Why are the San Antonio Spurs playing in Austin?

The San Antonio Spurs will play their final two home games of the season at the Moody Center in Austin this week. Before anyone stirs up fans with baseless claims about this being the first phase in a plan to move the ball club from the 2-1-0 to the state capitol, we should squash any conjecture and look at the facts so we can arrive at the truth of this situation.

The franchise is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and they have organized a handful of special events to commemorate that historic milestone. Their schedule includes four out-of-market games that serve as a way for them to fortify their regional fan bases. The first was in Mexico City, the second was in the Alamodome, and Austin will host their final two home contests.

Still don't believe us? Here is R.C. Buford on why the organization planned home games outside the AT&T Center this season.

“Hosting these four games is part of our vision to purposefully engage and celebrate our entire Spurs following from Mexico to Austin, while fostering the next generation of fans,” said Buford. “Playing in front of our Austin fans for the first time ever during the regular season, returning to Mexico City and hosting a historic celebration in the Alamodome will each be exciting moments for our entire organization."

The Silver and Black will kick off their "I-35 Series" against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 6th and finish with a matchup versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 8th. The team has also put together a "Spurs Week" stuffed with a lineup of activities for fans to enjoy while they are in Austin.

Below is a list of some of the things fans can participate in during "Spurs Week".

While the Spurs faithful have endured a frustrating rebuilding season, this is a fantastic opportunity for the community to gather one last time before the season ends. And with the lottery right around the corner, it might not be long before the franchise has another reason to throw another fiesta.