Photo courtesy of Spurs Sports & Entertainment
On Thursday, August 3 the five-time NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs announced a new naming rights partner in Frost Bank. Starting with the 2023-24 season, the formerly named AT&T Center will be known as the Frost Bank Center.
“We believe in San Antonio – it’s our hometown,” said Frost Chairman and CEO Phil Green in a news release. “We want this relationship with the Spurs to demonstrate our unwavering sense of pride for San Antonio’s rich history and its bright future.”
The change comes after the former naming rights partner, AT&T, sold their minority stake in the Spurs in 2021. They agreed to a one-year naming rights extension for the 2022-23 season while the ball club sought out a new partner. Frost Bank is the Spurs oldest business partner, with a relationship dating back 50 years.
“The longevity and success of both the Spurs and Frost Bank are rooted in our shared values of integrity, caring, and excellence,” Green said. “These values ultimately help strengthen and shape our entire community. For 50 years, we have been proud to be a sponsor and a partner with the Spurs. Por Vida. Go Spurs Go!”
The Spurs and Frost Bank first began their partnership in 1973 when the bank provided the necessary financing to move the then-Dallas Chaparrals of the ABA to the Alamo City. The unique partnership helped pave the way for the Spurs unprecedented run of success in San Antonio.
Frost Bank has been a continued major corporate partner over the years, including being the Spurs first jersey patch partner from 2018-19 through the 2021-22 season (the Austin-based financial institution Self is the current partner) and serving as an integral component to Rock at La Cantera, the Spurs new state-of-the-art performance center and entertainment district.
“We’re so excited to bring together two of San Antonio’s most treasured brands in a new and meaningful way to represent our community,” said R.C. Buford, Spurs Sports & Entertainment CEO. “Fifty years ago, our two organizations envisioned the potential of what a professional sports team could mean for our community, and it is only fitting that we’re joining efforts to welcome fans into the home of the San Antonio Spurs.”
Photo courtesy of Spurs Sports & Entertainment
The 2023-24 season promises to be one of renewed excitement for the Spurs – having landed the first overall pick in the NBA Draft in French phenom Victor Wembanyama, the team saw a surge in season-ticket purchases. The newly christened Frost Bank Center will add to the excitement with several new features in time for the new season, including the Frost Club complete with a “Puro Meter” corridor mural, as well as a game-day interactive light show that changes with the volume of fan noise inside the arena.
“Aligning the Frost and Spurs names in such a major way celebrates both our enduring presence in Texas and our shared commitment to communities we have the privilege of serving,” said Buford.