Photos courtesy of Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
Bill Greehey Arena
1 Camino Santa Maria San Antonio, TX 78228
Year Opened: 2000
Capacity: 3,800
St. Mary Serpents
Founded by the Society of Mary in 1852, St. Mary’s University is a private Catholic institution of higher learning that has the distinction of being the oldest Catholic university in both Texas and the U.S. Southwest. When the university achieved senior college status in 1925, they began their formal athletics programs. The school was an all-male college until admitting its first female students in 1963.
The St. Mary’s Rattlers – named in honor of the many serpents that were removed when clearing the way for their athletics fields – first fielded a basketball team in 1926. They achieved a great deal of success under legendary Head Coach Buddy Meyer while members of the NAIA.
The Rattlers would make the leap in time for the 1999-2000 season to NCAA Division II. As members of the Heartland Conference, they would win conference titles in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2015. Now, members of the Lone Star Conference, St. Mary’s are looking to repeat that success.
Since 2000, in time for the school’s big leap up in divisions, the Rattlers have played at their on-campus gym, Bill Greehey Arena.
Food & Beverage 3
Bill Greehey Arena boasts two concession stands in the main lobby; however, during the last game I attended, only one was open. The offerings are your standard hot dogs (plain or with chili and cheese), nachos (regular or with chili), popcorn (honestly some of the best I’ve had outside a big-time pro sports venue), chips, candy, bottled sodas, sports drinks, and water. The one fun outlier I found at the stands was being able to buy Pop-Tarts if I so chose – I like Pop-Tarts, and it wasn’t something I was expecting.
By and large, this is pretty much the standard that you’d expect for a program the size of St. Mary’s. Nothing is outstanding, but it will get the job done while you’re watching a Rattlers game.
Atmosphere 3
By and large, the atmosphere at Bill Greehey Arena is pretty good – the facilities look fantastic for being a quarter of a century old. There isn’t a bad sightline in the building, and most of the seats are chairbacks and not bleachers, which is always a plus.
The walls are adorned with championship banners from every sport ranging from golf to baseball. In addition, the rafters behind the goals are filled with the retired jersey numbers of great Rattlers of the past. Furthermore, in the lobby, you can find trophy cases with the school’s athletics hall of fame.
My one gripe, if it can be called that, is that there isn’t anywhere in the gym that sells St. Mary’s merchandise; that would add a little more to the atmosphere and allow fans to purchase a souvenir.
Neighborhood 4
The St. Mary’s University campus is situated in the inner city of San Antonio, on its historic west side. It is close to a 15-minute drive from the city’s vibrant downtown area, which is where most visitors to the city go, as that area is home to the Alamo, HemisFair Park, Tower of the Americas, and the San Antonio River Walk. This area is going to be your best bet if you’re looking for things to do before or after Rattlers games at Bill Greehey Arena.
As discussed in a previous review of Our Lady of the Lake Saints, the St. Mary’s campus is also near one of San Antonio’s hidden gems: Woodlawn Lake Park. Known for its distinctive lighthouse, the park has been a favorite for residents for over a century. Loaded with walking and biking trails and docks for boating and fishing, it is also celebrated for its fireworks displays during the New Year’s and Independence Day holidays.
When looking for spots to eat either before or after your Rattlers game, you’re in luck – just a short drive from campus is the satellite location of Henry’s Puffy Tacos. One of the claimants to the throne of the originator of the puffy taco (read all about those here), this spot is a local institution and should be visited by everyone. Also nearby is La Sorrentina Italian Restaurant; if you’re in the mood for Italian comfort food – spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, etc. – it doesn’t get much better than La Sorrentina.
In terms of lodging, you’ll need to drive a little further away from the campus to find something. Unless you’re booking a vacation rental, finding something near downtown is your best option.
Fans 2
This was a puzzling one for me to rate. I came early to the gym to catch a little of the game that the women’s team had before the men’s. While the crowd wasn’t enormous, maybe 100 to 125 or so in the stands, they were loud and energetic, and they only got more so as the game went into overtime.
Almost as soon as that game was over, that crowd exited. Those who stayed or came for the men’s game displayed only a fraction of the energy. This made a difference in how empty the gym felt. It kind of sucked the life out of the game.
I also noted just a sparse number of fans wearing the yellow and blue of the Rattlers. This could tie back to the lack of a merchandise area. I don’t want to be too overly critical, however. I’m sure the time of year I last attended a game here played greatly into the attendance numbers.
Access 4
The St. Mary’s University campus and Bill Greehey Arena are located in the inner city of San Antonio, but not too far from Interstate 10, if you choose to drive in. It is just under a 20-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. Once there, as mentioned earlier, the parking is ample and free. If you choose not to drive, VIA Metropolitan Transit, the city’s public transportation option, offers routes to the campus.
My one caveat when going to games here is that you’re going to be going through multiple residential neighborhoods, which means you’ll be hitting lots of stop signs and stoplights on your trip. Plan accordingly if you want to ensure you’re in your seat by tipoff.
Return on Investment 3
Single-game tickets for Rattlers games at Bill Greehey Arena can be had for as low as $10 per person for general admission seating. Parking is plentiful and free in the area around the athletics complex, and I didn’t see anything on the concessions menu that cost more than $3.50.
While the Rattlers rarely bring in any big-name opponents to their home court, this is still a very affordable way to catch a college basketball game. The Rattlers have a tradition of winning, so this is a great way to see some hoops without putting too big a dent in your wallet.
Extras 2
There is not much to write about in terms of Extras – there are no cheer nor dance teams, and the school’s mascot appears at baseball games only these days. There is also no band to listen to.
The only thing keeping this score from being lower was the ball boy/floor sweeper/unofficial flag waver. That young man was working hard throughout the game ensuring the court was dry, and he would also carry a St. Mary’s flag the length of the court during breaks, as well as waving it furiously during halftime.
Final Thoughts
While I was a little disappointed by the atmosphere – the energy of the fans – and the lack of Extras, I still enjoyed myself in what was my first visit to a Rattlers game; it’s basketball at a purer level. If you’re a hoops fan, you’re going to enjoy yourself, and if you’re looking for a way to spend a free afternoon or evening in San Antonio, you can’t beat the price.
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Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.
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