San Antonio, TX, August 21, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones attended a rally advocating for a $1.3 billion arena deal for the Spurs, urging for a delay to conduct an independent economic study. Local business leaders joined the rally, highlighting concerns over the city’s proposed $489 million contribution and community input. The council will vote on whether to approve the term sheet or pause for further analysis and public engagement.
San Antonio — Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones interrupted a rally held by business leaders advocating for a new arena deal for the San Antonio Spurs the day before a decisive city council vote on a $1.3 billion arena term sheet. The council is scheduled to consider either approving the term sheet, which would ask the city to contribute up to $489 million, or delaying action to allow an independent economic study and additional public input.
What happened and why it matters
The rally was organized by business leaders backing the proposed arena on the former Institute of Texan Cultures site. Prominent local restaurateurs and chefs attended the event, including Pete Cortez from La Familia Cortez Restaurants and chef Johnny Hernandez from La Gloria Group. Mayor Jones attended the rally to press for a pause in the approval process and to urge council members to seek an independent economic analysis before committing public funds. The timing was significant: the rally took place the day before a Thursday council vote that could either move the term sheet forward or delay it for further study and community feedback.
Key elements of the proposed deal
- The arena proposal calls for a total project cost of $1.3 billion.
- The city is being asked to provide up to $489 million toward the project.
- Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) is proposed to contribute at least $500 million, with other revenue sources expected to cover the remainder.
- The deal includes a community benefits agreement under which SS&E would commit $75 million over 30 years for community initiatives.
- The proposed site is the former Institute of Texan Cultures building.
Council mechanics and political context
Five council members requested that a vote on the term sheet be added to the Thursday agenda. Council members are expected to debate two opposing resolutions: one to execute the term sheet and proceed with the arena deal, and another, supported by Mayor Jones, to pause action until an independent economic study is completed and further community consultation occurs. Either measure requires six votes to pass.
Mayor Jones has criticized a previously commissioned city economic study for potential conflicts of interest and is pressing for an independent review. Her intervention at the rally was framed as an effort to secure a deal that protects municipal interests and ensures the Spurs’ sustained presence in San Antonio. During her remarks at the rally, she also made a symbolic reference to the late activist mother of Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez.
Supporters’ and opponents’ positions
Supporters of the arena contend the project will revitalize downtown San Antonio and create jobs, and some business leaders warn that delaying approval could prompt the Spurs to consider relocation to other cities, including Seattle or Las Vegas. Opponents and those urging caution point to the large proposed city contribution, questions about the economic analysis, and the need for broader community input before committing substantial public funds.
Immediate next steps
The city council vote scheduled for Thursday will determine whether the term sheet proceeds toward execution or whether the council adopts a pause resolution, ordering an independent economic study and additional community engagement. If passed, either measure will set the near-term direction for negotiations and public review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the council voting on?
The council is voting on whether to approve a term sheet for a proposed $1.3 billion arena for the San Antonio Spurs or to delay the term sheet pending an independent economic study and further public consultation.
How much would the city contribute?
The term sheet asks the city to contribute up to $489 million toward the arena project.
How much would the Spurs and other partners contribute?
Spurs Sports & Entertainment is proposed to contribute at least $500 million, with other revenue sources expected to provide the remaining funds necessary to reach the $1.3 billion project total.
What community benefits are included?
The proposal includes a $75 million community benefits agreement from SS&E, to be delivered over 30 years for community initiatives.
Why is Mayor Jones asking for a pause?
Mayor Jones is seeking a pause to allow for an independent economic study and more robust community consultation. She has raised concerns about a previously commissioned economic study that she considered to have conflicts of interest.
Who attended the rally and why does it matter?
Business leaders supporting the arena, including Pete Cortez and chef Johnny Hernandez, organized and attended the rally. Their presence highlighted business and development support for the project and expressed concern that delays could risk the Spurs considering relocation.
Key features of the proposal
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total project cost | $1.3 billion |
| City contribution requested | Up to $489 million |
| SS&E contribution | At least $500 million |
| Community benefits | $75 million committed over 30 years |
| Proposed site | Former Institute of Texan Cultures building |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Day before Thursday vote (rally day) | Business leaders hold rally supporting the arena; Mayor attends and pushes for pause | Rally held; Mayor intervened |
| Thursday (scheduled) | City council vote on whether to approve the term sheet or delay for an independent study | Vote scheduled; outcome requires six votes |
| Prior to vote | City commissioned an economic study that was later criticized by Mayor for conflicts of interest | Study in place; subject to criticism |
| Before Thursday | Five council members requested the term sheet vote be added to the agenda | Request submitted; agenda updated |
Funding breakdown (visual)
| Payer | Amount | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Spurs Sports & Entertainment (minimum) | $500,000,000 |
|
| City contribution (requested) | $489,000,000 |
|
| Other revenue sources | $311,000,000 (approx.) |
|
| Community benefits (SS&E) | $75,000,000 over 30 years |
|
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mayor Calls for Delay on Spurs Arena Proposal
San Antonio Council to Decide on $1.3 Billion Spurs Arena
Potential Delay for San Antonio’s Project Marvel Arena
San Antonio Spurs Move Forward with Project Marvel Arena Proposal
San Antonio Mayor Requests Delay in Spurs Arena Negotiations
San Antonio City Council to Vote on Spurs Arena Funding
Mayor Proposes Pause on Spurs Arena Funding Decision
Mayor Calls for Delay on Spurs Arena Funding Vote
San Antonio Mayor Calls for Economic Study on Arena Funding
San Antonio City Council to Vote on New Spurs Arena
Additional Resources
- KENS5
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- WOAI Heart
- Google Search: San Antonio Spurs
- Fox San Antonio
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Spurs
- Express News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Spurs
- KSAT
- Google News: San Antonio Spurs
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
