The joy — and debate — of Spurs honking
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In San Antonio, celebratory traffic jams and blaring horns are a universal sign of a Spurs playoff win — but also part of a growing debate about what the tradition has become.
Why it matters: As the Spurs make another postseason push, the honking has taken on a new — and often rowdier — life, fueled by pent-up excitement and a new generation of fans.
Flashback: The custom dates to the Spurs' June 25, 1999, NBA championship win. Fans remember the honking erupted almost instantly on Commerce Street that night.
- Fans leaving the Alamodome, then the Spurs' home court, merged with downtown crowds eager to celebrate, helping spark the tradition.
Yes, but: Recent celebrations on Southwest Military Drive have generated viral videos that some fans say don't reflect the spirit of the tradition, including dangerous driving, people climbing and dancing on cars, and other chaotic scenes.
- Three arrests were made between Game 3 and Game 5 celebrations for reckless driving and DWI on Military Drive, though no arrests were reported on Commerce Street.
Between the lines: Debate has also centered on the San Antonio Police Department limiting access to popular honking spots.
- Fans were cut off from Commerce Street during Fiesta, and some have recently encountered limited routes into downtown from Southtown unless entering from the highway.
- SAPD declined to answer questions about how many officers are deployed and where the department decides to stage in preparation.
What they're saying: Fans have also debated which wins warrant honking. We asked readers. Here's what they have to say:
- "SA should honk after every win!! We are a celebration city, Fiesta is in our soul. Why limit joy and camaraderie," Evan E. tells Axios.
- Terri Y. agrees: "HONK!!! AFTER ALL WINS!!!"
- Daniel B. says honking should be reserved for championship victories, "otherwise it just gets watered down."
What's next: The Spurs have a chance to win the Western Conference Semifinals on Friday. Tipoff is at 8:30pm in Minnesota.