Alamodome
Multi-purpose domed stadium in San Antonio, Texas.
Yinan Chen · via Wikipedia: Alamodome · Public Domain
The Alamodome is a 64,000-seat domed indoor multi-purpose stadium in San Antonio, Texas, located on the southeastern fringe of downtown San Antonio. It opened on May 15, 1993, having been constructed at a cost of $186 million. The facility was intended to increase the city's convention traffic and attract a professional football franchise, while also placating the San Antonio Spurs' demands for a larger arena.
- Opened
- May 15, 1993
- Capacity
- 64,000 (expandable to 72,000)
- Construction cost
- $186 million
- Location
- San Antonio, Texas
- Primary tenant
- UTSA Roadrunners
- Notable former tenant
- San Antonio Spurs (1993–2002)
Lore & Background
The Alamodome was designed as a rectilinear 5-level stadium that can seat up to 64,000 spectators for football and marching band competitions, expandable to 72,000. It was built to easily convert into a basketball or hockey arena, with retractable seating and a playing surface that takes 12–18 hours to set up. In arena configuration, it seats 20,662 spectators, expandable to 39,500 when the upper level is opened. The facility also includes two permanent Olympic-size ice rinks, 30,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 160,000 square feet of continuous exhibit space.
The Alamodome opened with 38 luxury suites and 6,000 club level seats, though original plans called for 66 luxury suites. In 2006, an expansion added 14 new luxury suites. The Sports Club and Top of the Dome restaurant received renovations in 2004. The stadium has hosted the annual Alamo Bowl, UTSA graduation ceremonies, and UIL State Football Playoff games.
Reader's Guide
The Alamodome served as the home of the San Antonio Spurs from 1993 to 2002, including their first NBA championship season in 1999. The Spurs moved to the Alamodome after the 1992–93 NBA season, replacing HemisFair Arena. During their tenure, the Spurs expanded the Alamodome's capacity to 35,000 for popular opponents and up to 39,500 for playoffs. However, management and fans grew dissatisfied with poor sight lines and the cavernous feel of the football-configured stadium, leading to the construction of a new arena, the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs moved after the 2001–02 season.
The facility has hosted numerous other tenants, including the San Antonio Texans of the CFL, the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football, the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League, and the San Antonio Talons of the Arena Football League. The UTSA Roadrunners began using the stadium in 2011. The Alamodome also hosted the 1996 NBA All-Star Game and set a regular season single-game attendance record of 68,323 when the Spurs hosted the Golden State Warriors on January 13, 2023.
Did You Know?
- The Alamodome opened with 38 luxury suites, though original plans called for 66.
- The facility has two permanent Olympic-size ice rinks.
- The 1996 NBA All-Star Game was played in the Alamodome.
- The Spurs set a regular season single-game attendance record of 68,323 at the Alamodome on January 13, 2023.
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