San Antonio, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio City Council has approved a $1.3 billion funding package for a new Spurs arena with a 7-4 vote. The project aims to revitalize the Hemisfair area and will involve a combination of public and private investment. City officials will issue bonds to finance part of the scheme, while Bexar County may require a ballot measure for its contribution. The vote has raised concerns about transparency and the economic impact of public funding for a sports venue.
San Antonio — The San Antonio City Council approved funding for a new Spurs arena with a total project cost of $1.3 billion in a 7-4 final vote on August 21, 2025. The decision followed a six-hour council meeting that included more than 100 registered public speakers and a contested vote to delay action that failed by a 4-7 margin. The approval moves forward financing tied to municipal bonds, tax captures and a mix of public and private contributions, while raising questions about transparency and the timing of public review.
What the council approved
The council passed the final funding package for the arena, a central element of Project Marvel, which aims to revitalize the Hemisfair area. The arena will be built on the site of the former Institute of Texan Cultures building and is paired with a privately backed development plan including offices, retail, housing and a small hotel intended for visiting teams.
Funding breakdown and guarantees
The funding package as approved assigns financial responsibilities as follows:
- City of San Antonio: up to $489 million, to be financed through bonds and supported by arena lease revenue and tax capture mechanisms.
- Bexar County: up to $311 million, with a potential ballot measure tied to a hotel tax increase that could appear on a November 4 vote.
- San Antonio Spurs: at least $500 million in direct investment and a commitment to spur related private development valued at $1.4 billion over a 12-year period.
Financing method and next voter steps
The city plans to issue bonds for its share and use arena lease revenue and tax captures to support debt service. Bexar County’s contribution may require a November 4 vote if the county pursues an increase in the local hotel tax to secure its portion. The mayor indicated the possibility of a city bond election in either May or November 2026 for the city’s share, pending further action.
Votes, process and public response
A motion to pause and delay the council vote until an independent economic impact report was completed and additional community meetings were held was put forward by the mayor but was defeated 4-7. The final terms of the funding deal passed later in the meeting by a 7-4 vote. More than 100 people registered to speak during the meeting; public testimony included both support and opposition. Business groups and local commerce representatives urged approval based on economic development expectations, while critics voiced concerns about public funding use and the transparency of the review process.
Economic studies and transparency concerns
An economic impact study prepared by a consultant affiliated with the Spurs projected approximately $318 million in net annual spending in San Antonio attributable to the new arena. City-hired consultants reviewed only the summary of that report, prompting questions from some council members and community advocates about the depth of independent review and the transparency of underlying assumptions.
Project scope and development commitments
Beyond the arena itself, the approved deal includes commitments for nearby development over a 12-year period, including office space, retail, residential units and a boutique hotel intended for visiting teams. Proponents emphasize the potential for neighborhood revitalization and increased economic activity in Hemisfair; opponents remain wary of dedicating public dollars to a professional sports venue and question whether the projected benefits will materialize.
Political context
The vote exposed a split between the mayor and a majority of the council. The mayor used public comments and media outreach to push for a pause and referenced community advocates while urging more review. Some council members framed their support as trust in the team’s commitments and the economic opportunities presented by the plan.
Immediate next steps
- Final legal documents and financing schedules to be prepared following the council approval.
- Bexar County must decide whether to place a hotel-tax–linked measure on the November 4 ballot to secure its contribution.
- The city may pursue a bond election for voter approval of its share in May or November 2026, depending on further political and fiscal review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the San Antonio City Council approve on August 21, 2025?
The council approved funding terms for a new $1.3 billion Spurs arena as part of Project Marvel, passing the final deal by a 7-4 vote after a six-hour meeting.
How is the $1.3 billion arena being financed?
Funding is allocated as up to $489 million from the City of San Antonio (via bonds and revenue captures), up to $311 million from Bexar County (potentially subject to a hotel tax vote), and at least $500 million from the Spurs organization.
Will voters have a say on the county or city contributions?
Bexar County may seek a November 4 vote tied to a hotel tax increase to secure its share. The city’s portion could be placed on a bond election in May or November 2026 if pursued by city leadership.
What economic analysis was provided?
A Spurs-affiliated consultant prepared an economic impact study estimating about $318 million in annual net spending, while the city’s consultant reviewed only the report’s summary, raising transparency concerns among some stakeholders.
What other development is included in the plan?
The deal includes privately backed development valued at a guaranteed $1.4 billion over 12 years, covering offices, retail, housing and a boutique hotel for visiting teams.
Key features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project name | Project Marvel — New Spurs arena and surrounding development |
| Total arena cost | $1.3 billion |
| City contribution | Up to $489 million (bonds, lease revenue, tax capture) |
| County contribution | Up to $311 million (may require hotel tax ballot measure) |
| Spurs contribution | At least $500 million plus $1.4 billion guaranteed development over 12 years |
| Site | Former Institute of Texan Cultures building, Hemisfair area |
| Council vote | Final approval passed 7-4; pause motion failed 4-7 |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| August 21, 2025 | Six-hour San Antonio City Council meeting; pause motion defeated 4-7; final funding package approved 7-4 | Council actions recorded at meeting |
| Following council approval (late 2025) | Preparation of final legal and financing documents | Pending municipal and county actions |
| November 4, 2025 (potential) | Possible Bexar County ballot measure tied to hotel tax increase for county funding | Depends on county decision |
| May or November, 2026 (possible) | City bond election for municipal share, contingent on mayoral and council actions | To be determined by city leadership |
Visual summaries
Funding share (by committed amount)
Council vote breakdown
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Council to Vote on Proposed $1.3 Billion Arena
Mayor Interrupts Arena Rally Before Key Council Vote
Mayor Jones Advocates for Pause on Project Marvel Vote
San Antonio Leaders Rally to Support Spurs Arena Proposal
Mayor Calls for Delay on Spurs Arena Proposal
San Antonio Proposes $4 Billion Budget Amid Deficit
San Antonio Council to Decide on $1.3 Billion Spurs Arena
San Antonio City Council Approves $4 Billion Budget Plan
Mayor Urges Delay on Arena Agreement Vote in San Antonio
Potential Delay for San Antonio’s Project Marvel Arena
Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- San Antonio Express News
- Google Search: San Antonio Spurs arena Project Marvel
- KENS5 News
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Spurs arena funding
- San Antonio Current
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Project Marvel
- Air Alamo
- Google News: San Antonio Spurs 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.
