San Antonio, Texas, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio Spurs, in collaboration with local business leaders and the Rodeo, held a press conference to endorse Propositions A and B. These initiatives aim to fund a new arena with an expected cost of $1.3 billion and renovations to the Rodeo grounds. The funding strategy includes tourism taxes and a significant private investment from the Spurs, ensuring no additional costs for local taxpayers. Community reactions vary as Election Day approaches, bringing both support and skepticism over the proposals and their financial implications.
San Antonio, Texas – Members of the San Antonio Spurs, along with local business leaders and representatives from the San Antonio Rodeo, held a press conference to promote Propositions A and B, which aim to fund a new arena and renovations to the Rodeo grounds. The press conference addressed misconceptions regarding the funding mechanisms of these projects, particularly the use of the entertainment venue tax.
Phil Cullen, the Spurs’ vice president of basketball organizational development, highlighted the potential economic benefits of the initiatives, asserting that they could generate “thousands of local jobs” across construction, operational roles, and small businesses. Cullen communicated that the projects would not impose additional costs on local taxpayers. Instead, funding is planned through hotel and rental car taxes collected from visitors, combined with over $2 billion in private investment from the Spurs organization.
The new arena is expected to cost approximately $1.3 billion, with Proposition B allowing for up to $311 million in tourism dollars to be allocated to its construction. Proposition A focuses on funding for renovations to the San Antonio Rodeo grounds, although exact funding figures for this proposition were not disclosed during the conference. A non-binding agreement indicates that contributions could total up to $498 million from the city, with the Spurs responsible for $500 million, accounting for any potential cost overruns.
Reaction from the community has been mixed, especially following the City Council’s vote in August regarding these propositions. While some support the initiatives, a segment of the population remains skeptical about the funding and the expected return on investment. One voter expressed concern over the expenditure, labeling it a “waste of money” in light of current economic conditions.
Voter registration deadlines in Texas require individuals to register by October 6, with early voting commencing on October 20 and running through October 31. Voters must present valid identification at polling locations, which can include options such as a driver’s license or military ID. It is important to note that merchandise displaying the Spurs or Rodeo themes is prohibited at polling sites due to Texas electioneering laws.
Public discussions regarding these propositions have revealed a contentious backdrop, with both advocates and detractors of the projects actively voicing their opinions. Election Day is scheduled for November 4, and results from the propositions are expected to be announced that evening. The venue tax currently stands at 1.75% for hotel accommodations and 5% for rental cars, while Propositions A and B propose raising the hotel tax to 2%.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposition A | Funds renovations to the San Antonio Rodeo grounds |
| Proposition B | Allocates up to $311 million in tourism dollars for new arena construction |
| New Arena Cost | Estimated at $1.3 billion |
| City Contribution | Up to $498 million |
| Spurs Contribution | $500 million plus cost overruns |
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 6, 2023 | Voter registration deadline | Upcoming |
| October 20-31, 2023 | Early voting period | Upcoming |
| November 4, 2023 | Election Day for Propositions A and B | Upcoming |
FAQ
What is the purpose of Propositions A and B?
Propositions A and B aim to fund a new arena and renovations to the San Antonio Rodeo grounds.
How will these projects be funded?
The projects will be funded through hotel and rental car taxes from visitors, along with over $2 billion in private investment from the Spurs.
What is the estimated cost of the new arena?
The new arena is projected to cost $1.3 billion.
What is the city’s financial contribution?
The city could contribute up to $498 million to the projects.
When is Election Day for these propositions?
Election Day is set for November 4, with results expected to be available that evening.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Votes on Project Marvel Funding
Early Voting Begins in Bexar County
San Antonio Unveils $4 Billion Project Marvel Development
San Antonio Spurs Launch Vote Yes Campaign for Arena Funding
Bexar County Voters Favor Stock Show Expansion Over Spurs Arena
Bexar County Voters Face Key Decisions on Project Marvel
UT-San Antonio President Endorses Project Marvel
Concerns Rise Over Spurs Arena Funding in San Antonio
Additional Resources
- KENS5: Voter Guide
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- Spectrum Local News: Spurs Project Marvel
- Google Search: San Antonio Rodeo
- Community Impact: Bexar County Tourist Tax
- Google Scholar: Sports Economics
- News 4 San Antonio: Spurs Support Prop A&B
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- Express News: Election Guide 2025
- Google News: Spurs Arena Proposition
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.
