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Fans rush to Academy for Spurs gear

Lines stretch around building Saturday night

Moments after the Spurs finished off the Thunder Saturday night, fans were lining up for their new Western Conference championship gear.

Some fans skipped the celebration in the streets of downtown, opting instead to line up at San Antonio-area Academy Sports and Outdoors stores.

The crowds were eager to get their hands on hats, shirts and whatever else displayed the new Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.

Academy employees counted close to 1,500 people Saturday night as lines stretched around the building at some locations.

Just hours after the stores closed up shop, more fans were waiting for the doors to open again Sunday morning.

"It's a lot bigger than last year. I don't recall having a lot of people outside waiting for us the day after, last year. A lot of that might have to do with the fact that the Spurs clinched on a Saturday night," said Academy Manager Jeff Dandrea.

Spurs fan Jay Williams finally got his championship gear Sunday morning after trying unsuccessfully Saturday night.

"I started walking around the building and noticed that the line, literally a mile long, and I said, 'Nope, not tonight,'" said Williams.

The Spurs advance to take on the Miami Heat in what will be a rematch of last year's NBA Finals. Game 1 is scheduled for Thursday night.