The Sept. 14 tryouts at Freeman Expo Hall are expected to be an all-day event where the team can find the loudest, most passionate fans to lead the new section.
SAN ANTONIO — In a city where the Spurs can stake their claim as the one and only professional franchise from the four major U.S. sports leagues, there’s no shortage of diehard fans who have continued to support them through the sub-.500 seasons and are cheering even louder now with aspirations of returning to the NBA playoffs.
But just who in the Silver & Black fan base is cheering the loudest? The team aims to find out, and gather them all in one spot when the season begins in October.
Inspired by European soccer megafans – including Victor Wembanyama’s club of choice, Paris Saint-Germain – the Spurs on Tuesday announced they’re launching a “fan supporter’s section” to rattle opponents and epitomize the most passionate of puro San Antonio fandom at home games.
“We’re building something new, something powerful, something that will be the heartbeat of every home game,” the Spurs say of the fan section, adding they’re looking to create “the loudest, proudest and most relentless crew of Spurs fans in the building.”
The team says the group, officially called the “Supporters Section,” will be in Section 114 at Frost Bank Center and the H-E-B Fan Zone directly above. Tryouts for the group are set for Sunday at the Freeman Expo Hall with registration running from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Frost Bank Center.
You have to RSVP ahead of time here.
The Spurs say it’s a different group than the Baseline Bums, which originated in the team’s Hemisfair days and are rooted in their own section of seats. But members selected for this new fan group will have a say in what their official name will be.
What to know for the tryout
It’ll be held as an all-day event on Sunday, Sept. 14, with registration starting at 7 a.m. at the Frost Bank Center. Anyone who tries out must be at least 18 years old unless accompanied by a parent.
What makes a strong fan section candidate? The team says they’re looking for those who can go to at least 75% – or roughly 30 out of 41 – of Spurs home games this season. They’re also looking for fans eager to “participate in chants and rituals,” “support with passion and respect” while fostering a “safe, inclusive and positive environment” at the arena.
The Sunday tryouts will be a multi-round event leading up to a final round. “Eliminations” will take place throughout the day. No re-entry will be allowed if you leave, but fans are free to bring chairs, coolers and snacks (just leave the alcoholic drinks at home).
“Most importantly,” the team says, “find your way to stand out and show us what makes you a perfect fit.”
Participation in the tryout event doesn’t guarantee you’ll be selected, according to the team. Those who are picked will be contacted in the following days.
Oh, and Spurs All-Star Wembanyama himself will stop by. The team says the Supporters Section was his idea.
“If this group reaches its full potential, I have no doubt it’s gonna help us win games in the future, for sure,” Wemby said.
Does selection mean free tickets?
No, and it’ll run you $999 to be a Supporters Section member if you’re selected.
“The $999 is not a season ticket purchase,” the team says. “It’s a membership that provides access to a ticket to every Spurs home game plus additional benefits.”
Among those benefits: exclusive gear, a 15% discount at the fan shop and exclusive supports meetups during the season.
The fee guarantees tickets and parking for home games, with tickets distributed on a first come, first serve basis.