Jump to content

Alamodome

Coordinates:29°25′1″N98°28′44″W/ 29.41694°N 98.47889°W/29.41694; -98.47889
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alamodome
Alamodome is located in Texas
Alamodome
Alamodome
Location in Texas
Alamodome is located in the United States
Alamodome
Alamodome
Location in the United States
Address100 Montana Street
LocationSan Antonio, Texas
Coordinates29°25′1″N98°28′44″W/ 29.41694°N 98.47889°W/29.41694; -98.47889
Public transitAmtrakSan Antonio
OwnerCity of San Antonio
OperatorSan Antonio Convention and Sports Facilities Department
CapacityAmerican football:64,000[1]
Baseball:52,295[2]

Canadian football:59,000
Basketball:20,662 (expandable to 35,888 and 70,000)
Ice hockey:36,000
Bo xing:40,000
Wrestling:52,020 (expandable to 60,525)
Arena Concert:

  • center-stage 33,000
  • end-stage 30,000

Stadium Concert:

  • center-stage 77,000
  • end-stage 50,000
Record attendance
List
    • All-Time Record:76,483 (Spurs championship celebration)
    • Baseball:40,569
    • Basketball:68,328
    • Football:66,166
    • Hockey:19,211
    • Soccer:64,369
    • Arena Football:10,034
Field size(Baseball):[3]
Left Field– 340 feet (104 m)
Left-Center– 370 feet (113 m)
Center Field– 395 feet (120 m)
Right-Center– 305 feet (93 m)
Right Field– 280 feet (85 m)
SurfaceAstroTurf Magic Carpet II
Construction
Broke groundNovember 5, 1990[4]
OpenedMay 15, 1993
Renovated2008, 2009, 2017
Expanded2006
Construction costUS$186 million
($392 million in 2023 dollars[5])
ArchitectHOK Sport
Marmon Mok, LP[6]
Structural engineerW.E. Simpson Company (Engineer of Record)[7]and Martin & Martin (Preliminary Roof Structural Design)[8]
Services engineerM–E Engineers, Inc.[9]
General contractorHuber, Hunt & Nichols[10]
Tenants
Alamo Bowl(NCAA) 1993–present
San Antonio Spurs(NBA) 1993–2002
San Antonio Texans(CFL) 1995
San Antonio Dragons(IHL) 1996–1998 (part time)
New Orleans Saints(NFL) 2005
UTSA Roadrunners(NCAA) 2011–present
San Antonio Talons(AFL) 2012–2014
San Antonio Commanders(AAF) 2019
San Antonio Brahmas(XFL/UFL) 2023–present
Interior of the Alamodome during the 2022 Conference USA Championship Game

TheAlamodomeis a 64,000-seat domed indoormulti-purpose stadiuminSan Antonio, Texas.It is located on the southeastern fringe ofdowntown San Antonio.The facility opened on May 15, 1993, having been constructed at a cost of $186 million.

The multi-purpose facility was intended to increase the city's convention traffic and attract a professional football franchise. It also placated theSan Antonio Spurs' demands for a larger arena. The Spurs played in the Alamodome for a decade, then became disenchanted with the facility and convincedBexar Countyto construct a new arena for them, now called theFrost Bank Center.The Alamodome's regular tenants are currently theSan Antonio Brahmasof theUnited Football Leagueand theUTSA Roadrunners.Recent tenants include theSan Antonio Commandersof theAlliance of American Footballand theSan Antonio Talonsof theArena Football League.

Features

[edit]

The facility is a rectilinear 5-level stadium which can seat up to 64,000 spectators for a typical football game and marching band competitions and is expandable to hold 72,000 spectators.

The stadium was designed to easily convert into a basketball or hockey arena. Converting the stadium for basketball and hockey takes 12–18 hours to set up retractable seating and installing the playing surface. In this configuration, typically only the two lower levels at one or both ends are used. The arena configuration seats 20,662 spectators, but is expandable to 39,500 when the upper level is opened. The stadium can also be adapted into a smaller auditorium space (branded as the "Illusions Theater" ), with an intimate, enclosed setting, seating upwards of 11,000 using floor space and the north grandstand.[11]

The Alamodome opened with 38luxury suitesand 6,000club level seats.The original design specifications called for 66 luxury suites. However, since the Spurs were the only full-time tenant at the time, only 38 luxury suites in the north end of the facility were built. The footprints for the 28 unbuilt luxury suites were open floor space just behind the club level seats that surround the south end of the facility. In 2006, the Alamodome underwent an expansion to accommodate 14 new luxury suites.[12]The Sports Club and the Top of the Dome restaurant also received renovations in 2004.

The Alamodome has two permanent Olympic-size ice rinks that can be used forNHLgames, figure skating and speed skating. The facility also contains 30,000 square feet (2,800 m2) of meeting rooms and 160,000 square feet (15,000 m2) of continuous exhibit space.

Events and tenants

[edit]

The Alamodome is currently the home of theSan Antonio Brahmasof theUFLand theUniversity of Texas at San Antonio(UTSA) Roadrunners. Previously, it was home to theSan Antonio Spursof theNBAfrom 1993 to 2002, theSan Antonio Texansof theCFLin 1995, and theSan Antonio Commandersof theAlliance of American Football(AAF) in 2019.

The facility also hosts special events such as the annualAlamo Bowlfootball game,UTSA'sgraduation ceremonies, as well as most ofNorthside ISD'shigh school graduation ceremonies.

UIL State Football Playoff gamesare regularly held in the Alamodome, including State Quarterfinals/Region 4 Finals and championship games in 2006, 2007, and 2009.

NBA basketball

[edit]

The Alamodome's ability to easily accommodate basketball made it attractive to then-Spurs ownerRed McCombs,who had been looking for some time for a larger arena to replace their longtime home,HemisFair Arena.The Spurs moved to the Alamodome after the1992–93 NBA season.They played nine seasons in the Alamodome from 1993 to 2002, including their first NBA championship season, which was played against theNew York Knicksin 1999.

During the regular season, most of the upper level was curtained off. However, on certain weekends and when popular opponents came to town, the Spurs expanded the Alamodome's capacity to 35,000 by opening three portions of the upper level. More sections of the upper level were opened for the playoffs, expanding capacity to 39,500. Attendance was 39,514 for Game 1 of the1999 NBA Finalsand 39,554 for Game 2.

Though the late 1990s saw the Spurs soar in popularity, the decision was made to move the team out of the spacious stadium and build a new arena. While the Alamodome had been designed to accommodate basketball, it was primarily a football stadium. As the years passed, Spurs management and fans grew increasingly dissatisfied with its poor sight lines and cavernous feel. Part of the problem was the manner in which the Alamodome was configured for basketball. The basketball court was at one end of the venue with temporary stands on one side of the court, leaving over half of the stadium curtained off (the same problem and configuration existed for theDetroit Pistonsin the mid-1980s during their tenancy at thePontiac Silverdome). Television broadcast trucks were usually set up on the unused half of the playing surface. By comparison, more modern domed stadiums that can accommodate basketball, such asAT&T StadiuminArlington,place the basketball court in the center of where the football field would be, allowing for much larger attendances. Additionally, the Spurs tied up the Alamodome for most of the winter and spring due to their deep playoff runs (they only missed the playoffs once in their nine years there). With the Alamodome booked solid well into April, it was difficult to accommodate conventions, concerts or even a prospective football team. Moving the Spurs out of the Alamodome opened up more contiguous dates allowing the facility to schedule more events, though it has yet to host a Super Bowl. The Spurs moved to the newSBC Centerafter the2001–02 season.

The1996 NBA All-Star Gamewas played in the Alamodome.[13]

The Spurs hosted theGolden State Warriorsat the Alamodome to celebrate their 50th anniversary in San Antonio on January 13, 2023, marking the first NBA game held at the Dome since Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference semifinals. The game set a regular season single-game attendance record with 68,323 spectators.[14][15]

College and high school football

[edit]

Alamo Bowl

[edit]

The Alamodome is the site of the annualAlamo Bowl,which matches the second-choice teams from thePac-12 Conferenceand theBig 12 Conference.[16]The2006 Alamo Bowlbetween theTexas Longhornsand theIowa Hawkeyeswas attended by 65,875, which set a facility-record crowd for a sporting event,[17][18][19]only to have that record broken by an Alamo Bowl event the next year betweenTexas A&MandPenn State,which drew 66,166 attendees.[20]

Corps Classic

[edit]

September 16, 2006, marked the first game in a college football "home and home" series, known as theAT&T Corps Classic,between theTexas A&M Aggiesand theArmy Black Knights.Army has elected to play its "home" game at the Alamodome in order to increase the program's exposure around the nation, as it competes as an independent. A sell-out crowd of 64,583 watched the Aggies defeat the Black Knights 28–24.[12]The second game was played atKyle FieldinCollege Stationin 2008.

East–West Shrine Game

[edit]

The 2006East–West Shrine Gamewas played in the Alamodome on January 21, 2006. The game is an annual post-season college football all-star game. For most of its history, the game has been played in theSan Francisco Bay Area,at San Francisco'sKezar Stadiumand atStanford Stadium.In recent years it has been played atAT&T Park.In 2006, the game was played in the Alamodome, moving out of the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time in decades. The Shrine Game was moved once again for its 2007 event, toRobertson StadiuminHouston.

Texas Football Classic

[edit]

From 1999 to 2011, the Alamodome was home to theTexas Football Classic,which featured prominent high school programs from across the state and kicked off the high school football season in Texas. Former participants include formerChicago BearsandUniversity of Texasrunning backCedric Benson,University of IowaquarterbackDrew Tate,University of HoustonquarterbackKevin Kolb,andUniversity of MissouriquarterbackChase Daniel.

All-American Bowl

[edit]

Since 2002, the Alamodome has hosted theAll-American Bowl—a nationalall-star gamefor U.S. high school football. Played in early-January, the game features teams representing the eastern and western United States. The 2017 edition hosted a record 40,568 spectators.[21][22]

Texas vs. the Nation

[edit]

In 2011, theTexas vs. The Nationgame was moved to San Antonio and was renamed the NFLPA Game, after the new sponsor of the event. The concept of The NFLPA Game remained "Texas vs. the Nation" with seniors having ties to the state of Texas taking on top seniors from across the Nation. That was a one-year deal; the game became theNFLPA Collegiate Bowlin 2012.

UTSA Roadrunners

[edit]

TheUTSA Roadrunners footballprogram began using the stadium in 2011. The Roadrunners set records for largest attendance at an initial game for a start-up NCAA college football program at 56,743, and largest average attendance for a start-up program's first season at 35,521. With a total capacity of 72,000 for football the Alamodome is currently the largest football stadium inConference USA.However, for most games, UTSA only sells tickets for the lower bowl, with a capacity of 36,582.

Attendance Records
[edit]
Rank Attendance Date Game Result
1 56,743 September 3, 2011 UTSA 31,Northeastern State 3
2 49,342 September 9, 2023 UTSA 20,Texas State 13
3 42,071 September 8, 2018 UTSA 20,Baylor 37
4 41,412 December 2, 2022 23UTSA 48,North Texas 27
5 41,148 December 3, 2021 UTSA 49,Western Kentucky 41
6 40,977 September 7, 2013 UTSA 36,13Oklahoma State 56
7 39,032 November 24, 2012 UTSA 38,Texas State 31
8 37,526 September 3, 2022 UTSA 35,24Houston 373OT
9 35,167 November 20, 2021 22UTSA 34,UAB 31
10 33,517 September 24, 2011 UTSA 54,Bacone 7
11 33,472 September 4, 2014 UTSA 23,Arizona 26
12 32,886 October 8, 2011 UTSA 27,South Alabama 302OT
13 32,487 September 28, 2013 UTSA 28,Houston 59
14 32,369 November 19, 2011 UTSA 49,Minot State 7
15 31,956 October 25, 2014 UTSA 0,UTEP 34
16 31,634 September 10, 2011 UTSA 21,McMurry 24
17 30,862 October 20, 2012 UTSA 24,San Jose State 52
18 30,718 September 14, 2019 UTSA 13,Army 31
19 30,419 October 4, 2014 UTSA 9,New Mexico 21
20 30,416 September 8, 2012 UTSA 27,Texas A&M–Commerce 16

Conference USA Championship

[edit]

The Alamodome hosted theConference USA Football Championship Gamein 2021 and 2022 with UTSA defeating Western Kentucky 49-41 and North Texas 48–27.

Big 12 Conference championship

[edit]

The Alamodome hosted theBig 12 Football Championship Gamein1997,1999and2007.

Professional football

[edit]

NFL

[edit]

The Alamodome has played host to sixNational Football Leaguepreseason games. Two each were played in 1993 and 1994, one in 1995, and one in 2001.

Date Team (Visitor) Points Team (Home) Points Spectators
August 7, 1993 Houston Oilers 28 New Orleans Saints 37 40,308
August 21, 1993 Dallas Cowboys 20 Houston Oilers 23 63,285
August 6, 1994 Houston Oilers 31 San Diego Chargers 3 29,815
August 20, 1994 Buffalo Bills 18 Houston Oilers 16 40,504
August 26, 1995 Dallas Cowboys 10 Houston Oilers 0 52,512
August 11, 2001 Minnesota Vikings 28 New Orleans Saints 21 46,752

In 2005, the NFL announced that the Alamodome would host three of theNew Orleans Saints' regular season "home" games due to the damage caused to theLouisiana SuperdomebyHurricane Katrina.The Saints played theBuffalo Bills(week 4), theAtlanta Falcons(week 6), and theDetroit Lions(week 16) at the Alamodome. Although there have been many NFL preseason games held in San Antonio over the years, these games were the first NFL regular season games played in the city. The Saints also played one 2005 season "home" game inGiants Stadium(against theNew York Giants) inEast Rutherford, New Jersey,and four others inLSU'sTiger StadiuminBaton Rouge, Louisiana.Overall, the Saints averaged 62,665 fans in the 64,000-seat Alamodome for the three games held there, a solid showing despite the short notice to sell tickets due to the hurricane. The Saints and the NFL announced that the team would return to Louisiana for the 2006 season even though at the time the NFL was uncertain where they would play their home games.

Date Team (Visitor) Points Team (Home) Points Spectators
October 2, 2005 Buffalo Bills 7 New Orleans Saints 19 58,688[23]
October 16, 2005 Atlanta Falcons 34 New Orleans Saints 31 65,562*[24]
December 24, 2005 Detroit Lions 13 New Orleans Saints 12 63,747[25]

Additionally, former NFL CommissionerPaul Tagliabueindicated that if the NFL expands again, San Antonio would be on the short list of candidate cities. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has acknowledged his support for the city's efforts to become home to an NFL franchise even though public opinion is that he would never let go of his team's presence in the San Antonio market.[26]

The Dallas Cowboys held their 2002, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011 preseason training camps at the Alamodome.

On July 29, 2014, it was reported by theSan Antonio Express-NewsthatMark Davismet with officials from the city ofSan Antonio, Texas,to discuss the possibility of relocating the Raiders to San Antonio.[27]Davis confirmed that he did speak with San Antonio city officials while visiting San Antonio to honor former Raiders wide receiverCliff Branch's induction into a local Hall of Fame, but did not comment on whether he was considering relocation to San Antonio.[28]If the Raiders had relocated to San Antonio, the Alamodome would almost certainly have been used as a temporary home until a new NFL stadium was built.[27]The Raiders decided against moving to San Antonio, firstproposing unsuccessfully to return to its previous home in Los Angeles,then ultimately receiving permission torelocate to Las Vegasin 2020 by constructingAllegiant Stadium.

CFL

[edit]

The Alamodome was also home to theSan Antonio Texansfor the1995 CFL season.The stadium was attractive to theCanadian Football League(which madean ill-fated attempt to expand to the U.S.between 1993 and 1995) since it was one of the rare American facilities that could fully accommodate the CFL's larger playing field and, having just recently opened, was one of the most modern facilities in a league where the majority of its teams were playing in decades-old or poorly fit stadiums. Its seating could be retracted to fit the full 65-yard width and 150-yard length of a regulation Canadian football field (which is 34% larger than the American field).

In the first CFL playoff game ever played between two U.S.-based franchises, the Texans defeated theBirmingham Barracudas52–9 at the Alamodome on November 5, in front of 13,031 fans. The team then lost to the eventual championBaltimore Stallions,21–11, in Baltimore six days later, ending their season. This also proved to be the last game in franchise history; despite respectable attendance (15,573 average for ten home games) and manageable financial losses, widespread dysfunction among most of the rest of new American franchises led to the Texans' demise. (This made the Texans-Stallions game the last significant CFL game to be played in the United States.)

Arena football

[edit]

From 2012 to 2014, the Alamodome was home to theSan Antonio Talonsof theArena Football League.The Talons, who relocated fromTulsa, Oklahoma,in 2011, won the Central Division title in 2012 with a 14–4 record but were upset in the first round of the playoffs byUtah.The team slipped to 10–8 in 2013, missing the playoffs, then to 3-15 the following year, after which they folded. Attendance at the Dome for the Talons was mediocre at best, averaging 7,209 for 28 home games.

Alliance of American Football (AAF)

[edit]

In 2019, the Alamodome was the home of theSan Antonio Commandersof theAlliance of American Football,with the Commanders playing the AAF's inaugural game on February 9, 2019, against theSan Diego Fleet.The Alamodome hosted each of the fledgling league's four best crowds, averaging 27,391 per contest (more than double that of the league's other seven teams, who averaged 13,524) before the AAF was shuttered in April 2019.

The Spring League

[edit]

In October 2020,Fox Sports 1reached a multi-year agreement to televiseThe Spring Leaguealong with the option to acquire a minority stake in TSL. The initial agreement was to play a mini-season in late October and November 2020. The league began its fall season October 27 with six teams competing in a 12-game format over four weeks in a bubble environment, based out of the Alamodome. After experiencing problem with theCOVID-19virus at the Dome, however, the final week's games were rescheduled for a high school field in San Antonio, then cancelled. The TSL championship game, also originally scheduled to be played at the Alamodome, was held atCamping World StadiuminOrlandoon December 15, 2020.

XFL/UFL

[edit]

TheXFLannounced that theSan Antonio Brahmaswould play at the Alamodome for the2023 seasonon July 28, 2022.[29]The Brahmas opened the season on February 19, 2023 in an 18-15 loss against theSt. Louis Battlehawksin front of a crowd of 24,245.

The Alamodome hosted the inaugural XFL championship game on May 13, 2023. San Antonio was chosen to host because of its history of large events at the Alamodome.[30]

College basketball

[edit]
During the2008 NCAA Final Four.

The NCAA Final Four was first hosted at the Alamodome in1998;Kentucky won the tournament. Then in2004,it hosted when Connecticut defeated Georgia Tech in the championship game. It again hosted in2008,with Kansas defeating Memphis. The Final Four returned in2018;this time, the event used the current "center court" configuration mandated by the NCAA, where the game is played on an elevated court and all seating is utilized, allowing a crowd of over 70,000.[31]The Final Four is scheduled to be hosted again in2025.

The Alamodome has also hosted theWomen's Final Fourin2002,2010,and2021(will be hosted again in 2029), as well as the2011 NCAA women's volleyball Final Four.

Baseball

[edit]

From 2013 to 2017, theTexas Rangersplayed exhibition games at the Alamodome to close out theirspring trainingcamp, the only time baseball has been played there. The Rangers took on theSan Diego Padresin 2013, theHouston Astrosin 2014, theLos Angeles Dodgersin 2015, theKansas City Royalsin 2016,[32]and theCleveland Indiansin 2017.[33]

The stadium is considered unsuitable for regular baseball use, since the right-field fence is only 272 feet from home plate,[34]well below the required 325 feet.[35]

Soccer

[edit]

Due to San Antonio's proximity toMexico,the Alamodome has hosted Mexican soccer teams in various events since the mid-2000s in addition to American teams.

TheMexican national soccer teamfirst played in the Alamodome on June 19, 2004, in aFIFA World Cup qualifier,defeatingDominica10–0 in front of 37,642 fans.[36]Mexico returned on November 10 for afriendlyagainstGuatemala,winning 2–0 in front of 22,000 fans.[37][38]Mexico played an exhibition match againstSouth Koreaon January 29, 2014, attended by 54,313 people.[39]An exhibition match between Mexico and theUnited Stateson April 15, 2015, sold out the stadium, attracting a crowd of 64,369. TheUSwon the game 2–0, thanks to goals fromJordan MorrisandJuan Agudelo.[40]The match was marred by Mexico's displeasure with the temporary grass field laid on the Alamodome floor, which was described as "uneven" and "full of patches".[41]

TheUnited States women's national soccer teamplayed an exhibition match againstTrinidad and Tobagoat the Alamodome on December 11, 2015, as part of their "Victory Tour" following the2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.The match was attended by 10,690 people.[42]

The Alamodome was announced as a host venue for a doubleheader at the2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup,and played host to a double-header on July 16, 2017, between Mexico andCuraçaoandEl SalvadorandJamaica.[43]

Two matches in the2005 InterLigaseries were played on the Alamodome on January 6, 2005, featuring Mexican club teamsClub América,Chiapas F.C.,Deportivo Toluca F.C.,andClub Necaxa.[44]Club América returned for an exhibition match againstSantos Lagunaon July 9, 2016.[45]

The Alamodome was to be the home venue of a plannedMajor League Soccer(MLS) franchise in 2005, but the league was unable to come to an agreement with the city.[46]A new expansion bid plans to useToyota Field,asoccer-specific stadiumused bySan Antonio FC,for the MLS team instead of the Alamodome.[47]

Other sports

[edit]

The 1993 U.S. Olympic Festival held some of the first paid events in the Alamodome in July and August 1993, including the opening and closing ceremonies and ice skating events.

The now-defunctSan Antonio Dragonsof theInternational Hockey Leagueplayed some games in 1997 and 1998 at the Alamodome when its home,Freeman Coliseum,was unavailable during the annualSan Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo(a similar scheduling conflict the Spurs now face at the newer Frost Bank Center). TheProfessional Bull Riders(PBR) has held twoBuilt Ford Tough Seriesevents in the Alamodome (2007, 2008).

Two NHL pre-season games were held at the Alamodome. The Dallas Stars faced off against the Los Angeles Kings in back-to-back seasons at the Alamodome in 1994 and 1995. The Stars defeated the Kings 3–2 on September 27, 1994, with 14,342 fans in attendance (this was one of the last hockey games to take place before the1994–95 NHL lockout). The following year Dallas claimed a 4–2 victory over the Kings in front of 8,122 hockey fans on September 26, 1995. Hockey Hall of Fame forward Wayne Gretzky participated in both preseason matchups.

In college football,Notre Damehas played two Shamrock Series (home-away-from-home) games here againstWashington Statein 2009 andArmyin 2016.[48]

Music

[edit]

After the opening ceremonies, the first major event held at the facility wasPaul McCartney'sThe New World Tourconcert, which took place on May 29, 1993.[49]

The Alamodome has played host to music festivals, includingOzzfest.[50]It has also hosted concerts to artists such asThe Rolling Stones,U2,Prince,Elton John,Tina Turner,Rod Stewart,AC/DC,George Strait,Britney Spears,Guns N' Roses,*NSYNC,Backstreet Boys,Janet Jackson,Metallica,Pink Floyd,Alice Cooper,Def Leppard,Mötley Crüe,Scorpions,Rammsteinand many more.

Every summer,Drum Corps Internationalhosts its DCI San Antonio – Southwestern Championships at the Alamodome. This event marks the first time in the DCI season all the World Class drum corps compete against each other on the same field, and therefore get scored by the same judges.

The Alamodome also hosts theBands of AmericaSuper-Regional Championships every year in November, as well as theUniversity Interscholastic LeagueState Marching Band Contest.

Other events

[edit]

The Alamodome was used as a filming location for the filmSelena,a biographical film chronicling the life ofTejanomusicianSelena.It was used as a stand-in for theAstrodomeinHouston.[51]

From July 5 to July 16, 2006, the Alamodome hosted theELCA Youth Gathering.Approximately 40,000 youth and adult leaders attended the event, between the two weeks it was spread.

On September 10, 1993,Julio César Chávez Sr.challengedPernell Whitakerfor the WBC welterweight bo xing championship title. The match, infamously, ended in a draw.[52]In April 2013,Austin Troutfought the undefeatedCanelo Alvarezat the Alamodome.[53][54][55]

The Alamodome hosted the 2015General Conference SessionofSeventh-day Adventists.

Over the Fourth of July weekend in 2010, San Antonio hosted its largest convention ever. The 75th annual World convention of alcoholics anonymous. Over 50,000 people from 75 different countries attended meetings and seminars around the city The three main meetings of the convention were held in the Alamodome.

The Alamodome hostedImpact Wrestling'sLockdownevent on March 10, 2013.

The Alamodome has hostedWWE'sRoyal Rumblepay-per-view eventthree times.The first occurrencetook place on January 19, 1997, in front of a packed crowd of just over 60,000 and saw San Antonio nativeShawn MichaelsdefeatSycho Sidfor theWWF World Heavyweight Championshipin the main event. The event also saw Texas nativeStone Cold Steve Austinwin the first of his record-setting three Royal Rumble matches. The second Royal Rumble to be held at the Alamodome took place20 years lateron January 29, 2017, in front of just over 52,000 fans in attendance.Randy Ortonlast eliminatedRoman Reignsto win the Royal Rumble match in the night's main event.[56]Five years later in September 2022, WWE announced the Royal Rumble would return to the Alamodome for the2023 eventon January 28.[57]The event had an attendance of 51,338.Rhea RipleyandCody Rhodeswon their respective Royal Rumble matches at the event. Roman Reigns defeatedKevin Owensin the main event to retain theUndisputed WWE Universal Championshipand was betrayed by hisBloodlinememberSami Zaynafterwards.[58]

On March 20–24, 2022, it was used for the qualifying rounds ofAmerican Ninja Warrior'sSeason 14.[59]

Renovations

[edit]

On April 15, 2005, the San Antonio City Council voted to spend close to $6.5 million to renovate the Alamodome in an effort to lure aMajor League Soccerfranchise to the city. After the election ofPhil Hardbergeras the new mayor, those efforts were abandoned, though the approved renovations to the facility continued as planned. The city administration and local business leaders have re-focused their efforts to bringing anNFLfranchise to San Antonio.

On April 19, 2007, the San Antonio City Council unanimously approved an additional $8.3 million to fund renovations and enhancements to the facility.

In the summer of 2008 the audio system was upgraded.

In 2009 new LED video panels were added to the 5th level.

Although when the Alamodome was built it was an ideal state-of-the-art NFL stadium,[citation needed]by today's standards the facility would have to undergo renovations and add a considerable number ofluxury suitesin order to make it a profitable venue for an NFL team. Preliminary estimates put the cost of improvements at $100–150 million.

In 2011, the Alamodome introduced a new configuration branded as theIllusions Theater,wherein the north end of the stadium can be partitioned into a smaller, pop-up auditorium setting with a ceiling, carpeting, and stage. The configuration includes up to 1,000 seats of floor space, and can seat up to 11,600 when using the existing grandstand. The configuration was designed to host mid-sized events (which, prior to its closure and renovation, were primarily held at theSan Antonio Municipal Auditorium), including concerts, conventions, and graduation ceremonies. The project had a budget of $1 million.[11]

In 2016, the San Antonio City Council approved $50 million worth of upgrades to modernize the facilities to keep it competitive for NCAA events. The improvements include a new media center, upgrades to the locker rooms, expanded concourses and added concessions, 4 new video screens and ribbon boards wrapping the 5th level, a new sound system, and other technology upgrades, and upgraded lighting.[60]

Record crowds

[edit]

Top 10 all-time Alamodome sports crowds:[17][20][61]

Rank Attendance Event Teams Date
1 68,323 2022–23 NBA regular seasongame Golden State Warriorsvs.San Antonio Spurs Jan. 13, 2023
2 68,257 2018 NCAA Final Four Loyola-Chicagovs.Michigan
Kansasvs.Villanova
Mar. 31, 2018
3 67,831 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Game Michiganvs.Villanova Apr. 2, 2018
4 66,166 2007 Alamo Bowl Penn Statevs.Texas A&M Dec. 29, 2007
5 65,918 2013 Alamo Bowl Oregonvs.Texas Dec. 30, 2013
6 65,875 2006 Alamo Bowl Texasvs.Iowa Dec. 30, 2006
7 65,562 2005NFLregular season game Atlanta Falconsvs.New Orleans Saints Oct. 16, 2005
8 65,380 1999 Alamo Bowl Penn Statevs.Texas A&M Dec. 28, 1999
9 65,277 2012 Alamo Bowl Texasvs.Oregon State Dec. 29, 2012
10 65,265 2004 Alamo Bowl Oklahoma Statevs.Ohio State Dec. 29, 2004

Other notable attendance marks include:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^"Configuration Maps | Alamodome".Alamodome.Retrieved23 November2021.
  2. ^"Rangers, Padres will play baseball in Alamodome".USA Today.Associated Press.
  3. ^"Archived copy".Archived fromthe originalon 2018-09-18.Retrieved2014-04-09.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. ^"Alamodome Chronology".San Antonio Express-News.May 14, 1993.RetrievedApril 1,2012.
  5. ^1634–1699:McCusker, J. J.(1997).How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda(PDF).American Antiquarian Society.1700–1799:McCusker, J. J.(1992).How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States(PDF).American Antiquarian Society.1800–present:Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis."Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–".RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
  6. ^"Alamodome (San Antonio, 1993)".Structurae. November 14, 2002.RetrievedJuly 29,2013.
  7. ^"Alamodome; San Antonio, TX - Engineering Landmarks on Waymarking".Waymarking.RetrievedNovember 23,2021.
  8. ^Personal knowledge
  9. ^"Sports".M–E Engineers, Inc. Archived fromthe originalon February 16, 2003.RetrievedFebruary 28,2015.
  10. ^"Alamodome".Basketball.ballparks.RetrievedJuly 29,2013.
  11. ^abLucio, Valentino (2011-02-09)."New theater open in Alamodome".San Antonio Express-News.Retrieved2019-03-06.
  12. ^abcdefg2006 Alamo Bowl Media Guide, pp. 1–22, (PDF)Archived2007-10-31 at theWayback Machine,The San Antonio Bowl Association.
  13. ^Michael Jordan wins the MVP, as the East prevails in San AntonioArchived2007-02-11 at theWayback Machine,NBA.
  14. ^"San Antonio Spurs set NBA regular-season game attendance record".NBA.January 13, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 14,2023.
  15. ^Neumann, Thomas (January 13, 2023)."Spurs Shatter NBA Single-Game Attendance Record vs. Warriors".Sports Illustrated.RetrievedJanuary 13,2023.
  16. ^"Valero Alamo Bowl - Bowl History".Archived fromthe originalon 2012-11-28.Retrieved2012-11-27.
  17. ^ab2006 Alamo Bowl attendance ranks as the #1 all-time sports attendance in Alamodome historyArchived2007-09-28 at theWayback Machine,The San Antonio Bowl Association, December 30, 2006.
  18. ^"Texas Survives the Alamo".Austin American-Statesman.December 30, 2006. Archived fromthe originalon January 21, 2007.RetrievedDecember 30,2006.
  19. ^"Alamo Bowl Crowd Sets Alamodome Record".Austin American-Statesman.December 30, 2006. Archived fromthe originalon September 29, 2007.RetrievedDecember 30,2006.
  20. ^abhttp:// mysanantonio /sports/big12/stories/MYSA123007.01C.AlamoBowlLead.en.2ff528d.html[dead link]
  21. ^Zuvanich, Adam (2017-01-20)."Army ending sponsorship of All-American Bowl".San Antonio Express-News.Retrieved2019-01-05.
  22. ^Fields, Scott (29 December 2018)."Three area players named finalists for ASWA awards".Opelika-Auburn News.Retrieved2019-01-05.
  23. ^Saints clean up against Bills, 19-7,The Associated Press.
  24. ^Haslett steams after Falcons get two shots at FG, victory,Associated Press.
  25. ^Harrington, Lions edge Saints for first win under Jauron,Associated Press.
  26. ^"Football: Cowboys' Jones Backs S.A. Team".San Antonio Express-News.May 5, 2006. Archived fromthe originalon May 15, 2008.
  27. ^abBaugh, Josh (July 29, 2014)."S.A. May Be Home of Los Raiders".San Antonio Express-News.RetrievedJuly 30,2014.
  28. ^"Raiders owner confirms talks with San Antonio".Associated Press (AP). 2014-07-30. Archived fromthe originalon 2014-08-12.Retrieved2014-07-30.
  29. ^Romero, Gabriel (July 28, 2022)."New XFL head coach Hines Ward ready to bring a championship to San Antonio".mySanAntonio.
  30. ^"San Antonio to Host Inaugural XFL Championship Game".xfl.February 19, 2023.RetrievedFebruary 19,2023.
  31. ^Bailey, W. Scott (26 March 2018)."Tour the Alamodome's Final Four makeover".American City Business Journals.Retrieved3 April2018.
  32. ^"American League Champions Coming to Alamodome".MLB.16 September 2015.Retrieved7 December2016.
  33. ^"Spring Training Tentative Schedule".MLB.Retrieved7 December2016.
  34. ^"Alamodome - in the Ballparks".Intheballparks.
  35. ^"Field Dimensions | Glossary".MLB.Retrieved23 November2021.
  36. ^Scott Bailey, W. (April 21, 2004)."Mexico set to take on Dominica in the Alamodome".San Antonio Business Journal.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  37. ^Scott Bailey, W. (October 18, 2004)."It's Mexico vs. Guatemala in Alamodome soccer match".San Antonio Business Journal.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  38. ^McCarney, Dan (January 26, 2014)."Mexico's passionate soccer fans to rock Alamodome".San Antonio Express-News.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  39. ^Lopetegui, Enrique (January 29, 2014)."Mexico Crushes S. Korea 4-0 at the Alamodome in front of Record-Setting Crowd Of 54,313".San Antonio Current.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  40. ^Goff, Steven (April 15, 2015)."Dos a cero: U.S. soccer team defeats Mexico on goals by Jordan Morris, Juan Agudelo".The Washington Post.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  41. ^Bonesteel, Matt (April 14, 2015)."Mexico's soccer team is not happy with the field at the Alamodome".The Washington Post.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  42. ^"WNT Continues Victory Tour With 6-0 Win vs. Trinidad & Tobago in San Antonio".U.S. Soccer. December 10, 2015.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  43. ^Thomas, Terrence (April 17, 2017)."Mexico soccer coach feels up to task".San Antonio Express-News.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  44. ^Scott Bailey, W. (June 2, 2016)."San Antonio nets international soccer for Alamodome".San Antonio Business Journal.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  45. ^Castillo, Nick (July 9, 2016)."Club America wins Alamodome exhibition in 3-2 penalty shootout".MySanAntonio.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  46. ^"Major League Soccer ends talks with San Antonio".USA Today.Associated Press. June 9, 2005.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  47. ^Smith, Cory (November 5, 2015)."Future of Alamodome, Toyota Field bright, but uncertain".KSAT-TV.RetrievedJuly 15,2017.
  48. ^Dame, Marketing Communications: Web // University of Notre (17 August 2022)."Shamrock Series // Game Day // University of Notre Dame".
  49. ^"Current Technology: Alamodome Case History".Psihq.Retrieved23 November2021.
  50. ^"Ozzfest:: The Ozzfest Community at Ozzfest | Hard Rock & Heavy Metal".Ozzfest.Retrieved23 November2021.
  51. ^Chronicle, Louis B. Parks, Houston (28 March 1997)."FAN SUPPORT GAVE LOPEZ CONFIDENCE IN HER 'SELENA' PERFORMANCE".chicagotribune.RetrievedMarch 7,2019.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  52. ^Eskenazi, Gerald (September 11, 1993)."BOXING; San Antonio Foes: Whitaker and Chavez Draw".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedMarch 7,2019.
  53. ^"Canelo vs. Trout is a Done Deal For 4/20, Says Schaefer".Bo xing Scene.RetrievedJanuary 8,2018.
  54. ^"Austin Trout Focused on Shocking Canelo in San Antonio".Bo xing Scene.RetrievedJanuary 8,2018.
  55. ^"Canelo-Trout: 15,000 Tickets Sold, Huge Crowd Expected".Bo xing Scene.RetrievedJanuary 8,2018.
  56. ^Powell, Jason (January 29, 2017)."1/29 Powell's WWE Royal Rumble 2017 live review: AJ Styles vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns in a No DQ match for the WWE Universal Championship with Chris Jericho in a shark cage".Pro Wrestling Dot Net.RetrievedJanuary 29,2017.
  57. ^@WWE (7 September 2022)."#RoyalRumble is headed to the @Alamodome in San Antonio on January 28, 2023, as first reported by @ExpressNews.…"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  58. ^Powell, Jason (January 28, 2023)."WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship, Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight in a Pitch Black match".Pro Wrestling Dot Net.RetrievedJanuary 28,2023.
  59. ^""American Ninja Warrior Season 14": All you need to know ".Ninja Guide.RetrievedJune 22,2022.
  60. ^"City Hall approves more costly Alamodome makeover".Bizjournals.Retrieved2021-11-23.
  61. ^"Spurs set NBA attendance record of 68,323 against Warriors".AP News.January 14, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 14,2023.
  62. ^King, Rebecca Salinas, Cody (2023-01-13)."Spurs game at Alamodome breaks record with over 68,000 in attendance".KSAT.Retrieved2023-01-14.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  63. ^George Strait encore testament to the musician - The Music Beat.Blog.mysanantonio (2013-06-02). Retrieved on 2013-07-29.
  64. ^"Roadrunners roll in inaugural game, 31-3".GoUTSA.
  65. ^"Mexico vs South Korea LIVE Commentary - Goal".Archived fromthe originalon 2014-02-04.Retrieved2014-01-31.
  66. ^Washington State Cougars vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Box Score - October 31, 2009 - ESPN.Espn.go (2009-10-31). Retrieved on 2013-07-29.
  67. ^"2017MidYearTop100WorldwideConcertGrosses"(PDF).Pollstar.RetrievedJuly 14,2017.
  68. ^2004 National College Basketball Attendance (PDF)Archived2008-05-16 at theWayback Machine,NCAA.
  69. ^Kansas Jayhawks vs. Memphis Tigers - NCAA Tournament Game - Box Score - April 07, 2008 - ESPN.(April 7, 2008). Retrieved on July 29, 2013.
  70. ^1998 National College Basketball Attendance (PDF)Archived2008-05-16 at theWayback Machine,NCAA.
  71. ^2006 FIFA World Cup Germany Preliminaries – FIFAArchivedMay 5, 2009, at theWayback Machine,FIFA.
  72. ^1996 All-Star Game BoxscoreArchivedApril 12, 2008, at theWayback Machine,NBA Encyclopedia.
  73. ^2001-02 NCAA Women's Basketball Attendance (PDF)ArchivedApril 14, 2008, at theWayback Machine,NCAA.
  74. ^Texans game report.San Antonio Express-News,August 13, 1995.
  75. ^Gilley, Michael (September 9, 2016)."Record Crowds Gather at DCI Events, But That's Just Half the Story".Flomarching.RetrievedAugust 30,2018.
[edit]
Events and tenants
Preceded by Home of the
San Antonio Spurs

1993–2002
Succeeded by
Preceded by Home of the
New Orleans Saints
(withGiants Stadium&Tiger Stadium)

2005 (3 games)
Succeeded by
Preceded by
first stadium
Home of the
San Antonio Brahmas

2023 – present
Succeeded by
current
Preceded by Host of the
NBA All-Star Game

1996
Succeeded by
Preceded by Host of the
Big 12 Championship Game

1997
1999
2007
Succeeded by

Trans World Dome
Arrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium
Preceded by NCAAMen's Division I
Basketball Tournament
Finals Venue

1998
2004
2008
2018
2025
Succeeded by
Preceded by
BOK Center(Tulsa)
Home of the
San Antonio Talons

2012 – 2014
Succeeded by
none
Preceded by Host ofLockdown
2013
Succeeded by
Preceded by Host ofRoyal Rumble
1997
2017
2023
Succeeded by