Your guide to the Spurs' highly anticipated opening night
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The Wemby era is officially here. Photo: Loren Elliott/AFP via Getty Images
The dawn of a new era, highlighted by the debut of rookie Victor Wembanyama, is upon San Antonio as the Spurs take on the Dallas Mavericks at home.
Why it matters: The Wembymania that has engulfed San Antonio for months will officially ignite Wednesday.
- We'll catch you up ahead of the season opener, considering it's been a dynamic offseason.
Flashback: The real excitement started in May, when the often-overlooked Spurs won the NBA Draft lottery and first dibs to draft Wemby, becoming media darlings overnight.
By the numbers: That excitement has translated into high demand for tickets.
- Ticket prices range from $40 for the balcony to $8,000 for courtside.
- VividSeats, a ticket resseller, tells Axios this season opener is one of the hottest home games for San Antonio. The average price increased 75% compared with last season.
Yes, but: Wemby isn't the only big news for the Spurs camp. In August, the team unveiled "Frost Bank Center" as the new name for their home, which was known as the AT&T Center for nearly 20 years.
- Victory Capital Performance Center, the state-of-the-art practice facility, opened this month. It's part of The Rock, a developing campus near La Cantera that will also have commercial space.
Be smart: Keep in mind that Wednesday's game will be nationally televised on ESPN. Tipoff will be at 8:30pm, which is later than usual. Parking lots open at 5:30pm, doors open at 7pm.
- All fans will receive a commemorative T-shirt designed by San Antonio artist Ray Scarborough featuring the Spurs Coyote in the heart of the city.
- San Antonio's own Eliotte Woodford, a performer on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, will sing the national anthem.
- The Frost Bank Center also has new concessions options. Check them out here.
State of play: Coach Gregg Popovich revealed during preseason that the starting lineup will be: Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Zach Collins and Wemby.
- Wemby averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.8 blocks per game during four preseason matchups.
- Collins and Vassell signed contract extensions with the Spurs earlier this month.
- The Spurs exercised their team option for Sochan, Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley, which ensures they'll be under contract until the 2024-2025 season.
- The team is starting the season injury-free.
What they're saying: During media day, Popovich emphasized that despite the buzz surrounding Wemby, the Spurs are focused on teamwork.
- "If Manu Ginobili can come off the bench, anyone can, and I don't want to hear it," he said.
The bottom line: It should be an exciting season, and we're glad you'll be here with us.