san antonio tx, October 15, 2025
News Summary
UT-San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy has endorsed Project Marvel, a $4 billion sports and entertainment district featuring a new Spurs arena. As residents prepare for the upcoming election on November 4, Eighmy encourages voters to consider the implications of two propositions related to the project. While Proposition A focuses on upgrading the Frost Bank Center, Proposition B seeks funding for the new arena, which is projected to cost around $1.3 billion. The development is aimed at boosting the local economy and retaining talent in the region.
San Antonio — UT-San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy has publicly endorsed Project Marvel, a proposed $4 billion sports and entertainment district anchored by a new Spurs arena at Hemisfair, and encouraged residents to be informed before voting on two related propositions in the November 4 election.
Lead details
Project Marvel would place a new Spurs arena at Hemisfair and is part of a multibillion-dollar package that also includes expansion of the Convention Center, upgrades to the Alamodome, and construction of a second Convention Center hotel. The city plans to use a tax increment reinvestment zone and property-tax-backed bonds to finance the arena and related development.
Key propositions and schedule
Voters will see two propositions on the ballot related to the arena: Proposition A will focus on upgrading the Frost Bank Center, former home of the Spurs, while Proposition B proposes to fund the construction of the new arena. Early voting for the propositions begins on October 20 and the election is set for November 4.
Funding summary
The new Spurs arena is projected to cost about $1.3 billion. Proposition B allows Bexar County to contribute up to $311 million or 25% of the cost of the arena, with revenue generated primarily from visitors through an increase in the county visitor tax. Proposition A dedicates an estimated $192 million to enhance the Frost Bank Center and adjacent grounds for year-round use and will also rely on visitor tax revenue.
Project Marvel could include around $1.4 billion worth of development that Spurs Sports & Entertainment and private developers have agreed to build over 12 years. Spurs Sports & Entertainment is expected to contribute $30 million toward property purchase, with the total expected to cost $60 million. Property taxes from future development at Hemisfair will back bonds to finance the arena.
State-level finance mechanism and other revenue sources
A project finance zone, recently approved by Texas lawmakers in 2023, will enable the city to collect state hotel tax revenue from hotels within three miles of key venues for the next 30 years, potentially raising nearly $2.5 billion. Officials are assembling multiple revenue streams, including possible contributions from the City of San Antonio and Bexar County, to complete the financing picture.
Economic and community context
The Greater SATX economic development group has argued that building a new NBA arena is essential for retaining educated talent that often moves to other Texas cities for better job opportunities. City planning also includes a land bridge to connect downtown to the Alamodome property and major upgrades to regional event infrastructure to support year-round activity.
Public engagement and polling
UT-San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy urged the community to be informed as the propositions approach, and a new poll on public support for the arena vote is expected to be unveiled by UT-San Antonio’s Center for Public Opinion Research.
Commitments and timelines
If public support is secured, the Spurs pledge not to relocate for at least 30 years. Private development tied to Project Marvel is planned over a 12-year window for agreed development valued at approximately $1.4 billion. Many elements of the broader initiative remain in planning and public-review stages pending the election outcome and subsequent project approvals.
Key facts (verbatim statements used later in the FAQ)
- Project Marvel is a proposed $4 billion sports and entertainment district anchored by a new Spurs arena at Hemisfair.
- Voters will see two propositions on the ballot related to the arena: Proposition A will focus on upgrading the Frost Bank Center, former home of the Spurs, while Proposition B proposes to fund the construction of the new arena.
- Early voting for the propositions begins on October 20.
- The new Spurs arena is projected to cost about $1.3 billion, with other funding sources potentially including contributions from both City of San Antonio and Bexar County.
- Proposition B allows Bexar County to contribute up to $311 million or 25% of the cost of the arena, generating revenue primarily from visitors.
- Proposition A dedicates an estimated $192 million to enhance the Frost Bank Center and adjacent grounds for year-round use and will also rely on visitor tax revenue.
- Property taxes from future development at Hemisfair will back bonds to finance the arena.
- If public support is secured, the Spurs pledge not to relocate for at least 30 years.
- Spurs Sports & Entertainment is expected to contribute $30 million towards property purchase, with the total expected to cost $60 million.
- A project finance zone, recently approved by Texas lawmakers in 2023, will enable the city to collect state hotel tax revenue from hotels within three miles of key venues for the next 30 years, potentially raising nearly $2.5 billion.
- A new poll on public support for the arena vote is expected to be unveiled by UT-San Antonio’s Center for Public Opinion Research.
FAQ
What is Project Marvel?
What will voters decide on November 4?
When does early voting begin?
How much is the new Spurs arena projected to cost?
What is Proposition B’s financial limit?
What is Proposition A’s allocation?
How will bonds be financed?
What is the Spurs commitment?
What is the expected contribution from Spurs Sports & Entertainment toward property purchase?
What funding mechanism was approved by Texas lawmakers in 2023?
Is there a new poll on public support?
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Overall cost | $4 billion |
| New Spurs arena projected cost | $1.3 billion |
| Planned private development value | $1.4 billion over 12 years |
| Spurs property purchase contribution | $30 million (of $60 million total) |
| Proposition A allocation | $192 million (Frost Bank Center upgrades) |
| Proposition B county contribution cap | $311 million (or 25%) |
| Project finance zone (2023) | Potentially raise nearly $2.5 billion via hotel tax collection for 30 years |
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | A project finance zone was approved by Texas lawmakers | Approved (2023) |
| October 20 | Early voting for the propositions begins | Planned |
| November 4 | Election: Voters decide on Proposition A and Proposition B | Planned |
| 12 years (projected) | Private development valued at about $1.4 billion to be built | Planned |
| 30 years | Potential collection of state hotel tax revenue within three miles of key venues | Authorized (2023) |
Funding and survey visuals
Planned funding components (illustrative proportion of noted amounts)
Proposition allocations
Notes: The visual bars above represent the relative sizes of publicly reported dollar figures cited in planning materials and proposals. These visuals are not survey data and do not represent final funding allocations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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San Antonio’s Ready to Work Program Achieves Milestone
Concerns Rise Over Spurs Arena Funding in San Antonio
Interstate 10 Reopens After Hours-Long Closure in Bexar County
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San Antonio Spurs Surprise Visit to Local Schools
San Antonio Spurs Visit Ingram High School After Floods
Additional Resources
- San Antonio Current
- Wikipedia: Project Marvel (sports district)
- Express News
- Google Search: Project Marvel San Antonio
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Spurs arena Project Marvel
- KSAT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Project Marvel San Antonio
- KENS 5
- Google News: Project Marvel San Antonio
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.
