Spurs Install Theater-Style Lighting at Frost Bank Center
The new lighting system creates a focused atmosphere by keeping seating areas dark during home games.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Basketball
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The San Antonio Spurs have installed theater-style lighting at the Frost Bank Center this season. The system is designed to illuminate the court while keeping the seating areas dark, creating a more focused atmosphere for the game.
Why it matters
This lighting change aims to draw more attention directly to the game by dimming the surroundings. The shift reflects a growing trend among NBA teams looking to enhance the visual presentation of their broadcasts and in-arena experience.
The San Antonio Spurs join the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat as the third team to adopt theater-style court lighting this season. This system maintains a high-intensity focus on the court while significantly darkening the surrounding spectator seating.
The players
San Antonio Spurs
This professional basketball team competes in the Western Conference of the NBA and plays its home games in San Antonio.
Luke Kornet
He is an active professional basketball player who publicly noted the significant change in the arena lighting during his visit.
Stephon Castle
He is a member of the San Antonio Spurs who initially did not perceive the change in the arena lighting until it was mentioned.
Mitch Johnson
He is a coach for the San Antonio Spurs who observed that the interior of the arena appeared notably darker under the new system.
The details
The new setup utilizes directional lighting to ensure the playing surface remains bright while the stands recede into shadow. While some players like Luke Kornet and coach Mitch Johnson have noted the darker appearance of the arena, others like Stephon Castle were initially unaware of the change until it was brought to their attention.
Timeline
The theater-style lighting was installed at the Frost Bank Center during the current season.
Season Trajectory
The transition to theater-style lighting reflects an ongoing effort by NBA franchises to modernize the visual presentation of their home games. By aligning with the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, the Spurs are contributing to a league-wide aesthetic shift that prioritizes broadcast-focused lighting.
Fans attending games at the Frost Bank Center will experience a significantly darker environment in the seating bowl compared to past seasons. This adjustment prioritizes court visibility and broadcast aesthetics, fundamentally changing the visual experience for those in attendance.
The takeaway
Teams are increasingly utilizing lighting technology to manipulate the environment for a more cinematic viewing experience. Spectators should be prepared for a darker arena atmosphere that shifts the visual focus entirely onto the action occurring on the court.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the San Antonio Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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