SAN ANTONIO — On Tuesday night, the Central Catholic varsity basketball team played its final home game on its the historic, yet unusual court.
- Gym built in 1931
- Convocation center under construction
- New space holds 1,200 fans
Built in 1931, the gym was considered by some to be one of the nicest in the city, but the school predicted basketball was a fad that wouldn’t last. The court was built reluctantly, and isn’t regulation size.
With a smaller playing area and a closer three-point line, it’s more difficult for visiting teams to play on the court they aren’t used to. Over time, opposing schools began opting out of playing at Central Catholic because of the Buttons’ literal home court advantage.
But that will likely change when the Buttons open the doors to their new convocation center this summer.
The 40,000 square-foot building is still under construction and will include a competition court that can hold 1,200 fans as well as two full size practice courts.
San Antonio Hall of Fame Coach Joe Cortez won ten state titles with Central Catholic, and as a new era begins for Button basketball, he hopes one lesson will travel across the parking lot with them.
“Life is all about relationships. You treat people with respect and dignity, and you'd be surprised how they'd come back in some way, shape, or form and help you develop yourself as a person,” Cortez said. “So, we don't accomplish anything by ourselves."
Tuesday was also the final game of the regular season before the Buttons begin post season play.