would be moved. We would not let that happen then and we will not let that happen now,” he added.
Buzz about Spurs move to Austin
There was speculation that the team was considering a move after the Spurs were granted by Bexar County officials permission to hold more games outside their arena, from two matches to four. Bexar County owns AT&T Center, the home court of the Spurs.
The franchise’s request to play two games in Austin’s Moody Center caused concern among county officials, and they requested more information about this development. Spurs officials say they are merely trying to find ways to expand and reach more fans.
Holt’s statement has put the city’s fears of the Spurs leaving to rest.
The Spurs have considered San Antonio their home since 1973. They have won five NBA championships since 1999, which makes them number five in the league after the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics who both have 17, and the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors who have six apiece.