“It wasn’t like this in 2019, the last time they made the playoffs, but it’s back to 2007 and 2014, when they won the championships.”
SAN ANTONIO — As the San Antonio Spurs continue their playoff run, local vendors say booming fan enthusiasm is translating into a surge in merchandise sales across the city.
With the team chasing its sixth NBA championship – a pursuit some have dubbed the “Race for Seis” – demand for Spurs gear has skyrocketed, driven in part by the popularity of rising star Victor Wembanyama.
“It’s been anything really with Wemby – of course he’s the main seller,” Vendor Steven Calderon said. “But Castle is starting to come up now too,” referring to fellow player Stephon Castle.
Fans have been lining up to buy merchandise, reflecting a level of excitement some vendors say hasn’t been seen in years.
“We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said Calderon. “It wasn’t like this in 2019, the last time they made the playoffs. This feels more like 2014 or 2007 when they won championships.”
Vendors say the range of popular items has expanded beyond traditional t-shirts. Flags, banners and large wall graphics are now in high demand as fans look for new ways to show their support.
“We can pretty much produce flags, banners, even Fatheads,” Calderon said.
Andrew Carrillo, who has been selling Spurs merchandise since the team’s first championship in 1999, said this playoff run feels different.
“There’s a good feeling that there’s no stopping this team,” Carrillo said.
That optimism is helping fuel near-constant business for vendors, some of whom say they are struggling to keep items in stock.
“It’s almost 24/7 right now,” Calderon said.
Fans are also being swept up in the excitement. Monica Flores said she decided to buy new gear after seeing celebrations break out across the city.
“I saw people celebrating, and I had to be part of it,” she said. “I got shirts for my mom, my cousin and myself.”
Vendors expect sales to climb even higher if the Spurs continue advancing through the playoffs.
“As the rounds go on, sales double, even triple,” Calderon said. “Right now, everybody is all about the Spurs.”
With momentum building on and off the court, many fans believe the team could be on track for another title run.
“There’s something in the air that tells you they’re going to win it this year,” Carrillo said.