A Guide to Frost Bank Center
As the celebrated home of the San Antonio Spurs, the Frost Bank Center stands as a monumental landmark on the city's east side, celebrating one of the most successful dynasties in modern NBA history. Originally opened in 2002, this arena encapsulates the deep-rooted culture of a franchise defined by championship excellence, legendary coaching, and a uniquely passionate, multigenerational Texas fanbase. Its location just minutes from downtown serves as a perfect bridge between thrilling professional basketball and the historic charm of San Antonio.
Getting to the Arena
- Driving & ParkingDrivers approaching the Frost Bank Center from the north or south on I-35 should take the Frost Bank Center Drive exit (or Walters Street to East Houston Street) and head straight toward the venue, while those arriving from the east or west via I-10 or Highway 90 should exit at W.W. White Road or Houston Street and head north. Because the venue features an entirely surface-lot setup with no multi-level parking garage, accommodation relies on several official parking lots (numbered Lots 1 through 7) that directly surround the arena perimeter, all of which operate as strictly 100% cashless facilities requiring mobile payment or pre-purchased digital passes. Visitors can access these open surface lots via primary gates like Gate C off Houston Street or Gate D and E off Frost Bank Center Drive, with dedicated ADA-accessible parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis closest to the main entrances.
- Public TransitThe city's transit system, VIA Metropolitan Transit, is entirely bus-based. While Amtrak operates out of the San Antonio Station (SAS) downtown, this is strictly for intercity travel and cannot be used as local stadium transit.
- Bus Routes VIA Metropolitan TransitFor direct public transit, take Route 25 (East Commerce Frequent), the premier option connecting downtown's Centro Plaza directly to the Frost Bank Center with boosted event frequencies running at 15-minute intervals, or Route 24 (East Houston), which runs directly from downtown catching spots like Third & Avenue E or E. Houston & Under I-37 and drops passengers off right at the E. Houston & Coca-Cola Product.
- RideshareRideshare vehicles and personal passenger drop-offs can utilize any open parking lot gate around the stadium perimeter to let fans out before the event.
Pregame Festivities
The arena is located outside downtown, so many fans pregame in the downtown/River Walk area and travel to the arena for tip-off. The River Walk offers one of the most unique pregame environments in the NBA.
Bars & Restaurants
- A craft brewery on the near east side offering house-brewed beers in a welcoming taproom. Closer to the arena than most downtown options.
- A San Antonio craft brewery near the arena brewing beers inspired by Texas and San Antonio heritage. The taproom and beer garden host events and offer a fun pregame gathering spot.
- An ice house (Texas term for a casual outdoor beer bar) on the east side near the arena. Cold beer, outdoor seating, and a laid-back Texas vibe.
- A Tex-Mex and steakhouse restaurant on Josephine Street, about 10 minutes from the arena. Fajitas, enchiladas, and steaks in a casual, longtime San Antonio setting.
- A restaurant near the arena offering creative American cuisine.
- Colorful spot known for its burgers & hot dogs served on homestyle buns, with a free side of beans.
- A soul food restaurant on the east side serving Southern comfort classics, fried catfish, oxtails, mac and cheese, and candied yams. San Antonio's diverse food scene extends well beyond Tex-Mex.
- American restaurant offers a casual setting with a focus on dining before or after golf. Atmosphere suits relaxed meals with a sporty backdrop.
- A cocktail lounge near the arena offering creative cocktails and hookah in a stylish setting.
- A historic bar at the Menger Hotel adjacent to The Alamo. The bar is a replica of the House of Lords pub in London and has been serving drinks since 1859. Teddy Roosevelt reportedly recruited his Rough Riders here.
Neighborhood Attractions
- The most iconic landmark in Texas, located in downtown San Antonio. The 1836 Battle of the Alamo, where a small garrison held out against Mexican forces for 13 days, is central to Texas identity. The site includes the chapel, Long Barrack, and museum.
- A network of walkways along the San Antonio River in downtown, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. The River Walk is one of the most visited attractions in Texas and provides a uniquely atmospheric pregame experience barge rides, mariachi music, and Tex-Mex restaurants along the water.
- A 750-foot observation tower built for the 1968 World's Fair, offering panoramic views of San Antonio from the observation deck and a rotating restaurant. About 15 minutes from the arena.
- A historic hotel in downtown San Antonio, notable for being the heaviest building ever moved on wheels. 1,600 tons, moved five blocks in 1985. A unique architectural curiosity.
Monuments & Unique Features
- The CoyoteLife-size statue of The Coyote, the Spurs' beloved mascot. Located right on the main concourse level.
- The Larry O'Brien TrophiesFans can view and take pictures with representations of the team’s five NBA Championship Larry O'Brien trophies, which are famously displayed for the public near the Michelob ULTRA Club.
- Championship BannersThe Spurs display five massive white/silver NBA Championship banners (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 & 2014). They are flanked by smaller black banners commemorating the team's extensive Conference and Division titles.
- Gregg Popovich BannerThe bold white banner reads "POP 1,390" commemorating his NBA-record regular-season coaching victories, adorned with five gold stars representing his championships and "HALL OF FAME" text at the bottom.
- Retired Jerseys
- #21 Tim Duncan
- #20 Manu Ginóbili
- #9 Tony Parker
- #50 David Robinson
- #44 George Gervin
- #32 Sean Elliott
- #6 Avery Johnson
- #12 Bruce Bowen
- #13 James Silas
- #00 Johnny Moore
Seating & Special Sections
- The Courtside Club Seats (Floor Level)Directly bordering the hardwood floor, Rows 1–3 of the floor blocks: The most elite option in the arena. Tickets feature oversized, plush leather seats directly on the court. It includes a dedicated VIP stadium entrance, in-seat wait service, and exclusive access to the private, ultra-premium Courtside Club. An all-inclusive lounge built on the event level behind the visiting team's bench. This club features a three-course chef's table dinner, open premium bar (beer, wine, spirits), and a glass-walled player tunnel where fans can watch the Spurs and opposing players walk directly to and from the locker rooms.
- Courtside Boxes (Lower Level / Sidelines)Positioned at the top of the lower seating bowl along both the home and visitor sidelines. Miniature private semi-suites designed for groups of up to 12 guests. These open-air premium boxes look directly out onto the lower bowl, offering a perfect blend of stadium atmosphere and private hospitality. They include a dedicated private restroom, VIP parking passes, all-inclusive upscale food spreads (Chef’s Table buffet), and a dedicated credit toward custom in-seat beverage packages.
- Theater Boxes (Terrace Level / West End)Positioned on the SWBC Terrace Level, elevated directly behind the hoops on the stadium's west end zone: These exclusive semi-private boxes feature deep, luxury mesh armchairs positioned right at the ledge overlooking the court. Just steps behind the stadium seats is a private, upscale dining area and bar exclusive to the 14 Theater Box ticket holders, featuring high-end all-inclusive culinary spreads, beer, house wine, and soft drinks.
- Terrace Ledge BoxesSections 113–116: Individually numbered premium spaces featuring 4 to 6 oversized, extra-comfortable roller chairs fixed to a spacious drink ledge overlooking the arena bowl. Buying into a Ledge Box automatically grants fans all-inclusive food and beverage access to the adjacent upscale Agave Club Presented by SWBC, which features local Tex-Mex specialties, carved meats, craft beer, and wine.
- Terrace Suites (Main Luxury Suite Level)Encircling the entire mid-tier of the arena, situated cleanly above the lower seating bowl: The Frost Bank Center features 92 private luxury suites that comfortably accommodate groups of 16 to 18 people (with standing room extensions for up to 30). These spaces feature completely climate-controlled private indoor lounge areas, wet bars, flat-screen HDTVs, stadium-style balcony seating, and a dedicated suite attendant. Catering is provided by Levy Restaurants’ Silver & Black Experience, permitting customized Texas BBQ and fajita spreads. Suite tickets automatically provide access to the Frost Club and the Saddles & Spurs Club.
- Super BoxesLocated on the east side corners of the arena's Club Level tier: Oversized, shared upscale suites designed for individual ticket buyers who want the suite lifestyle without renting an entire room. They offer expansive sightlines, premium stadium seats, upscale lounge areas, and general access to the high-end premium concourses
Concessions
- Signature ItemsTex-Mex dominates. Breakfast tacos, enchiladas, and queso are everywhere. Puffy tacos (a San Antonio original) are a must-try. BBQ from local smokehouses rounds out the Texas offerings.
- La Gloria by iconic local Chef Johnny HernandezBalcony Level Section 231 & Plaza Level Bar Section 200: Created by iconic local Chef Johnny Hernandez, this is the premier spot for authentic San Antonio street food. It features self-service kiosks dispensing incredible carne asada fries, street-style tacos, quesadillas, freshly prepared elote (street corn), and their legendary house margaritas on tap.
- WhataburgerPlaza Level Section 122: A certified Texas institution. This fully operational on-site franchise location dishes out classic Texas-sized beef burgers, honey butter chicken biscuits, thick-cut fries, and milkshakes to massive lines of local fans.
- The Beignet StandSection 121: A highly popular local San Antonio favorite that made its way into the arena, offering pillow-soft, fresh-fried specialty sweet and savory beignets dusted with powdered sugar and paired with custom dessert dipping sauces.
- BurgertecaBalcony Level Section 201A: Another Chef Johnny Hernandez masterpiece. This spot features self-service ordering for custom, culturally infused specialty burgers, Mexican street dogs, loaded fries, and refreshing mangonada soft-serve desserts.
- Pluckers Wing BarBalcony Level Section 222: A beloved Texas sports bar chain that serves up freshly tossed, bone-in and boneless chicken wings heavily coated in signature fan-favorite sauces, accompanied by seasoned waffle fries.
- SA CentralPlaza Level Section 107: A massive, high-end collaborative culinary hub that features revolving menu selections curated by prominent local culinary masters. Offerings include artisan Bunz Burgers by Chef Thierry, upscale Two Brothers BBQ by Chef Jason Dady, and rotating fresh seafood items from Shuck Shack.
- Tenders, Love, & Chicken (TLC)Plaza Level Section 121: The ultimate destination for comfort food, serving up jumbo premium chicken tenders, hand-tossed seasoned fries, and a massive self-serve bar loaded with diverse dipping sauces.
- Pizza HutPlaza Level Section 110 & Grab N Go Markets Section 105 / 200: Serves reliable, fast-casual personal pan pizzas, breadsticks, and classic chicken wings for fans looking for quick, familiar stadium bites.
- Spurs Street EatsMain Concourse Level (Scattered Portables): Focuses entirely on high-quality portable street eats, serving up mini fish tacos, al pastor street tacos, bistec tacos, rich fajita bowls, and traditional stuffed gorditas.
- Seoul StopPlaza Level Section 121: A phenomenal Asian-fusion concept offering customizable, hearty bulgogi bowls loaded with your choice of marinated beef, chicken, or seasoned tofu over rice and vegetables.
- Super BienPlaza Level Section 117: A fresh Tex-Mex concept specializing in quick-service, heavily layered burrito bowls packed with seasoned meats, charro beans, rice, fresh pico de gallo, and guacamole.
- Alamo City GrillPlaza Level Section 112 & Balcony Level Section 208: The stadium's go-to spot for classic arena fare, taking it up a notch with giant Texas-sized specialty sausages, premium hot dogs, hot nachos, and chilled Topo Chicos.
- Local & Co.Frost Club Level Section 20: A premium club level standby famous for comfort snacks. Fans flock here for decadent loaded mac & cheese, overstuffed loaded baked potatoes, funnel cakes, and deep-fried Oreos.
- Shiner 'Shine BarSection 4: A reimagined, highly popular craft bar highlighting Texas-native Shiner beer alongside custom cocktails like the Coyote Kick and Riverwalk Mule.
- Lunazul Tequila BarSection 8: A premium lounge serving signature draft margaritas on tap and custom tequila cocktails.
- Jack Daniel's BarSection 122: Famous for frozen whiskey cocktails, including the Blackberry Baller Frozen Lemonade and Spurs Ball O'Fire.
- ProBaller Drink MarketSection 122 & Fan Favs Express Section 226: Fully automated, checkout-free "Zippin" markets. You tap a credit card to enter, grab your beer, ProBaller energy drinks, or Ricos popcorn/nachos, and walk right out without waiting in a checkout line.
Arena Information
Notable Events
- Tim Duncans Career: The greatest power forward in NBA history played all 19 seasons in San Antonio (1997-2016). Five championships, three Finals MVPs, two regular-season MVPs, and a legacy of quiet, fundamental dominance that anchored the greatest sustained run of excellence in modern NBA history.
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this arena