A history of NBA attendance: The largest and smallest crowds ever

23 Apr 2001: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs during game two of round one of the NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs won 86-69. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Allsport
23 Apr 2001: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs during game two of round one of the NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs won 86-69. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Allsport

On this episode of Over and Back, Jason and Rich discuss the history of NBA attendance, focusing on the largest and smallest crowds in league history.

To celebrate the San Antonio Spurs’ “Back Home in the Dome” game on January 13, 2023, against the Golden State Warriors, the Over & Back Podcast dives deep into NBA attendance history!

We begin the show with a focus on the NBA’s largest-attended games in history, including:

  • The 2010 NBA All-Star Game which set the all-time indoor attendance record
  • Three games from the Detroit Pistons’ time playing in the Pontiac Silverdome
    • March 30, 1988 vs. Atlanta Hawks
    • February 14, 1987 vs. Philadelphia 76ers
    • January 29, 1988 vs. Boston Celtics
  • Two highly-attended games from the Minnesota Timberwolves brief stint playing in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome