The Spurs are set for the team's first postseason playoff appearance since 2019, bringing on Spurs energy that San Antonio hasn't felt in years.

Why it matters: A winning Spurs team ripples across San Antonio, boosting local businesses and the city's national spotlight.

Catch up quick: It's been a monumental season for the Spurs, following a year marked by health scares for star Victor Wembanyama and longtime coach Gregg Popovich, who ultimately retired.

• Led by Wembanyama and Devin Vassell, along with key contributions from De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie, the Spurs went undefeated in February before losing just one game during the notoriously tough Rodeo Road Trip.
• They clinched playoff berth in a nail-biting win against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. They're currently No. 2 in the Western Conference.

What they're saying: "It feels right to have them back in the playoffs, where I always thought they belonged," Johnny Sanchez, a member of the Jackals, the cheering section created by Wembanyama, tells Axios.

State of play: A Spurs spokesperson tells Axios every home game has sold out this season, with even more interest after the Rodeo Road Trip. Even standing-room-only tickets have sold out or nearly sold out every game.

By the numbers: A StubHub spokesperson tells Axios that Spurs-related searches are up 40%–80% over last season, with peak interest from October through December and a level that has stayed elevated into March.

• On Vivid Seats, average ticket prices since Feb. 1 have been more than 25% higher compared with the team's first 12 games, a spokesperson tells Axios.

The vibe: The Spurs say fans can expect a mix of old and new traditions as the playoffs begin next month, with citywide watch parties, giveaways and activations ramping up.

Zoom out: At places like The Friendly Spot and Bruno's Dive Bar, owner Jody Bailey Newman says the buzz is building.

• She remembers the packed crowds of the Big Three era and says that same vibe is returning.
• "They're different stars, but [it's the] same Spurs swagger and energy," she tells Axios. "It feels great — new, yet familiar."

San Antonio is about to hit a flow state (as the kids would say). In other words, it's about to be peak 210 with the Spurs headed to the playoffs and Fiesta around the corner.

Why it matters: It's been a while since the two pillars of San Antonio culture have overlapped, and it's stirring up memories of the old days.

Tell us: What's your favorite Spurs-Fiesta memory or tradition? Is it honking after a Fiesta event? Carrying a broom to will a series sweep? Chanting "Go Spurs Go" in a cumbia circle?

• Hit reply and let us know. We may feature your response in a future newsletter.

A building boom has cooled rents in San Antonio — but that relief could fade as new construction slows.

Why it matters: Housing is unaffordable for many. Although the median U.S. rent for new leases is down 1.5% from a year ago, it's still roughly 20% above pre-pandemic levels, at $1,400 a month, per Apartment List.

• And a new Harvard report finds a record number of renters are "cost-burdened," spending more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities.

Zoom in: Median rent fell roughly 5% since a year ago in San Antonio, New Orleans and Denver, according to data from Apartment List, a rental site.

• In Austin — a building hot spot — it was down nearly 6% this February from a year earlier.
• Phoenix (-4%), Tampa (-4%) and Salt Lake City (-2%) also posted big declines.

Between the lines: High building costs and a glut of supply in places like the Sun Belt have made developers cautious about starting new projects.

• When new units do arrive, they're mostly luxury apartments.

Meanwhile, more people are renting — partly because homebuying remains out of reach — keeping rents from falling much further nationwide.

🔎 San Antonio ISD trustees will review and decide the future of at least 15 vacant campuses — considering sales, leases or community partnerships — at tonight's board meeting. (Express-News 🔑)

⚖️ A Bexar County judge dismissed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's lawsuit over the county's immigration legal services program after ruling the case moot because the funds had already been distributed. (SA Report)

🗣 After a viral video showed a fan disparaging Hispanic Spurs supporters, fans responded with pride — flooding social media and showing up to Saturday's game against the Pacers in custom "Crazy Hispanic Fan" shirts.

• The Spurs said they're proud of San Antonio's Latino community and stressed that inclusion and respect are core to the team's identity. (The Athletic 🔑)

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👋 Megan here. The Board Couple is a great place to host an event for your next work or club meeting.

The vibe: The small space on the West Side manages to feel laid-back while offering a classy menu to elevate any meetup.

• There's table seating as well as a couch and chairs. Refrigerators hold plentiful takeaway items for those looking to leave with a bottle of wine and all the fixins for a cozy night in.

Plus: You can order fancy charcuterie boards anytime for a special occasion or someone.

How it works: Regular pick-up and shopping hours are 10am-2pm Monday through Saturday, but the space is available to book for events outside of those hours. My book club has picked this spot twice, and the owners were accommodating and kind.

• Just give them a call or send a message online if you want to book it.

What to try: I ordered a glass of chardonnay ($12) and a pear melt ($12.50).

Six word review: Crisp wine, melty cheese over nuts.