San Antonio, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio Spurs have unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP for a new $1.3 billion arena project. This initiative is poised to transform the downtown area into a sports and entertainment district, pending voter approval on the county’s contribution in a future election. City officials and Spurs Sports & Entertainment will collaborate on funding, with significant financial commitments aimed at local economic development and community benefits. The new arena is anticipated to accommodate 17,000 to 18,500 fans and generate job opportunities for the region.
San Antonio
The San Antonio Spurs have announced a significant partnership with Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP for a new $1.3 billion arena project, set to be the crown jewel of a forthcoming downtown sports and entertainment district. This decision was solidified when the San Antonio City Council approved a term sheet that outlines the financial framework for the new arena on August 21.
The funding for the project will be a collaborative effort, with Spurs Sports & Entertainment, the City of San Antonio, and Bexar County contributing to the costs. City officials agreed to allocate up to $489 million, while Bexar County’s expected contribution is $311 million. The Spurs themselves will invest $500 million in construction costs while also committing to cover all cost overruns, ensuring no tax burden falls on local residents.
Voter Involvement
In a key aspect of the funding, residents of Bexar County will decide on the county’s contribution through a local election scheduled for November 4, 2025. The Council’s approval is dependent on voters agreeing to a venue tax. The potential implications of this vote have led Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones to push for a second public referendum regarding the Spurs’ arena project.
Project Scope and Financial Commitment
The Spurs organization estimates that the arena will be developed and built over a period of 57 months and will accommodate between 17,000 and 18,500 fans. This endeavor will not only create jobs but also involves a substantial investment in the local economy, totaling over $2 billion. This figure encompasses:
- $500 million for arena construction.
- $1.4 billion for private development.
- $75 million designated for community benefits.
The proposed site for the arena is located on 13.59 acres of land where the Texas Pavilion currently stands, which was used by the UTSA-operated Institute of Texan Cultures until its closure in 2024. This prime location is situated near Hemisfair and directly across from the Alamodome.
Stakeholder Opinions
Local business owners have expressed mixed feelings about the project. While many hope for an economic boost, there are concerns regarding potential construction disruptions and traffic challenges. Additionally, the Conservation Society of San Antonio has raised objections regarding the historical significance of the Texas Pavilion, advocating for its preservation.
As momentum builds for the project, economic impact studies are still underway, and various community leaders are urging decisive action to move forward with the plans.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Project Cost | $1.3 billion |
| Funding Sources | Spurs Sports & Entertainment, City of San Antonio, Bexar County |
| Arena Capacity | 17,000 – 18,500 |
| Construction Duration | 57 months |
| Community Benefits | $75 million |
What is the total cost of the Spurs’ new arena project?
The total cost of the San Antonio Spurs’ new arena project is $1.3 billion.
When will Bexar County residents vote on the funding?
Bexar County residents will vote on the county’s contribution on November 4, 2025.
What will the Spurs’ financial commitment include?
The Spurs will commit $500 million for arena construction, along with $1.4 billion in private development and $75 million for community benefits.
What is the seating capacity of the new arena?
The new arena will seat between 17,000 and 18,500 fans.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| August 21, 2023 | City Council Approves Term Sheet | Confirmed |
| November 4, 2025 | Bexar County Vote on Venue Tax | Pending |
| 2024 | Closure of Texas Pavilion | Confirmed |
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Additional Resources
- TheStadiumBiz: San Antonio Spurs Arena Deal Approval
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- ExpressNews: City Council Spurs Arena Vote
- Google Search: San Antonio Spurs arena project
- Sports Business Journal: Cautionary Tale for Spurs Arena Talks
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Spurs arena project
- KENS 5: ITC Site Spurs Arena
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Spurs
- Fox San Antonio: Questions Remain on Arena Plan
- Google News: San Antonio Spurs arena project
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.
