San Antonio, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio City Council has voted 7-4 to approve a $1.3 billion funding package for a new Spurs arena in Hemisfair, rejecting the mayor’s call for a delay. The project is part of Project Marvel and includes substantial financial commitments from the city, county, and Spurs organization. With the county’s funding measure scheduled for a voter decision on November 4, the proposal also guarantees $1.4 billion in development over the next 12 years, aimed at enhancing the downtown area.
San Antonio
City council approves $1.3 billion funding package for new Spurs arena despite mayor’s call for delay
The San Antonio City Council voted 7-4 to approve a funding framework for a $1.3 billion arena proposed by the Spurs, moving forward with a plan to build the venue on the site of the former Institute of Texan Cultures in Hemisfair as part of Project Marvel, a broader sports and entertainment district initiative. The approval came after a council vote rejected a motion by the mayor to pause the process pending additional economic analysis and community meetings.
Key decision details
The funding framework approved by the council allocates $489 million from the city, $311 million from Bexar County, and at least $500 million from the Spurs organization, with the Spurs agreeing to cover any cost overruns. The proposal also includes a Spurs commitment to guarantee $1.4 billion in nearby development over a 12-year period, which would include retail, offices, housing, and a boutique hotel. Funding for the city’s share is intended to be raised through bonds and revenue from leasing the arena, ground leases, and tax capture zones. A county funding measure tied to a venue tax is scheduled for a voter decision on November 4, contingent on voter approval.
Council votes and positions
Council members voting in favor were Sukh Kaur, Phyllis Viagran, Edward Mungia, Marina Alderete Gavito, Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, Misty Spears, and Marc Whyte. The mayor, Gina Ortiz Jones, and council members Leo Castillo-Anguiano, Teri Castillo, and Ric Galvan voted against the funding terms. The mayor had proposed a strategic pause requesting an independent economic impact report and additional community feedback meetings; that motion was rejected in a 4-7 vote without extended discussion.
Public engagement and reaction
More than 100 people spoke during the council’s public comment period. Many speakers expressed support for the project, and the meeting drew a standing-ovation crowd, signaling strong public interest. At the same time, critics raised concerns about the use of public dollars and expressed questions about the transparency of the decision-making process. Council members emphasized a commitment to inform the public about financial details ahead of the November election.
Economic and project specifics
A consultant report commissioned by the Spurs estimates the new arena could generate an increase in annual spending in the city of approximately $318 million. The proposed arena would hold between 17,000 and 18,500 spectators and is expected to require 57 months for design and construction. The Spurs have indicated the organization’s current lease at Frost Bank Center extends through the end of the 2032-2033 season.
Next steps
With the city council approval secured, the county’s funding measure will appear on the November 4 ballot for voter consideration. If voters approve the county portion, and financing is finalized, project planning and detailed design work would proceed toward the estimated 57-month construction timeline. The Spurs have committed to covering any cost overruns under the agreed terms.
Context
The approved site at Hemisfair is part of Project Marvel, envisioned as a mixed-use sports and entertainment district intended to spur downtown redevelopment. The funding structure blends municipal and county resources with private investment and developer commitments. Supporters point to potential job creation and downtown revitalization, while opponents have pushed for more independent analysis and broader public input before final commitments are made.
FAQ
What did the City Council vote on?
The council voted 7-4 to approve a funding framework for a $1.3 billion Spurs arena at the former Institute of Texan Cultures site in Hemisfair as part of Project Marvel.
How is the project funded?
The funding breakdown includes $489 million from the city, $311 million from Bexar County, and at least $500 million from the Spurs, with the Spurs covering any cost overruns.
What was the mayor’s position?
The mayor requested a strategic pause for an independent economic impact report and additional community meetings; that pause was rejected by the council.
Who voted for and against the deal?
Seven council members voted in favor and four voted against. The mayor and three council members opposed the terms.
Where will the arena be located and what is its capacity?
The arena will be located at the former Institute of Texan Cultures site in Hemisfair and is planned to seat between 17,000 and 18,500 people.
When will the county funding be decided?
The county’s venue tax measure is scheduled for a vote on November 4, contingent upon voter approval.
What economic impact is projected?
A Spurs consultant estimated an annual increase in spending in the city of about $318 million due to the new arena.
What are the project’s next steps?
Following council approval, the county vote will determine the county contribution. If all funding is secured, planning, design, and the estimated 57-month construction phase would follow.
Key project features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total estimated cost | $1.3 billion |
| City contribution | $489 million (bonds, leases, tax capture) |
| County contribution | $311 million (contingent on voter approval Nov 4) |
| Private contribution | At least $500 million from the Spurs; Spurs cover overruns |
| Site | Former Institute of Texan Cultures, Hemisfair |
| Capacity | 17,000–18,500 |
| Construction timeline | Estimated 57 months for design and build |
| Spurs lease end at current arena | End of 2032–2033 season |
| Guaranteed nearby development | $1.4 billion over 12 years |
Project timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday (council meeting) | City Council vote approving funding framework | Approved 7-4 |
| Following council approval | County funding placed on ballot | Scheduled for voter decision on November 4 (contingent) |
| Post-funding approval | Design and construction period begins | Estimated 57 months (planned) |
| End of 2032–2033 season | Spurs lease at current arena concludes | Existing lease end date |
Selected statistics and visual summaries
Council vote breakdown
Funding source shares (approx.)
Projected annual local spending increase
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio City Council Approves New Spurs Arena Funding
San Antonio Council to Vote on Proposed $1.3 Billion Arena
Mayor Interrupts Arena Rally Before Key Council Vote
Mayor Jones Advocates for Pause on Project Marvel Vote
San Antonio Leaders Rally to Support Spurs Arena Proposal
Mayor Calls for Delay on Spurs Arena Proposal
San Antonio Proposes $4 Billion Budget Amid Deficit
San Antonio Council to Decide on $1.3 Billion Spurs Arena
San Antonio City Council Approves $4 Billion Budget Plan
Mayor Urges Delay on Arena Agreement Vote in San Antonio
Additional Resources
- San Antonio Express-News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT News
- Google Search: San Antonio Spurs Arena
- KENS 5
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Spurs New Arena
- San Antonio Current
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Spurs
- Air Alamo
- Google News: San Antonio Spurs Arena
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.
