San Antonio International Airport is seeing increased travel from both Spurs and Knicks fans as the NBA Finals bring national attention to the city.
SAN ANTONIO — The Spurs aren’t the only ones getting ready for the NBA Finals.
As San Antonio prepares for Game 1 against the New York Knicks, officials at San Antonio International Airport say they’re seeing a spike in travelers heading both to and from the Alamo City.
Airport leaders report increased traffic from New York as Knicks fans make their way to San Antonio, while local Spurs fans are also booking trips to the Big Apple to cheer on their team during the Finals.
The airport says the excitement extends beyond fans. National media outlets have arrived in town, celebrities are expected to attend games, and thousands of supporters have already turned out to celebrate the team’s playoff success.
Officials got a preview of Spurs mania after San Antonio clinched its spot in the Finals. The airport estimates between 3,000 and 4,000 fans packed the terminal area to welcome the team home after its Western Conference Finals victory over Oklahoma City.
With larger crowds expected throughout the championship series, airport officials have increased security staffing.
“Normally we have officers patrolling the airport inside and outside. Now we have thousands and thousands of travelers and spectators mixed in just watching the players waiting for their return,” said Tonya Hope with San Antonio International Airport Communications. “We need to ensure the safety of everybody, so we have to have the proper number of staff for that.”
Airport officials are encouraging travelers to plan ahead, reserve parking online if possible and arrive two to three hours before their flight to allow extra time for crowds.
And if the Spurs bring home another championship?
Airport leaders say they may have something special planned for fans.
For now, Finals fever has officially landed in San Antonio.