San Antonio, TX, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Voters in San Antonio will decide the fate of Project Marvel, a proposed $3-4 billion plan to build a new Spurs arena, expand the downtown convention center, and spur development. Two ballot measures will determine the approval of venue-tax revenues and bonds to finance the project. While approved by city leaders, the proposal faces scrutiny regarding public spending and its potential economic benefits. Supporters believe it could bring major events to the city, but critics question the anticipated visitor impact and funding sources.
San Antonio — Voters in San Antonio will decide on funding for Project Marvel, a proposed $3-4 billion, 15-year plan that centers on a new Spurs arena, a downtown convention center expansion, and surrounding development. Two ballot measures will determine whether venue-tax revenues and related bonds move forward to help pay for the project. City leaders approved the proposed funding plan by a 7-4 vote, but the proposal has drawn both support for its potential to attract major events and criticism about public spending and the use of tax-generated funds.
Top-line facts
San Antonio’s Project Marvel is estimated to be a 15-year project that will cost around $3-4 billion. The project includes the construction of a new Spurs arena, expansion of the convention center, and development to the downtown area. Voters will see two propositions on the ballot: Proposition A seeks approval for $192 million in venue taxes to renovate the Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum, and San Antonio Rodeo fairgrounds, while Proposition B asks for over $300 million in venue taxes to fund the construction of a new Spurs arena.
How the new arena and funding are structured
The new arena is projected to cost $1.3 billion, with the City of San Antonio contributing nearly $489 million (about 40% of costs). Bexar County is expected to contribute an additional $311 million from a new venue tax bond that includes higher hotel occupancy and car rental taxes. The Spurs themselves will provide $500 million toward the arena and will cover any additional costs beyond city and county funding. Funding will be sourced from the Spurs’ rent to lease the property and development around the Project Marvel area, and city documents state that funding for the project will not come from local taxpayers (homeowners or renters) but from taxes generated by visitors.
Support, opposition and economic analysis
Supporters argue Project Marvel will position downtown San Antonio to win large events and increase visitor spending. One city representative said the district could attract major events like the Final Four and NBA All-Star weekend. Critics question whether a new arena will generate the level of visitor activity and economic impact projected and have raised concerns about public spending and diverting tax revenue from essential services. Mixed reactions were expressed during a City Council meeting regarding the proposed funding plan for Project Marvel.
A recent economic impact analysis for Project Marvel commissioned by the City of San Antonio cost taxpayers over $330,000. The analysis suggests that core projects within Project Marvel could generate $500 million in new annual spending, tax revenue, and jobs. The city has so far paid $219,845 of the total for the economic study conducted by CSL International, which has business ties to the Spurs. The mayor has criticized that analysis as incomplete and has called for an independent economic analysis for the proposed new arena.
Convention center and downtown development
The planned downtown convention center expansion will increase space by 200,000 square feet, aiming to position San Antonio competitively against Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Project supporters say the expansion and complementary development will drive job creation, attract private investment, and generate revenue that could be reinvested in community needs.
Voting, timing and election rules
Early voting in Texas coincides with the start of the NBA basketball season. Voters deciding on Project Marvel cannot wear Spurs or fairground logos within 100 feet of polling locations on Election Day. The ballot contains the two venue-tax propositions described above; Passage requires voter approval to activate the proposed bonds and tax uses.
Wider context
Local officials note that other Texas cities and teams are also planning or reconsidering facilities and locations, with Dallas-area teams reviewing arena plans and potential moves. San Antonio city leaders present Project Marvel as a local strategy to secure future events and tourism dollars, but opponents maintain that public financing needs stricter scrutiny and independent analysis before committing large public sums tied to visitor taxes and bonds.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall estimated cost | $3-4 billion |
| Estimated duration | 15-year project |
| New arena projected cost | $1.3 billion |
| City contribution | Nearly $489 million (about 40% of costs) |
| Bexar County contribution | $311 million from a new venue tax bond |
| Spurs contribution | $500 million |
| Convention center expansion | 200,000 square feet |
| Economic study cost | Over $330,000 (city paid $219,845 so far) |
| Projected annual new spending | $500 million |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated: 15-year project | Project Marvel timeline | City documents |
| Election period: early voting (coincides with start of NBA season) | Voters decide on Proposition A and Proposition B | Election rules and city notice |
| Project planning | City Council approved proposed funding | City Council vote 7-4 |
Funding breakdown (visual)
Spurs: $500M
County: $311M
FAQ
What is the estimated duration and cost of Project Marvel?
San Antonio’s Project Marvel is estimated to be a 15-year project that will cost around $3-4 billion.
What does the project include?
The project includes the construction of a new Spurs arena, expansion of the convention center, and development to the downtown area.
What are the ballot propositions related to Project Marvel?
San Antonio voters will vote on two propositions regarding Project Marvel: Proposition A seeks approval for $192 million in venue taxes to renovate the Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum, and San Antonio Rodeo fairgrounds. Proposition B asks for over $300 million in venue taxes to fund the construction of a new Spurs arena.
How much will the new arena cost and who pays?
The new arena is projected to cost $1.3 billion, with the City of San Antonio contributing nearly $489 million (about 40% of costs).
What is Bexar County’s expected contribution?
Bexar County is expected to contribute an additional $311 million from a new venue tax bond, which includes higher hotel occupancy and car rental taxes.
How much will the Spurs contribute?
The Spurs themselves will provide $500 million towards the new arena and any additional costs beyond city and county funding.
How will funding be sourced?
Funding will be sourced from the Spurs’ rent to lease the property and development around the Project Marvel area.
Will local homeowners or renters fund the project?
City documents state that funding for the project will not come from local taxpayers (homeowners or renters) but from taxes generated by visitors.
How large is the planned convention center expansion?
The planned downtown convention center expansion will increase space by 200,000 square feet, positioning San Antonio competitively against Dallas, Houston, and Austin.
What was the cost of the economic impact analysis?
A recent economic impact analysis for Project Marvel commissioned by the City of San Antonio cost taxpayers over $330,000.
What did the economic analysis suggest?
The analysis suggests that core projects within Project Marvel could generate $500 million in new annual spending, tax revenue, and jobs.
How much has the city paid for the CSL International study?
The city has so far paid $219,845 of the total for the economic study conducted by CSL International, which has business ties to the Spurs.
What was the City Council vote on the proposed funding?
The City Council approved the proposed funding with a 7-4 vote.
Are there restrictions near polling locations?
Voters deciding on Project Marvel cannot wear Spurs or fairground logos within 100 feet of polling locations on Election Day.
Has anyone raised concerns about the project?
Critics of Project Marvel have voiced concerns regarding public spending and the allocation of tax money diverting funds from essential services.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Golf Legend Critiques Politics at Charity Event
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
Scrutiny Rises Over Spurs’ Project Marvel Amid Past Failures
Concerns Rise Over Spurs Arena Funding in San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs Surprise Visit to Local Schools
Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: San Antonio Spurs Relocation
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KENS5: Lawsuit Against City Vote on Project Marvel
- Google Search: San Antonio Project Marvel
- KSAT: Project Marvel Economic Impact Analysis
- Google Scholar: NBA Team Relocation Economics
- Express News: Spurs Arena Project Marvel Commentary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Spurs
- News4 San Antonio: SAWS Chiller Plant Relocation Cost
- 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.
