San Antonio TX, October 25, 2025
News Summary
City officials announced that the land bridge component of Project Marvel is on indefinite pause due to federal funding cuts. This decision affects a planned pedestrian and vehicle connection linking a new downtown basketball arena to nearby parking. City Manager Erik Walsh and Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones highlighted difficulties in funding under the current environment. Project Marvel, a multi-component redevelopment plan worth $4 billion, aims to revitalize the area but faces opposition citing more pressing community needs. Voter approval for financing remains crucial for advancing the project.
San Antonio
City officials announced during City Fest that the land bridge component of Project Marvel is on indefinite pause due to federal funding cuts. City leaders say the decision affects a planned pedestrian and vehicle connection intended to span I-37 and link a proposed downtown arena to nearby parking and facilities.
What city leaders disclosed
City Manager Erik Walsh disclosed this information during a panel discussion attended by small-business owners. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones indicated that the land bridge, intended to connect a new basketball arena with parking garages across I-37, may no longer be feasible under the current federal funding environment. The land bridge’s feasibility was questioned by Heywood Sanders, a professor emeritus at UT-San Antonio, during a town hall meeting.
How this affects Project Marvel and the arena plan
Project Marvel is a proposed $4 billion sports-and-entertainment district that includes a new basketball arena, a boutique hotel, convention center expansion, Alamodome renovation, a 5,000-seat concert venue, and a 1,000-room hotel. No financing details or sources for funding the various components of Project Marvel have been disclosed by the city or county.
Approval for a new basketball arena hinges on Bexar County voters choosing to increase the visitor tax to 2% to help finance the facility. Early voting for the election runs from October 20 to 31, with Election Day on November 4. Proposition B, if passed, would allocate over $300 million of venue taxes to help finance the new arena for the Spurs.
The new arena’s estimated construction cost is between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, partially funded by a $500 million contribution from the Spurs franchise. Additionally, the Spurs commit to covering any construction cost overruns and pledging $75 million in community benefits. The funding model for the Spurs arena includes no new taxes for local residents but relies on hotel occupancy and car rental taxes.
Support, opposition and calls for study
If both propositions pass, a new downtown arena could secure the Spurs a long-term home and potentially stimulate economic growth around the Hemisfair area. Opponents of the propositions argue that pressing needs such as infrastructure and education should take precedence over sports facilities. Critics claim public money should not support private ventures and suggest the promised economic benefits may not materialize.
San Antonio Mayor Ortiz Jones has called for a pause pending an independent economic impact study regarding the proposals. Independent studies are advocated by some for a deeper analysis of whether the projected economic benefits justifies the costs involved with Project Marvel. The project is seen as pivotal for the future of San Antonio, impacting economic growth and community investment in the area.
Next steps and public decision
With the land bridge on indefinite pause and no disclosed funding sources, the immediate path forward depends largely on the election results and any independent analyses that may be completed. City and county officials have not released further financing details, and timelines for other Project Marvel components remain contingent on funding decisions, voter approval, and any follow-up studies ordered by local leadership.
Background
Project Marvel has been presented by city and county leaders as a multi-component redevelopment plan centered on a new arena for the Spurs and complementary hospitality and entertainment facilities. The land bridge was conceived as a key connector for the arena, but federal funding cuts prompted the city’s announcement that the specific component is paused indefinitely.
FAQ
Why was the land bridge component of Project Marvel paused?
City officials announced during City Fest that the land bridge component of Project Marvel is on indefinite pause due to federal funding cuts.
Who disclosed the pause and where was it announced?
City Manager Erik Walsh disclosed this information during a panel discussion attended by small-business owners.
Did the mayor comment on the land bridge’s feasibility?
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones indicated that the land bridge, intended to connect a new basketball arena with parking garages across I-37, may no longer be feasible under the current federal funding environment.
Was the land bridge questioned by others?
The land bridge’s feasibility was questioned by Heywood Sanders, a professor emeritus at UT-San Antonio, during a town hall meeting.
What is Project Marvel?
Project Marvel is a proposed $4 billion sports-and-entertainment district that includes a new basketball arena, a boutique hotel, convention center expansion, Alamodome renovation, a 5,000-seat concert venue, and a 1,000-room hotel.
Have financing details been disclosed?
No financing details or sources for funding the various components of Project Marvel have been disclosed by the city or county.
What must voters decide for the arena to move forward?
Approval for a new basketball arena hinges on Bexar County voters choosing to increase the visitor tax to 2% to help finance the facility.
When is the election related to the visitor tax increase?
Early voting for the election runs from October 20 to 31, with Election Day on November 4.
What would Proposition B do if it passes?
Proposition B, if passed, would allocate over $300 million of venue taxes to help finance the new arena for the Spurs.
What is the estimated cost of the new arena and the Spurs’ financial role?
The new arena’s estimated construction cost is between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, partially funded by a $500 million contribution from the Spurs franchise.
What additional financial commitments have the Spurs made?
Additionally, the Spurs commit to covering any construction cost overruns and pledging $75 million in community benefits.
What are the main arguments of opponents?
Opponents of the propositions argue that pressing needs such as infrastructure and education should take precedence over sports facilities.
Has the mayor requested further study?
San Antonio Mayor Ortiz Jones has called for a pause pending an independent economic impact study regarding the proposals.
How would the arena be funded without raising local taxes?
The funding model for the Spurs arena includes no new taxes for local residents but relies on hotel occupancy and car rental taxes.
What could be the broader impact if propositions pass?
If both propositions pass, a new downtown arena could secure the Spurs a long-term home and potentially stimulate economic growth around the Hemisfair area.
What do critics say about public financing?
Critics claim public money should not support private ventures and suggest the promised economic benefits may not materialize.
How do supporters frame the project’s importance?
The project is seen as pivotal for the future of San Antonio, impacting economic growth and community investment in the area.
Are independent studies being requested?
Independent studies are advocated by some for a deeper analysis of whether the projected economic benefits justifies the costs involved with Project Marvel.
Key features of Project Marvel
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project value | Project Marvel is a proposed $4 billion sports-and-entertainment district |
| New arena | Estimated construction cost is between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion; partially funded by a $500 million contribution from the Spurs franchise |
| Land bridge | The land bridge component of Project Marvel is on indefinite pause due to federal funding cuts |
| Funding disclosure | No financing details or sources for funding the various components of Project Marvel have been disclosed by the city or county |
| Voter action | Approval for the arena hinges on Bexar County voters choosing to increase the visitor tax to 2% |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| During City Fest | City officials announced the land bridge component is on indefinite pause | City announcement |
| Panel discussion (during City Fest) | City Manager Erik Walsh disclosed the pause to small-business owners | City Manager disclosure |
| Town hall meeting (date unspecified) | The land bridge’s feasibility was questioned by Heywood Sanders, a professor emeritus at UT-San Antonio | Town hall meeting |
| October 20–31 | Early voting for the election | Election calendar |
| November 4 | Election Day | Election calendar |
Simple charts — funding and cost figures
Note: Chart widths are visual approximations based on the numeric values listed above and are intended for quick comparison only.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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San Antonio Spurs Promote Propositions for New Arena and Rodeo Renovations
San Antonio Voters to Decide on Project Marvel Investment
San Antonio Votes on Project Marvel Funding
San Antonio Housing Market Faces Significant Challenges
San Antonio Golf Legend Critiques Politics at Charity Event
Early Voting Begins in Bexar County
Additional Resources
- CultureMap San Antonio
- Express News
- KSAT
- Trinitonian
- KENS 5
- Wikipedia: Project Marvel
- Google Search: Project Marvel Spurs
- Google Scholar: Project Marvel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Project Marvel
- Google News: Project Marvel Spurs
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.
