San Antonio, October 15, 2025
News Summary
On November 4, voters in Bexar County will cast their ballots on two crucial propositions linked to Project Marvel, a major downtown revitalization initiative. Proposition A aims to secure $192 million for renovations of the Frost Bank Center and Freeman Coliseum, while Proposition B seeks $311 million in venue tax funding for the new San Antonio Spurs arena. The entire project, estimated at $3–4 billion, promises significant economic benefits for the community and is backed by local officials and business groups.
San Antonio
Voters in Bexar County will decide on two propositions related to Project Marvel on November 4. The ballot measures would fund portions of a $3–4 billion downtown revitalization initiative that includes building a new arena for the San Antonio Spurs and creating a larger sports and entertainment district.
What the vote would decide
Proposition A seeks $192 million to renovate the Frost Bank Center and Freeman Coliseum. Proposition B proposes $311 million in venue tax funding for the new Spurs arena. Together these measures are designed to provide public funding for venue upgrades and a new arena that project planners say will anchor Project Marvel.
Costs and funding
The estimated total cost of the new arena is $1.3 billion, funded by a mix of city, county, state, and Spurs financial contributions. Project summaries list the Spurs as committing $500 million towards the arena and additional funding for downtown development. Project documents and spokespeople also indicate that the Spurs’ commitment includes covering cost overruns and a total pledge of $2 billion towards downtown development. The overall Project Marvel plan is described as a $3–4 billion initiative that would combine the arena with a convention center hotel and other commercial and public spaces.
Commitments and guarantees
As part of the agreement structure, the Spurs would remain in San Antonio for at least 30 years if the new arena is built. Project backers state that the Spurs would be responsible for cost overruns tied to the arena and that the funding mix will draw from multiple public and private sources.
Site and neighborhood goals
The new Spurs arena will occupy the site of the former Institute of Texan Cultures, which has already been demolished. Project Marvel is presented by sponsors as a comprehensive sports and entertainment district that aims to increase community engagement and focus revitalization efforts, particularly in the East Side of San Antonio.
Support and arguments
Local leaders and business groups have publicly supported the propositions, arguing the project will boost the local economy. The Greater SATX public-private group has endorsed the measures on economic development grounds. University leadership has urged residents to review the proposals and vote with information about community growth in mind.
Tax structure and impact
One funding component on the ballot is a venue tax proposal intended to apply primarily to visitors and event attendees. Project representatives have described the venue tax as affecting tourists more than local residents. The venue tax funding is the subject of Proposition B, which proposes $311 million in venue tax funding for the new Spurs arena.
Key dates and public outreach
Early voting for the propositions begins on October 20 and runs until October 31. The propositions will be decided on November 4. A town hall discussion on the propositions is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 PM to provide additional public information and community Q&A opportunities.
Next steps
If voters approve the measures, city and county officials say project planning would move forward toward construction of the arena and related developments. Project backers point to potential long-term economic benefits and increased downtown activity, while opponents have raised questions about public funding and priorities. Regardless of the outcome, officials emphasize the importance of informed voting on the scheduled dates.
Key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project name | Project Marvel |
| Overall estimated cost | $3–4 billion |
| New arena estimated cost | $1.3 billion |
| Proposition A | $192 million to renovate the Frost Bank Center and Freeman Coliseum |
| Proposition B | $311 million in venue tax funding for the new Spurs arena |
| Spurs committed funding | $500 million toward the arena; total pledge $2 billion toward downtown development |
| Site | Former Institute of Texan Cultures (demolished) |
| Early voting | October 20–31 |
| Election day | November 4 |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 20 – October 31 | Early voting for the propositions begins on October 20 and runs until October 31. | Scheduled |
| Wednesday, 6:00 PM (upcoming) | A recent town hall discussion on the propositions is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 PM. | Scheduled |
| November 4 | Voters in Bexar County will decide on two propositions related to Project Marvel on November 4. | Election Day |
| Prior (site) | The new Spurs arena will occupy the site of the former Institute of Texan Cultures, which has already been demolished. | Completed |
Funding comparison (visual)
Context and community considerations
Supporters argue Project Marvel will increase downtown activity, create jobs, and attract visitors. Organizers emphasize tools designed to limit local tax exposure while using revenue from visitors, events, and private investment. Critics and some community groups have raised questions about public investment priorities and the distribution of benefits across neighborhoods. Officials and institutional leaders have urged voters to gather information and participate in the scheduled early voting and election dates.
FAQ
What will voters decide on November 4?
Voters in Bexar County will decide on two propositions related to Project Marvel on November 4.
What does Proposition A fund?
Proposition A seeks $192 million to renovate the Frost Bank Center and Freeman Coliseum.
What does Proposition B propose?
Proposition B proposes $311 million in venue tax funding for the new Spurs arena.
How much will the new arena cost and who will pay?
The estimated total cost of the new arena is $1.3 billion, funded by a mix of city, county, state, and Spurs financial contributions.
How much are the Spurs contributing?
The Spurs have committed $500 million towards the arena and additional funding for downtown development.
Do the Spurs have further financial commitments?
The Spurs’ commitment includes covering cost overruns and a total pledge of $2 billion towards downtown development.
When is early voting?
Early voting for the propositions begins on October 20 and runs until October 31.
Is there public information available before the vote?
A recent town hall discussion on the propositions is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 PM.
Where will the new arena be located?
The new Spurs arena will occupy the site of the former Institute of Texan Cultures, which has already been demolished.
What are the community goals of Project Marvel?
The initiative aims to enhance community engagement and address revitalization particularly in the East Side of San Antonio.
Who supports the propositions?
The Greater SATX public-private group supports the propositions, arguing they will boost the local economy.
How will the venue tax affect residents?
Spurs CEO RC Buford clarified that the venue tax primarily affects tourists rather than local residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UT-San Antonio President Endorses Project Marvel
Concerns Rise Over Spurs Arena Funding in San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs Announce Major Arena Partnership
San Antonio Missions to Build New Minor League Stadium
San Antonio City Council Approves $1.3 Billion Spurs Arena
San Antonio City Council Approves Spurs Arena Term Sheet
San Antonio City Council Approves $1.3 Billion Spurs Arena Funding Deal
San Antonio City Council Approves New Arena for Spurs
San Antonio City Council Approves $1.3 Billion Arena Deal
Texas Retail Construction Boom: Major Growth Across Cities
Additional Resources
- KSAT Investigates
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Search: Project Marvel San Antonio
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Scholar: Project Marvel San Antonio
- News 4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- KENS5
- Google News: Spurs Arena Project Marvel
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.
