My parents told me that the Internship would be my graduate school! Well, I took a chance and resigned from the computer company. I sometimes think what would have happened if I stayed at the computer company? I could definitely tell you that I wouldn’t have met my wife cause my career path would have been very different, so ultimately, I made the best decision; happy 532 days my sweet Wife.
The Spurs Internship eventually turned into a part time position which finally ended in May of 2002. So, for those 3 years, I worked every home game at the Alamodome.
I got to attend a playoff game in Dallas at Reunion Arena (the Spurs organization took most of the staff on a road trip) and a regular season game at Madison Square Garden (family vacation).
I will never forget my first task as an Intern. My boss wanted me to take a large orange box to someone’s car. When I got in the elevator, I asked the person what was in the box. She replied, “THE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY!!” I was speechless! Wow!
In February of 2000, the Spurs had a booth at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Both organizations were working together to build the new arena. The Spurs were displaying the 1999 Championship Trophy and I was one of the employees who manned the booth a few times. One question I got asked a lot was “Is that a replica?” I was like are you serious? Wow!
I took the Trophy home a few times after the rodeo day ended. The first time, my parents asked what was in the case and I answered the trophy. I didn’t open the box; just put it in my room and went to sleep.
Now, the second time, I opened the box and took it out! I mean, when else am I going to have this opportunity! Probably never.
The third time, we actually had a lot of people come over and we took it out and took pictures! It was such an awesome moment in my time!
Yes, I saw players and coaches roaming the halls and I would always say hello! I knew better than to ask for autographs! I saw the local and national tv and radio personalities eating before the game. I got to be a seat filler for one of Tim Duncan’s MVP press conference. I got tickets to games and my parents were the lucky ones. I got to meet and schmooze with fans. I got honored at center court a few times for my outstanding customer service; it is really loud on the court. I got to escort a visiting teams player daughter and girlfriend to there seats!
I would hang out in the Spurs tunnel if they were winning the game and the visitors tunnel if they were losing the game.
I got to attend a Spurs Christmas party with the staff and the players and there families. I was thinking the party was at a different location in downtown and Tony Parker may have thought the same because I saw him in my rear-view mirror! Note, I did make it to the proper location and Tony beat me (I had to pull over and call my parents for directions; this was way before GPS and smart phones).
Every month, there would a be a luncheon and the Coach and GM would talk about the state of the Spurs!
While I worked for the Spurs, I got a lot of souvenirs!
Looking back on this, it was my dream job and I was so happy that I got to ride it for 3 years!