San Antonio Spurs fans cheer during the first half of Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News
Could downtown San Antonio and bars across the city feel like Frost Bank Center tonight?
With the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves tied 1-1 in their Western Conference semifinal series, fans are packing watch parties across the city ahead of Friday night’s Game 3, which tips off at 8:30 p.m. in Minneapolis and streams on Amazon Prime Video.
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The official Spurs playoff watch party at The Rock at La Cantera already sold out for both Friday’s Game 3 and Sunday’s Game 4 on Mother’s Day, with thousands expected to attend.
But fans still have plenty of places to catch the game around San Antonio, with bars and restaurants rolling out drink specials, DJs, live music and themed events as the playoff buzz continues to build.
ALSO READ: Want to watch Spurs Games 3 and 4 at The Rock? Both playoff watch parties are sold out.
Downtown watch parties and specials
Downtown, McFly’s Bar & Barbecue at 829 N. Alamo St. is hosting a Spurs watch party on its big screen beginning before tipoff. The bar promoted drink specials, music from DJ Johnny C, and live music from LaCima following the game.
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At The Growler Exchange Taproom & Pizza Kitchen on Broadway, the “Spurs Playoffs” party is expected to run throughout the day Friday ahead of the 8:30 p.m. game. Specials advertised by the business include $3 Miller High Life beers, $8 pepperoni pizzas, and $5 select pints.
Appreciation party for Keldon Johnson
Meanwhile, Slackers Sports Bar is hosting a “Keldon Johnson Appreciation Party” on Friday night beginning at 7 p.m. The event includes raffle entries for Keldon Johnson’s wall artwork and encourages fans to wear Spurs gear while watching Game 3.
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Another Slackers location near the St. Mary’s Strip is also expected to draw Spurs fans Friday night.
North Side and sports bar gatherings
On the city’s far North Side, Hills & Dales Ice House is advertising a Friday night Spurs watch party featuring $3 wells and draft beers with the game sound playing throughout the bar. A DJ, food truck, and hookah service were also promoted for the event.
Sideliners Grill also posted Friday afternoon that it would host a Game 3 watch party with drink specials during the game.
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Other sports bars around the city are also expected to carry the nationally streamed matchup as Spurs fans look to keep the playoff energy rolling after San Antonio’s 133-95 Game 2 blowout victory earlier this week.
For fans looking for a more laid-back option, City Base Cinema is offering a free, theater-style viewing experience. Admission is free, with fans able to reserve seats and watch the game in air-conditioned auditoriums with recliners and VIP seating.
Screenings are scheduled around regular movie showings, with theaters available depending on demand. Concessions like popcorn, nachos, hot dogs and drinks will also be available.
READ ALSO: Spurs vs. Timberwolves: How to watch Game 3, who’s starting, who’s out
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Downtown Game 4 party planned for Mother’s Day
The City of San Antonio also announced a free downtown watch party Sunday for Game 4 at La Zona, 337 W. Commerce St.
The Mother’s Day event begins at noon with a playoff pop-up, followed by a DJ at 4:30 p.m., a Spurs Hype Squad appearance at 5:30 p.m., and the 6:30 p.m. tipoff. City officials said the event will include food trucks, music and “Massages for Mom.”
“There is an electric energy in San Antonio when the Spurs are in the playoffs,” Chief Downtown Officer Shanon Shea Miller said in a statement.
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District 1 Councilmember Dr. Sukh Kaur said downtown becomes a gathering place for fans to “celebrate, cheer loud, and show the world what Spurs pride is all about.”
Centro San Antonio President and CEO Trish DeBerry added that “there’s no better place to celebrate a playoff run than right here in the heart of San Antonio.”