10 chants fueling Jackals’ energy during Spurs home games

The Frost Bank Center, home of the San Antonio Spurs, is renowned for its electric atmosphere, a characteristic amplified this season by the team’s elite performance and the innovative, European-inspired supporters’ section known as the Jackals. However, the question remains: can Spurs fans elevate their vocal support even further?

This challenge has been issued by none other than Spurs phenom and NBA MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama himself. On March 26, Aidan Sterling, president of the Jackals, shared a message received through an intermediary, indicating Wembanyama’s desire to see the Jackals’ high-energy performances inspire a broader wave of fan engagement throughout the arena.

Sterling voiced this aspiration to fellow Spurs supporters: “Spurs fans who attend games, what can we do better that would make you all want to join us in our cheers and chants? Wemby wants us to get the FBC as loud as it has ever been, so how can we convince you all to help us reach this goal?”

He further elaborated on Wembanyama’s vision in a recent interview, stating, “[Wemby’s] goal from the start was to create that European environment where the energy does not stop. He doesn’t care if [the refs] are reviewing a call or the ball is out of bounds. He wants that energy. So, that’s what we’re trying to build toward.”

Since the season’s inception, Sterling has observed a tangible increase in the Jackals’ impact on the arena’s overall enthusiasm. With the playoffs on the horizon, their aim is to ensure every Spurs fan is contributing to a peak game-day experience.

For those attending the remaining regular season home games or planning to cheer on the Spurs in the playoffs, here’s a guide to some of the popular chants led by the Jackals, designed to ignite the crowd.

Popular Spurs Chants and Their Origins

Spurs Wonderland

Melody: “Winter Wonderland” (classic Christmas song)
Creator: Jackals member Peyton Jannsen
Significance: Reportedly Wembanyama’s favorite, this was the first chant created by the Jackals. It’s a staple at every game, often initiated when opponents are being introduced, with the Jackals turning their backs in feigned indifference before launching into the chant.

CHANT:
There’s only one San Antonio,
… ONLY ONE San Antonio,
Walking along, singing our song
Chanting up and down the River Walk!

Merci Wemby

Origin: Adopted from a group of French NBA fans who attended a Spurs game.
Purpose: Expresses gratitude to Wembanyama for his contributions to the team and the city.
Timing: Typically performed during Wembanyama’s free throws. While traditionally a quiet time for fans, Sterling notes that Wembanyama embraces this chant, encouraging it to grow louder. He has shared that in Europe, “they cheer all the time! It doesn’t matter what you’re doing!” The intention is to build hype into screaming, jumping, and dancing.

CHANT:
Sha la la la la la la
Merci Wembyyyy
Sha la la la la la la
Merci Wembyyyy

Steph Castle Time

Melody: “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond (1969)
Inspiration: The chant emerged organically when a group member exclaimed, “It’s Steph Castle time!” which immediately evoked the familiar melody of “Sweet Caroline.”

CHANT:
Steph Castle time, bah bah bah
Never seen someone so good
So good! So good! So good!

Fox (Shots)

Melody: “Shots” by LMFAO (2009)
Modification: The word “shots” is replaced with “Fox” whenever Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox makes an impressive play.
Popularity: This chant quickly gained traction due to its simplicity and the widespread recognition of the original song. The Jackals had previously experimented with other chants, including a Dora the Explorer-themed one for Fox’s steals, inspired by his Instagram handle @swipathefox, but it didn’t resonate as strongly.

CHANT:
Everybody!
Fox, Fox, Fox, Fox, Fox
Fox, Fox, Fox, Fox, Fox
Fox, Fox, Fox, Fox, Fox
Everybody!

Luke, There It Is

Melody: “Whoomp! (There It Is)” by Tag Team (1993)
Adaptation: This chant was developed for Spurs’ big man Luke Kornet, replacing an earlier attempt that adapted The Romantics’ “What I Like About You” into “What I like about Luke.” The pause in the original song proved disruptive, leading the Jackals to opt for a more straightforward and universally recognizable chant. Sterling emphasizes the importance of keeping most chants simple for easy participation.

CHANT:
Luke, there it is
Luke, there it is
Luke, there it is

We Love You HB

Melody: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli (1967)
Creator: Aidan Sterling
Concept: Sterling envisioned this chant for veteran forward Harrison Barnes (“HB”), recognizing his leadership role. The familiar melody of the classic song provided a fitting backdrop for expressing appreciation for Barnes, particularly his three-point shooting.

CHANT:
We love you HB, from the 3-point line
We love you HB, we hope you let it fly
We love you HB, trust in us when we saaay

Spurs Are on Fire

Melody: “Freed from Desire” by Gala (1997)
Background: This Eurodance hit is highly popular in Europe, especially during international soccer matches, and is known for its ability to energize crowds. Wembanyama himself highlighted its significance during his meeting with the Jackals in September.
Usage: The chant is deployed when the Spurs go on a significant scoring run, prompting an opposing coach to call a timeout. The Frost Bank Center’s intercom plays the song, and the Jackals lead the crowd in the accompanying chant.

CHANT:
Spurs are on fire, your defense is terrified
Spurs are on fire, your defense is terrified
Spurs are on fire, your defense is terrified
Spurs are on fire!
NANANANANANANANANANANANANA
NANANANANANANANANANANANA
NANANANANANANANANANANANANA
NANANANANANANANANANANANA

Big Body Rock

Melody: “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO (2011)
Dedication: This chant is specifically for forward Keldon Johnson, whose powerful style of play in the paint, characterized by his strong physique, inspired the “Big Body” moniker.

CHANT:
Big body in the house tonight
Everybody just have a good time
Big body make you lose your mind
Everybody just have a good time

Juju On That Beat

Origin: A 2016 song by Zay Hilfigerrr & Zayion McCall, famous for its viral dance challenge.
Application: The Jackals use this chant to celebrate forward Julian Champagnie, whose Instagram handle is @jujuchampagnie.

CHANT:
Juju on that beat
Juju on that beat
Juju on that beat
Juju on that beat

Vassell Chop

Inspiration: The Florida State Seminole Chop.
Recipient: Shooting guard Devin Vassell, who played college basketball at Florida State.

CHANT:
Ohhhh oh ohhh
Ohhhh oh ohhh

Expanding the Fan Experience

Sterling indicated that while the Jackals aim to introduce more chants, the imminent playoffs will likely necessitate a pause on new additions until the following season. For the Spurs’ rookies, a consistent clapping pattern is used for names with four syllables, such as “Dy-lan Har-per” and “Car-ter Bry-ant.”

In a move inspired by the fervent fan culture surrounding Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the Jackals have also embraced the creation and exchange of friendship bracelets. This initiative allows fans to trade and share these tokens, fostering a sense of community and creating a tangible memento of the season.