Durant has never played in the arena, only suiting up in Texas' previous home: the Frank Erwin Center, which was built in 1977 and demolished in May 2024.
The Longhorns' men's basketball facility and the main entrance to the Denton A. Cooley Pavilion were named after Durant after he made a $3 million contribution in 2017. The school also retired his No. 35 jersey in 2008 and inducted him into its hall of honor in 2022.
The Spurs have played two games in each of the previous two seasons at Moody Center since its opening. They will play the Detroit Pistons in the second game at the arena this season.
