San Antonio, TX, August 24, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio City Council voted 7-4 to approve a financing plan for a new Spurs arena, linking the project to a larger downtown redevelopment. The proposed $1.3 billion facility will rely on funding from the Spurs organization, Bexar County, and the city, with no increase in property taxes for residents. A venue tax measure will be presented to local voters on November 4, as the project aims to revitalize the downtown area with additional benefits to the community.
San Antonio
San Antonio City Council approved a financing framework for a new Spurs arena by a 7-4 vote on Thursday, advancing a multibillion-dollar downtown sports and entertainment district and sending a proposed venue tax to Bexar County voters on November 4. The plan outlines financing for a facility with an estimated cost of $1.3 billion and specifies contributions from the Spurs, Bexar County and the city, while maintaining that the framework will not raise property taxes for San Antonio residents.
Key decision and funding breakdown
The council-approved term sheet allocates funding as follows: $500 million from the Spurs organization, $311 million from Bexar County, and up to $489 million from the city. City funding would be raised through bonds repaid by Spurs lease payments and expected incremental property tax growth, according to the approved framework. The term sheet does not call for a direct property tax increase on residents.
Next steps and public vote
The financing framework will appear on the Bexar County ballot on November 4, where voters will decide on a venue tax intended to fund the arena portion of the larger redevelopment. The term sheet projects a 57-month timeline to design and build an arena with a capacity between 17,000 and 18,500 seats. The proposed site is the 13-acre former Institute of Texan Cultures downtown.
Controversy and calls for further study
A motion by the mayor for a strategic pause to commission an independent economic impact study was rejected by the council by a 4-7 vote. Those voting in favor of the pause argued for more analysis before finalizing the public financing approach; the mayor raised concerns about an earlier economic study conducted by CSL International, citing apparent data gaps and noting an ownership link between CSL’s parent firm and the Spurs organization. The majority of council members opposed delaying approval and cited the need to present financing details to voters before the November ballot.
Community benefits and surrounding development
As part of the package, the Spurs committed to providing $2.5 million annually for community benefits tied to the arena plan. The organization and private partners are also pursuing approximately $1.4 billion in additional development around the arena site. The financing framework is one component of Project Marvel, a broader initiative that includes expanding the Henry B. González Convention Center, constructing a land bridge over Interstate 37, renovating the Alamodome, and repurposing the downtown federal courthouse into a live music venue.
Support and context
Public figures and community stakeholders have publicly expressed support for the arena plan as a long-term investment in downtown activity and the local economy. The Spurs’ current lease at the Frost Bank Center is scheduled to end after the 2032–2033 season, which officials cited as a scheduling factor in timing the project.
Timeline and capacity expectations
The approved term sheet sets expectations for a multi-year project with a projected design and construction period of nearly five years. The proposed seating capacity range is intended to serve major sporting events and entertainment programming while integrating into the surrounding mixed-use development planned under the project.
What the approval does and does not do
The council vote establishes a framework and term sheet to present to county voters; it does not finalize construction contracts or immediately authorize city bond issuance. Final taxpayer commitments would depend on the outcome of the November 4 ballot measure and future municipal and county actions to implement bond sales and lease agreements.
Project highlights table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated arena cost | $1.3 billion |
| Spurs contribution | $500 million |
| Bexar County contribution | $311 million |
| City contribution (up to) | $489 million (bonds repaid via lease payments and incremental property tax growth) |
| Community benefits commitment | $2.5 million annually from the Spurs |
| Projected construction timeline | 57 months |
| Seating capacity (projected) | 17,000–18,500 |
| Proposed site | 13-acre former Institute of Texan Cultures |
| Related private development | Approximately $1.4 billion planned in surrounding area |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday (Council meeting) | City Council voted 7-4 to approve financing framework | Action: Approved by City Council |
| November 4 (Upcoming) | Bexar County voters to decide on venue tax funding the arena | Pending: Ballot measure |
| 2032–2033 season | End of Spurs current lease at Frost Bank Center | Existing lease timeline |
| Post-approval (Projected) | Design and build arena (57 months) | Projected timetable in term sheet |
Funding visualization
Relative contributions to arena funding (horizontal bars approximate relative sizes)
$500M
$311M
$489M
Additional numeric context
Planned private development around the arena is approximately $1.4 billion, and the arena cost is estimated at $1.3 billion. The Spurs’ community benefits commitment is $2.5 million per year.
FAQ
What did the San Antonio City Council vote to approve?
The council voted 7-4 to approve a financing framework that outlines funding and terms for a proposed new Spurs arena and associated downtown redevelopment, and to present a venue tax measure to Bexar County voters on November 4.
How much will the new arena cost and who will pay?
The arena is estimated to cost $1.3 billion. The approved term sheet calls for $500 million from the Spurs, $311 million from Bexar County, and up to $489 million from the city, funded through bonds repaid by Spurs lease payments and incremental property tax growth.
Will property taxes for San Antonio residents increase because of this plan?
The approved financing framework states it will not raise property taxes for San Antonio residents. City contributions would come from bonds repaid via lease payments and projected incremental property tax growth tied to development.
Was an independent economic study requested?
The mayor proposed a strategic pause to commission an independent economic impact study. That proposal was rejected 4-7 by the council. Concerns were raised about gaps in a prior study conducted by CSL International and potential ownership links to the Spurs organization.
What other projects are included in Project Marvel?
Project Marvel includes plans to expand the Henry B. González Convention Center, build a land bridge over Interstate 37, renovate the Alamodome, and transform the downtown federal courthouse into a live music venue, in addition to the arena and surrounding development.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Council Approves $1.3 Billion Spurs Arena Project
San Antonio City Council Approves $1.3 Billion Spurs Arena Funding
San Antonio City Council Approves $1.3 Billion Spurs Arena Financing
City Council Approves $1.3 Billion Spurs Arena Funding
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
Additional Resources
- KSAT
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Express News
- Google Search: San Antonio City Council Spurs Arena Vote
- Fox San Antonio
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Spurs Arena
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Spurs
- MSN
- Google News: San Antonio Spurs Arena Deal
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.
