The Spurs are back in the NBA playoffs, and with each win, San Antonio takes to Commerce Street and Military Drive, and the surrounding downtown area, to go honking. But what do you need to know before you grab the keys to go celebrate? Here’s what to watch out for when it comes to rules around honking, traffic and road closures as the Spurs inch closer in the race for seis.
MySA reached out to the San Antonio Police Department for the run-down. According to a spokesperson, there’s no ordinance that prohibits the honking tradition. So, go make some noise — just make sure you’re following the usual rules of the road.
Then there’s the other question — what safety concerns should locals be aware of before going honking? The spokesperson said, “SAPD would advise people to celebrate responsibly, always wear your seatbelt, follow all traffic laws, do not exit your vehicle on an active roadway, and do not sit on top of moving vehicles.” Follow these rules, and you won’t see yourself go viral on TikTok.
Additionally, it goes without saying that fans who’ve had a few drinks at a Spurs watch party should let a sober friend drive if they want to get in on the celebration.
Commerce Street in downtown San Antonio, one of the biggest honking hotspots, was “temporarily blocked” by SAPD vehicles on Sunday, April 26, for “Fiesta-related pedestrian safety,” the spokesperson said. Right now, things look clear downtown, aside from any ongoing construction. However, it’s not a bad idea to check your GPS ahead of time for any new closures that could pop up.
The Spurs’ first NBA championship win on June 25, 1999, kicked off the tradition. The title game was played against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden and featured the iconic duo of Tim Duncan and David Robinson. It was a one-point victory, and it led fans back home in the Alamo City to take to the streets. As for how the honking began, a 2019 MySA article says “it just happened.”
“Those who were there said the happy horns just started in unison, without hesitation,” the article reads. “By the next Spurs NBA title in 2003, San Antonians knew the drill — go honking, line up at Academy for championship merchandise and make plans for the river parade.”