{"id":186286,"date":"2023-01-14T06:27:06","date_gmt":"2023-01-14T06:27:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/some-big-memorable-single-game-crowds-in-nba-history\/"},"modified":"2023-01-14T06:27:06","modified_gmt":"2023-01-14T06:27:06","slug":"some-big-memorable-single-game-crowds-in-nba-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/some-big-memorable-single-game-crowds-in-nba-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Some big, memorable single-game crowds in NBA history"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/p>\n

An overall view of the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks at the Georgia Dome on March 27, 1998.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Fans have fueled the NBA’s global presence for decades. The explosion of national television audiences in the 1980s and live-stream viewers in the 21st century each served as pivotal launching pads for the visibility of the league and its stars.<\/p>\n

But attending the game itself remains the ultimate experience, a chance for fans old and young to witness the pinnacle of athleticism, coordination and competition in person.<\/p>\n

The San Antonio Spurs set a new standard in that regard on Friday, when the franchise broke the NBA’s all-time attendance record for a single regular-season game with 68,323 fans present. The previous single-game mark of 62,046 was set by the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks at the Georgia Dome in 1998.<\/p>\n

The Spurs’ entry into history occurred at the old Alamodome, home to classic Spurs games from 1993-2002. Steve Kerr, a key player on that 1998 Bulls team, fatefully coached the visiting Warriors in Friday’s record-setting effort at San Antonio.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it’s awesome. I think it’s a great way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Spurs,\u201d Kerr said before the game. \u201cIt should be a really fun atmosphere. I think our players are really looking forward to it as none of them have played in the Alamodome.\u201d<\/p>\n

In light of the Spurs and NBA’s groundbreaking achievement, here’s a look at some of the most memorable and highly attended games in league history:<\/p>\n\n

Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Date:<\/strong> March 27, 1998<\/p>\n

Attendance:<\/strong> 62,046<\/p>\n

Stadium: <\/strong>Georgia Dome<\/p>\n

Bulls starters:<\/strong> Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, Ron Harper, Bill Wennington<\/p>\n

Hawks starters:<\/strong> Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Smith, Mookie Blaylock, Alan Henderson, Tyrone Corbin<\/p>\n

As always, Michael Jordan proved immune to the slower pace of the 1990s, dropping 34 points on 50% shooting in Chicago’s 89-74 victory at the Georgia Dome. Mutombo stuffed the stat sheet for the Hawks, who hosted the attendance record-setting game in Atlanta. The venue was necessary as the Hawks’ standard arena was under construction, while fans flocked to witness what many thought could be Jordan’s last game in Atlanta.<\/p>\n

Kerr recalled that the combination of the venue and the sheer amount of people made for one of the more unique experiences of his basketball career.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it was pretty weird, especially because a lot of the fans couldn’t see the court,\u201d Kerr said. \u201cIn order to fit 62,000 fans in a dome that’s configured for basketball, a lot of people have to sit on a side of the dome that has no vantage point. So, they were watching the game on the scoreboard. It was pretty bizarre walking onto the court and knowing that there are a bunch of people in there that couldn’t even see you. But they were there.\u201d