The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco have become a fixture at San Antonio Spurs games, where they are known as the "Spurs nuns" [1].
Their presence represents a unique intersection of faith and professional sports in Texas. The sisters are regarded by the fanbase as a good-luck charm, bridging the gap between the religious community and the high-energy environment of the NBA.
About 12 sisters regularly attend the games at the Frost Bank Center [1]. The tradition began as early as 2015 [1]. The group attends to enjoy the sport and support the local community, while the Spurs organization has embraced them as a part of the game-day experience.
"We love being part of the Spurs family and cheering on the team every night," Sister Mary said [2].
Their impact extends beyond the scoreboard to the atmosphere of the arena. Longtime fan John Doe said that when the nuns are in the building, you can feel the energy shift in the arena [2]. The sisters are often seen cheering loudly from the stands, a contrast to the traditional silence associated with their order.
This enthusiasm has captured the attention of national media. "Fans are hyped to see the Spurs nuns in the building," an ESPN video description said [3].
The sisters continue to attend games as a way to engage with the city of San Antonio and the broader sports culture of the U.S.
“"We love being part of the Spurs family and cheering on the team every night,"”
The visibility of the Salesian Sisters at professional sporting events illustrates a modern approach to community engagement for religious orders. By participating in secular cultural rituals like NBA games, the sisters maintain a public presence that fosters community goodwill and humanizes the clergy to a diverse urban audience.
