SAN ANTONIO – Spurs fans showed their appreciation Thursday for one of the most beloved players in franchise history with tributes across the Alamo City.
Manu Ginobili retired Monday after 16 seasons and four championships with the Spurs.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg declared in a proclamation that today, Aug. 30, 2018, would be Manu Ginobili Day.
WATCH: Mayor @Ron_Nirenberg officially proclaims August 30, 2018 to be Manu Ginobili Day during today's city council meeting. The #Spurs icon retired earlier this week after 16 seasons, 4 titles with the franchise #GoSpursGo #KSATnews #KSATsports #GraciasManu @COSAGOV pic.twitter.com/KJHcBvyhCl
— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) August 30, 2018
Nirenberg made the proclamation during the city council meeting, and city hall featured a large banner that said "Gracias Manu!" outside.
Fans from across the city showed their love for Ginobili by wearing jerseys or t-shirts with his No. 20 and posting photos to social media with the hashtag #GraciasManu.
The San Antonio Zoo also got into the fun by offering discounted admission.
Zoo-goers received admission to the zoo at a discount of more than 50 percent.
Vibing with @Ron_Nirenberg #ManuDay #GraciasManu pic.twitter.com/zuXH4gjLi8
— The Coyote (@SpursCoyote) August 30, 2018
Tickets for adults were $7, and children's tickets were $5.
The prices reflected the fact that Ginobili was selected with the No. 57 pick overall in the 1999 NBA draft.
Officials with Taco Bell announced early Thursday morning it was offering a free crunchy taco at participating locations all day to those who visit in honor of Manu Ginobili Day. All guests had to do was mention Manu Ginobili Day.
Ginobili is one of only two players, along with Bill Bradley, to have won a EuroLeague title, an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal.
How are you celebrating #ManuGinobiliDay?
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) August 30, 2018
Keep sharing those photos and videos, #SpursFamily! #GraciasManu pic.twitter.com/VFPGXmTnKp
His retirement officially ends the Spurs' "Big Three" era after Tim Duncan's retirement and Tony Parker's exit this offseason to the Charlotte Hornets via free agency.
The three icons are the winningest trio in NBA history.
Below is some of what Nirenberg said during Thursday morning’s proclamation:
"Manu Ginobili's accomplishments as a sportsman are many. A four-time NBA champion. A two-time Olympic medalist. An NBA sixth-man of the year and the most wins by a trio with Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in NBA history. But more than his basketball skills, to Manu's character, his grit, his tenacity and sacrifice for the team. Always putting the end goal to his career that will define his legacy. He's not only the fiercest competitor I think we've ever seen, but also the most humble and selfless champion of all. He's a model of the San Antonio way. Working together for a common cause, bracing a diversity of talent and experience and winning with grace. Of course, we'll never forget his hair styles, whether it's the shaggy Manu mop or his beautiful bald head. And we'll never forget when he transformed midcourt, from an NBA champion to the "Batman," swatting down danger and then needing rabies shots after that. We'll never forget the swagger of his Eurostep or the Spanish in his postgame interviews. We'll never forget his magnificent block to beat Houston or his charges, his defensive stops or his Oscar-worthy flops. We'll never forget his leadership, his sacrifice, his spark off the bench he provided for 16 seasons. We're so grateful to have witnessed the greatness of Manu Ginobili and Manu Ginobili will forever be San Antonio's champion. So, gracias Manu and Go Spurs Go!"