Open Thread: First night back at the AT&T Center

My daughter and I ended the 2020-2021 season at the final Spurs home game, so it only made sense to kick off the new season (albeit preseason) with a visit to the AT&T Center.

As we entered the arena, the Hype Squad were tearing it up and treating the crowd to their patented dance moves. As we made our way around the lower bowl, we found a new art installation for fans to photograph.

The mariachi-style Coyote is still located along the lower concourse as well.

I have to share a personal moment that made me smile. For years, my daughter has been afraid of team mascots. The Coyote, the San Antonio Missions Ballapeno, Henry’s Puffy Taco — you name it, she was leery of their presence.

A few years back I took her to a San Antonio Stars game and it was “mascot” day and there were like a dozen different fuzzy characters walking around entertaining fans. I don’t think she watched one minute of that game as she maintained a watchful eye to stay abreast of each mascot’s location throughout the game.

Well, imagine my surprise when she wanted to take a picture with this guy:

As Spurs fans know, the good guys won the game. It was an exciting display of skill and a great integration of some new names and faces.

When I watch a game by myself, it is an entirely different experience than when I am with my daughter. She asks questions throughout and I find myself giving a Master Course on all the research that comes through while preparing pieces, reading up on the Spurs, and hoping to understand their dynamics going into a new season.

In typical eight-year-old fashion, the player she was most interested in was Luka Samanic . . . because his name is the same as that of her current favorite animated film (Luca).

The other highlight from her point-of-view was the return of Bryn Forbes. Forbes was her gateway into taking interest of the Spurs years ago when he was spotted in person at a fundraising function. Seeing him on TV made it personal, and now he is the one player for which she has a jersey.

As always, the night was a memorable experience and a great way to build the daddy-daughter relationship. We will hit the rest of the home preseason games and then plan some fun nights throughout the regular season.

Go Spurs Go!

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