The Spurs\u2019 2026 NBA playoffs run has brought the city to life in more ways than one.<\/p>\n
Visit San Antonio estimates that the team\u2019s quest for the championship will generate an estimated total of $36.2 million in visitor spending, assuming the Spurs make it to the final seventh game.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Basketball fans flocking to San Antonio add to the city\u2019s economy\u00a0\u2014 whether they\u2019re Knicks fans coming to root for their team or out-of-town Spurs fans\u00a0\u2014 by spending cash on hotels, restaurants, tickets and local transportation. Spurs fans also are doing their part to boost the local economy, taking part in watch parties and post-game celebrations.<\/a><\/p>\n In the first round of the playoffs against the Portland Trailblazers, San Antonio saw $3.5 million in estimated economic impact, according to Visit SA. The second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves also spurred an estimated $3.5 million. The Western Conference finals versus the Oklahoma City Thunder nearly doubled the economic impact\u00a0\u2014 for a total of $6.8 million\u00a0\u2014 in part because of proximity to the Oklahoma fan base.<\/p>\n But the 2026 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks will give San Antonio the largest boon of them all: An estimated $22.4 million. This includes estimates through Game 7, considering if\u00a0Game 5<\/a> at Frost Bank Center goes the way Spurs fans hope on Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n For New York\u00a0Knicks fans, flying to San Antonio, booking a hotel and buying a ticket to see the teams battle it out at the Frost Bank Center is significantly more affordable<\/a> than one ticket for Madison Square Garden, dubbed \u201cThe World\u2019s Most Famous Arena.\u201d That led to a sea of blue and orange jerseys at the first two games at the Spurs\u2019 home arena.\u00a0<\/p>\n