With only weeks remaining in his term, District 8 Councilmember Manny Pelaez has submitted a Council Consideration Request to rename the San Antonio International Airport in honor of recently retired Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.
The request is headed for the council’s governance committee. According to the request, Pelaez worked with the city manager’s office to draft the request, which was filed on Wednesday. The name change would likely mark the first time in history that a major airport was named after an NBA basketball coach.
Earlier this month, Gregg Popovich, 76, announced he would be stepping away from his role on the sidelines to take on a new position as the Spurs’ President of Basketball Operations, marking the close of a legendary coaching career that spanned nearly 30 years. His announcement came after several recent health concerns, including a mild stroke back in November and a “medical episode” in April.
The same day Pop’s retirement was announced, the team named Mitch Johnson — who had been serving as interim head coach — as his official successor. The following Monday, Popovich formally passed the torch at a press conference, where he was supported by Spurs icons Tim Duncan and Manu Ginóbili, who helped him to and from the podium.
Pelaez nor representatives from the airport immediately responded to the San Antonio Report’s requests for comment on Thursday.
The council request states that the city has “been profoundly shaped and elevated by the remarkable contributions of Coach Gregg Popovich,” adding that his “impact on San Antonio is immeasurable.”
“Dedicating our international airport in his name would not only honor Coach Popovich’s remarkable achievements, but also serve as a powerful symbol of San Antovio’s enduring relationship and deep respect for the United States Air Force and the values it represents,” the request states, referencing Popovich’s status as a veteran.
Pop graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1970, where he played basketball, and then served five years of active duty, including an overseas tour and intelligence work. He remained connected to the game through the Armed Forces basketball team, eventually transitioning into coaching before returning to the Academy as an assistant coach in 1973 for four years.
“As our city continues to grow and welcome visitors from around the world through the San Antonio International Airport, we believe it would be a fitting and lasting tribute to dedicate this vital gateway in honor of Coach Gregg Popovich,” the request states.
It also notes that it would not be an immediate change but would instead initiate “the necessary steps” to rename the airport, which includes exploring a naming convention, community input, and logistical requirements for such a dedication.
“We believe this gesture would be a meaningful and enduring way to celebrate a true San Antonio legend,” it states.
The request has supporting signatures from Councilmembers Sukh Kaur (D1), Adriana Rocha Garcia (D4), Teri Castillo (D5), John Courage (D9).