Fans pack arena for Rockets, Celtics

The evening kicked off with a band of Rio Grande Valley mariachi performers reciting the U.S. national anthem.
The musicians blew their trumpets and strummed their guitars as the Houston Rockets towered over them on the basketball court at Dodge Arena.

For the first time since 1975, the Rockets played in the Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday night, in a match against the Boston Celtics. News cameras covered the busy court from every angle, with Houston Chronicle, Boston Globe and ESPN reporters all here for the game.

Most fans came out to support the Rockets, but some green Celtics jerseys could be seen dotting the stands.
“This is really exciting because I’ve never been to Boston to see them,” said Belinda Rodriguez, 34, of Rio Hondo.
The woman was sitting near one of the court’s end lines, nervously glancing at the Rockets fans around her.

“I’m just trying to keep calm and not scream too much. … We have to contain ourselves,” she said, smiling toward her three children.

Alvino Santana, who had painted his face red and white for the occasion, was rooting for the Houston squad.
“I’m a die-hard Rockets fan,” he said as his team trailed the Celtics just before overtime. “This event is great not only for the area, but for the NBA. It’s good to visit more, different areas.”

More than 6,000 fans packed the sold-out arena. Staff of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the local NBA Development League franchise affiliated with the Rockets, had been in intense preparations for the game ever since it was announced seven months ago.

Andres Sanchez bought tickets as soon as he heard the Celtics were coming to Hidalgo.

“They’re my team,” Sanchez said as he snapped photos of the players from the stands. “I went to the Rockets autograph (session) … but I like the Celtics.”

Michael Urbis and his son Scott sat patiently in the VIP section during halftime. The teenage boy remained in his seat, watching the players cool off while fans around him rushed off to buy refreshments or use the restroom. The Rockets were losing, but the duo had hope their team would bounce back.

“It’s his all-time favorite team,” Michael Urbis said. Both were clad in red T-shirts and baseball caps bearing the team’s logo. “There’s still hope,” the father said.

Ultimately, the pair was glad to see the Rockets triumph, beating the Celtics 96-90.
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Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.