Blending European fan culture with NBA tradition, the San Antonio Spurs are launching a first-of-its-kind “Supporter’s Section” for the upcoming season, and it’s all thanks to the vision of their All-Star center, Victor Wembanyama. The team announced that tryouts for this high-energy fan squad will be held Sunday, September 14, at Freeman Expo Hall, with Wembanyama himself making an appearance to rally the troops.
Inspired by the electric atmospheres of European soccer stadiums and basketball arenas, Wembanyama’s concept reimagines what home-court advantage can look and sound like. The new section will feature “nonstop chants, drums, flags, and passion,” according to the Spurs, and will be located in Section 114 at Frost Bank Center, extending into the H-E-B Fan Zone above.
“It’s been an idea. And now it’s a project,” Wembanyama said. “If this group of ultras reaches its full potential, I have no doubt that it’s going to help us win games in the future for sure”.
Sunday’s tryouts are expected to be an all-day affair, with registration running from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Participants must RSVP in advance and be prepared to bring the energy. The Spurs are looking for fans who can attend at least 75% of home games and are willing to fully engage in chants, rituals, and community-building efforts.
Candidates will go through multiple rounds of evaluation, with eliminations throughout the day. Creativity and spirit are key, fans are encouraged to bring drums, flags, costumes, and anything else that sets them apart. However, alcohol is strictly prohibited, and re-entry won’t be allowed once you leave the venue.
Those selected will be offered a $999 membership, not a season ticket, but a pass that grants access to every home game along with exclusive benefits. These include:
- Custom gear and merchandise
- Surprise meet-and-greets with Spurs legends and guests
- Voting rights to name the group and shape its identity
- Discounts on team events and merchandise
Having grown up in France and played in some of Europe’s most intense basketball environments, Wembanyama is channeling that experience into a cultural shift in San Antonio. His admiration for clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and the fervor of fans in Serbia and Turkey has clearly shaped this initiative.
This isn’t just about noise, it’s about building a community. Wembanyama sees the Supporter’s Section as a heartbeat for the team, a source of energy that can swing momentum in tight fourth quarters and create a fortress-like atmosphere at Frost Bank Center.
For a franchise steeped in tradition but hungry for a new identity in the post-Duncan era, this initiative could be a game-changer. It’s a chance to redefine what it means to be a Spurs fan, not just a spectator, but a participant in the team’s journey.
As Wembanyama put it:
“That second wind in the fourth quarter, that’s where fans can make the difference”.
