The Spurs recently announced the addition of Native American Heritage Night to their promotional events calendar.
The San Antonio Spurs announced plans for their Native American Heritage Night game, in collaboration with American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions (AIT-SCM), the Lindy Waters III Foundation and Nike N7 on Monday, April 6 when the Spurs host the Philadelphia 76ers. The night will include special in-game performances from Native artists, the awarding of a grant to local
community leaders and many more elements that purposefully celebrate and honor the Native community in South Texas and beyond. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at Spurs.com/Tickets.
Spurs shooting guard Lindy Waters III is an enrolled citizen of the Kiowa tribe is also of Cherokee Nation descent. The Lindy Waters III Foundation’s mission “enhances and supports Native American Indigenous communities through sports, health, and wellness, and leadership programs.”
Lindy Waters III shared,
“As a Kiowa and Cherokee person playing in the NBA, I’m honored to be a part of the Spurs Native American Heritage Night. Events like this honor our ancestors and create visibility for our people. Seeing our cultures celebrated in this arena gives young Native kids the confidence to pursue their dreams and reminds all of us that our voices belong in every space.”
American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions curated the evening’s theme “Sacred Like Me,” with planned cultural storytelling, interactive experiences, and in-arena programming.
Activations include:
- Land Acknowledgment Ceremony: Before tipoff, fans are invited to the ULTRA Club at 6:30 p.m. for a land acknowledgment led by a representative from AIT-SCM recognizing Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of this land. The space will also feature a vendor fair with information tables and interactive activities where fans can learn about Native history, culture, and community in San Antonio and discover ways to support Native-led organizations.
- National Anthem Performance: Spurs play-by-play analyst Jacob Tobey will give a special performance of the National Anthem to open up the night. A proud member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Tobey became one of the first Native American broadcasters in the NBA when he joined the Spurs in 2024 and has used his platform to promote visibility and appreciation for the Native community.
- In-Game Performances: Throughout the evening, fans will experience cultural performances curated in collaboration with AIT-SCM, highlighting the diversity and vitality of Native traditions through dance, music, and storytelling during pregame, halftime, and select in-game moments.
- Exclusive Jersey: Fans can purchase a custom Native American Heritage jersey, designed by AIT-SCM, at the Spurs Fan Shop during the game. The jersey is available while supplies last, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Native organizations through Spurs Give.
- Leaders & Legacies Grant: The Spurs will distribute a $5,000 grant to AIT-SCM in honor of Linda Ximenes, Tribal Council Member and Former Board President of AIT-SCM. The grant recognizes Ximenes and AIT-SCM for their work in providing access, opportunity, education and health programming for Native American communities across Texas. In partnership with Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Ximenes will also be honored during the in-game Leaders & Legacies tributes.
For information regarding Native American Heritage Night and other promotional games head to Spurs.com/Promotions or text PROMOTIONS to 210-444-5940.
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