History of Alamodome in Timeline

The Alamodome is a large, domed indoor multi-purpose stadium located in San Antonio, Texas. Situated on the southeastern edge of downtown, it boasts a seating capacity of 64,000. Constructed at a cost of $186 million, the Alamodome officially opened its doors on May 15, 1993.

May 15, 1993: Alamodome Opening

On May 15, 1993, the Alamodome officially opened in San Antonio, Texas, as a 64,000-seat domed indoor multi-purpose stadium. The construction cost $186 million.

May 29, 1993: Paul McCartney's The New World Tour Concert

On May 29, 1993, Paul McCartney's The New World Tour concert took place at the Alamodome and was the first major event held at the facility after the opening ceremonies.

August 1993: U.S. Olympic Festival Events

In August 1993, the U.S. Olympic Festival held some of the first paid events in the Alamodome, including the opening and closing ceremonies and ice skating events.

September 10, 1993: Julio César Chávez Sr. vs Pernell Whitaker

On September 10, 1993, Julio César Chávez Sr. challenged Pernell Whitaker for the WBC welterweight boxing championship title at the Alamodome. The match ended in a draw.

1993: Spurs Move to the Alamodome

In 1993, after the 1992-93 NBA season, the Spurs moved to the Alamodome.

1993: NFL Preseason Games

In 1993, the Alamodome hosted two NFL preseason games.

1993: CFL Expansion

In 1993, the Canadian Football League attempted to expand to the U.S.

1993: San Antonio Spurs Move to Alamodome

In 1993, the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA became a tenant of the Alamodome.

September 27, 1994: NHL Pre-Season Game: Dallas Stars vs. Los Angeles Kings

On September 27, 1994, the Dallas Stars defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3–2 in an NHL pre-season game at the Alamodome, with 14,342 in attendance. This was one of the last hockey games before the 1994–95 NHL lockout.

1994: NFL Preseason Games

In 1994, the Alamodome hosted two NFL preseason games.

September 26, 1995: NHL Pre-Season Game: Dallas Stars vs. Los Angeles Kings

On September 26, 1995, the Dallas Stars defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4–2 in an NHL pre-season game at the Alamodome, with 8,122 fans in attendance. Wayne Gretzky participated in the game.

1995: NFL Preseason Game

In 1995, the Alamodome hosted one NFL preseason game.

1995: San Antonio Texans CFL Season

In 1995, the Alamodome was home to the San Antonio Texans for the CFL season.

1996: 1996 NBA All-Star Game

In 1996, the NBA All-Star Game was held in the Alamodome.

January 19, 1997: WWE Royal Rumble

On January 19, 1997, the Alamodome hosted WWE's Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. San Antonio native Shawn Michaels defeated Sycho Sid for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Stone Cold Steve Austin won the first of his record-setting three Royal Rumble matches.

1997: Big 12 Football Championship Game

In 1997, the Alamodome hosted the Big 12 Football Championship Game.

1997: San Antonio Dragons Games

In 1997, the San Antonio Dragons of the International Hockey League played some games at the Alamodome when their home, Freeman Coliseum, was unavailable.

1998: San Antonio Dragons Games

In 1998, the San Antonio Dragons of the International Hockey League played some games at the Alamodome when their home, Freeman Coliseum, was unavailable.

1999: 1999 NBA Finals Attendance

In 1999, for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, attendance at the Alamodome was 39,514, and for Game 2, attendance was 39,554.

1999: Texas Football Classic Inauguration

In 1999, the Alamodome became home to the Texas Football Classic.

1999: Big 12 Football Championship Game

In 1999, the Alamodome hosted the Big 12 Football Championship Game.

1999: Spurs Win First NBA Championship

In 1999, the Spurs played the New York Knicks in the Alamodome during their first NBA championship season.

2001: NFL Preseason Game

In 2001, the Alamodome hosted one NFL preseason game.

2002: All-American Bowl Debut

In 2002, the Alamodome began hosting the All-American Bowl—a national all-star game for U.S. high school football.

2002: UIL State Football Playoff Games

In 2002, the Alamodome regularly held UIL State Football Playoff games, including State Quarterfinals/Region 4 Finals and championship games.

2002: Cowboys Training Camp

In 2002, the Dallas Cowboys held their preseason training camp at the Alamodome.

2002: San Antonio Spurs Depart Alamodome

In 2002, the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA ended their tenancy at the Alamodome.

2002: Spurs Leave Alamodome

In 2002, the Spurs ended their nine-season stay at the Alamodome.

2002: Last NBA Game at the Dome

In 2002, the Spurs hosted the Golden State Warriors at the Alamodome to celebrate their 50th anniversary in San Antonio on January 13, 2023, marking the first NBA game held at the Dome since Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference semifinals. The game set a regular season single-game attendance record with 68,323 spectators.

2003: Cowboys Training Camp

In 2003, the Dallas Cowboys held their preseason training camp at the Alamodome.

June 19, 2004: Mexico vs Dominica FIFA World Cup qualifier

On June 19, 2004, the Mexican national soccer team played in the Alamodome for the first time, defeating Dominica 10–0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier game.

2004: Renovations to the Sports Club and Top of the Dome Restaurant

In 2004, the Alamodome's Sports Club and the Top of the Dome restaurant received renovations.

January 6, 2005: InterLiga Series Matches

On January 6, 2005, two matches in the InterLiga series were played at the Alamodome, featuring Mexican club teams Club América, Chiapas F.C., Deportivo Toluca F.C., and Club Necaxa.

April 15, 2005: City Council Vote on Alamodome Renovations

On April 15, 2005, the San Antonio City Council voted to spend close to $6.5 million to renovate the Alamodome to attract a Major League Soccer franchise, but after a mayoral change, the focus shifted to bringing an NFL franchise to San Antonio.

2005: New Orleans Saints Regular Season Games

In 2005, the Alamodome hosted three New Orleans Saints regular season "home" games due to Hurricane Katrina. The Saints played the Buffalo Bills, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Detroit Lions at the Alamodome, marking the first NFL regular season games played in San Antonio.

2005: MLS Franchise Plan

In 2005, the Alamodome was planned to be the home venue for a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise; however, the league could not reach an agreement with the city.

January 21, 2006: 2006 East-West Shrine Game

On January 21, 2006, the East–West Shrine Game was played in the Alamodome, moving from the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time in decades. The game is an annual post-season college football all-star game.

July 16, 2006: ELCA Youth Gathering

From July 5 to July 16, 2006, the Alamodome hosted the ELCA Youth Gathering. On July 16, 2006 approximately 40,000 youth and adult leaders had attended the event, over the two weeks it was spread.

September 16, 2006: Inaugural AT&T Corps Classic Game

On September 16, 2006, the first game in the AT&T Corps Classic, a college football "home and home" series between Texas A&M Aggies and Army Black Knights, was held at the Alamodome. The Aggies defeated the Black Knights 28–24 in front of a sell-out crowd of 64,583.

2006: 2006 Alamo Bowl Attendance Record

In 2006, the Alamo Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and the Iowa Hawkeyes had an attendance of 65,875, setting a facility-record crowd for a sporting event at the time.

2006: UIL State Football Playoff Games

In 2006, the Alamodome regularly held UIL State Football Playoff games, including State Quarterfinals/Region 4 Finals and championship games.

2006: Alamodome Expansion

In 2006, the Alamodome underwent an expansion to accommodate 14 new luxury suites.

2006: Saints Return to Louisiana

In 2006, the Saints and the NFL announced that the team would return to Louisiana for the season.

April 19, 2007: City Council Approval of Additional Funding for Renovations

On April 19, 2007, the San Antonio City Council unanimously approved an additional $8.3 million to fund renovations and enhancements to the Alamodome.

2007: Big 12 Football Championship Game

In 2007, the Alamodome hosted the Big 12 Football Championship Game.

2007: UIL State Football Playoff Games

In 2007, the Alamodome regularly held UIL State Football Playoff games, including State Quarterfinals/Region 4 Finals and championship games.

2007: Cowboys Training Camp

In 2007, the Dallas Cowboys held their preseason training camp at the Alamodome.

2007: PBR Built Ford Tough Series Event

In 2007, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) held a Built Ford Tough Series event in the Alamodome.

2007: 2007 East-West Shrine Game Move

In 2007, the Shrine Game was moved to Robertson Stadium in Houston.

2008: PBR Built Ford Tough Series Event

In 2008, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) held a Built Ford Tough Series event in the Alamodome.

2008: Second Game of the AT&T Corps Classic

In 2008, the second game of the AT&T Corps Classic, a college football "home and home" series between Texas A&M Aggies and Army Black Knights, was played at Kyle Field in College Station.

2008: Audio System Upgrade

In the summer of 2008, the audio system at the Alamodome was upgraded.

2009: Notre Dame Shamrock Series vs Washington State

In 2009, Notre Dame played a Shamrock Series (home-away-from-home) game against Washington State at the Alamodome.

2009: LED Video Panels Added

In 2009, new LED video panels were added to the 5th level of the Alamodome.

2009: UIL State Football Playoff Games

In 2009, the Alamodome regularly held UIL State Football Playoff games, including State Quarterfinals/Region 4 Finals and championship games.

2009: Cowboys Training Camp

In 2009, the Dallas Cowboys held their preseason training camp at the Alamodome.

2010: Cowboys Training Camp

In 2010, the Dallas Cowboys held their preseason training camp at the Alamodome.

2010: Alcoholics Anonymous World Convention

Over the Fourth of July weekend in 2010, San Antonio hosted its largest convention ever, the 75th annual World convention of alcoholics anonymous. Over 50,000 people from 75 different countries attended, with the three main meetings held in the Alamodome.

2011: Final Texas Football Classic

In 2011, the Alamodome hosted the last Texas Football Classic.

2011: Introduction of Illusions Theater Configuration

In 2011, the Alamodome introduced a new configuration branded as the Illusions Theater. The project had a budget of $1 million.

2011: Cowboys Training Camp

In 2011, the Dallas Cowboys held their preseason training camp at the Alamodome.

2011: Talons Relocate

In 2011, the San Antonio Talons relocated from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

2011: Texas vs. The Nation Game Moved and Renamed

In 2011, the Texas vs. The Nation game was moved to San Antonio and renamed the NFLPA Game.

2011: UTSA Roadrunners Inaugural Season

In 2011, the UTSA Roadrunners football program began using the Alamodome. They set records for largest attendance at an initial game for a start-up NCAA college football program at 56,743, and largest average attendance for a start-up program's first season at 35,521.

2012: NFLPA Game Renamed

In 2012, the NFLPA Game became the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

2012: Talons Win Central Division Title

In 2012, the San Antonio Talons of the Arena Football League won the Central Division title with a 14–4 record.

March 10, 2013: Impact Wrestling's Lockdown Event

On March 10, 2013, the Alamodome hosted Impact Wrestling's Lockdown event.

April 2013: Austin Trout vs Canelo Alvarez

In April 2013, Austin Trout fought Canelo Alvarez at the Alamodome.

2013: Talons Miss Playoffs

In 2013, the San Antonio Talons missed the playoffs.

2013: Texas Rangers Exhibition Game

In 2013, the Texas Rangers played an exhibition game against the San Diego Padres at the Alamodome to conclude their spring training camp. This was the first time baseball was played at the Alamodome.

January 29, 2014: Mexico vs South Korea exhibition match

On January 29, 2014, Mexico played an exhibition match against South Korea at the Alamodome, with 54,313 people in attendance.

July 29, 2014: Raiders Relocation Discussion

On July 29, 2014, Mark Davis met with San Antonio city officials to discuss the possibility of relocating the Raiders to San Antonio, with the Alamodome as a temporary home.

2014: Talons Fold

In 2014, the San Antonio Talons of the Arena Football League folded.

2014: Texas Rangers Exhibition Game

In 2014, the Texas Rangers played an exhibition game against the Houston Astros at the Alamodome to conclude their spring training camp.

April 15, 2015: Mexico vs United States exhibition match

On April 15, 2015, an exhibition match between Mexico and the United States sold out the Alamodome, attracting 64,369 fans. The US won 2–0, with goals from Jordan Morris and Juan Agudelo. The match was impacted by the uneven temporary grass field.

December 11, 2015: USWNT vs Trinidad and Tobago Exhibition Match

On December 11, 2015, the United States women's national soccer team played an exhibition match against Trinidad and Tobago at the Alamodome, drawing an attendance of 10,690 as part of their "Victory Tour" following the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.

2015: General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventists

In 2015, the Alamodome hosted the General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventists.

2015: Texas Rangers Exhibition Game

In 2015, the Texas Rangers played an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Alamodome to conclude their spring training camp.

2015: University Interscholastic League State Basketball Championships

Since 2015, the Alamodome has hosted the University Interscholastic League boys and girls State Basketball Championships.

July 9, 2016: Club América Exhibition Match

On July 9, 2016, Club América returned to the Alamodome for an exhibition match against Santos Laguna.

2016: Notre Dame Shamrock Series vs Army

In 2016, Notre Dame played a Shamrock Series (home-away-from-home) game against Army at the Alamodome.

2016: $50 Million Upgrades Approved

In 2016, the San Antonio City Council approved $50 million worth of upgrades to modernize the Alamodome, to keep it competitive for NCAA events. Improvements included a new media center, upgrades to the locker rooms, expanded concourses and added concessions, 4 new video screens and ribbon boards, a new sound system, and other technology upgrades and lighting.

2016: Texas Rangers Exhibition Game

In 2016, the Texas Rangers played an exhibition game against the Kansas City Royals at the Alamodome to conclude their spring training camp.

January 29, 2017: WWE Royal Rumble

On January 29, 2017, the Alamodome hosted WWE's Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. Randy Orton eliminated Roman Reigns to win the Royal Rumble match.

July 16, 2017: 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Doubleheader

On July 16, 2017, the Alamodome hosted a doubleheader for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, featuring matches between Mexico and Curaçao, as well as El Salvador and Jamaica.

2017: Record Attendance for the All-American Bowl

In 2017, the All-American Bowl hosted a record 40,568 spectators.

2017: Texas Rangers Exhibition Game

In 2017, the Texas Rangers played an exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians at the Alamodome to conclude their spring training camp.

February 9, 2019: Commanders Inaugural Game

On February 9, 2019, the San Antonio Commanders played the AAF's inaugural game against the San Diego Fleet at the Alamodome.

April 2019: AAF Shuttered

In April 2019, the Alliance of American Football (AAF) was shuttered.

2019: San Antonio Commanders AAF Season

In 2019, the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football became a tenant of the Alamodome.

December 15, 2020: The Spring League Championship Game

On December 15, 2020, The Spring League (TSL) championship game, originally scheduled at the Alamodome, was held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

2020: Raiders Relocate to Las Vegas

In 2020, the Raiders ultimately received permission to relocate to Las Vegas.

2021: Conference USA Football Championship Game

In 2021, the Alamodome hosted the Conference USA Football Championship Game with UTSA defeating Western Kentucky 49-41.

September 2022: WWE Royal Rumble Return Announcement

In September 2022, WWE announced that the Royal Rumble would return to the Alamodome for the 2023 event on January 28.

2022: American Ninja Warrior Season 14 Qualifying Rounds

From March 20–24, 2022, the Alamodome was used for the qualifying rounds of American Ninja Warrior's Season 14.

2022: Conference USA Football Championship Game

In 2022, the Alamodome hosted the Conference USA Football Championship Game with UTSA defeating North Texas 48–27.

January 13, 2023: Spurs Host Warriors at Alamodome

On January 13, 2023, the Spurs hosted the Golden State Warriors at the Alamodome to celebrate their 50th anniversary in San Antonio. The game set a regular season single-game attendance record with 68,323 spectators.

February 19, 2023: San Antonio Brahmas first game

On February 19, 2023, the San Antonio Brahmas opened their season with an 18–15 loss against the St. Louis Battlehawks, with 24,245 in attendance.

May 13, 2023: Inaugural XFL Championship Game

On May 13, 2023, the Alamodome hosted the inaugural XFL championship game due to San Antonio's history of hosting large events.

2023: WWE Royal Rumble

In 2023, the WWE Royal Rumble took place at the Alamodome with an attendance of 51,338. Rhea Ripley and Cody Rhodes won their respective Royal Rumble matches, and Roman Reigns defeated Kevin Owens to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.