San Antonio, TX, October 11, 2025
News Summary
A revival of concerns regarding the San Antonio Spurs’ economic commitments has sparked backlash over the team’s new development plan, Project Marvel, which proposes a $4 billion entertainment district. Activists recall past unfulfilled promises relating to improvements in the East Side and emphasize the need for community input in future initiatives. Former Spurs Chairman Peter Holt’s prior comments about the East Side’s revitalization efforts have resurfaced, intensifying the scrutiny over the Spurs’ previous failures and the legitimacy of their current funding promises.
San Antonio, Texas — A revival of a 23-year-old article concerning the San Antonio Spurs’ economic promises has surfaced on social media, sparking intense scrutiny from local activists regarding the team’s new development proposal, known as Project Marvel. The article features comments from former Spurs Chairman Peter Holt, who discussed plans for improving the East Side of San Antonio during the opening of the SBC Center, now called the Frost Bank Center.
In the October 2022 article, Holt highlighted a commitment to revitalizing the East Side after past disappointments associated with the Alamodome area. He mentioned positive momentum emerging from plans that were initially proposed in a community plan created in 2003, which promised $250 million in development across an 8-square-mile vicinity surrounding the Spurs’ arena. This original plan included various projects such as connecting parks and creating a new town center with shops and restaurants, all aimed to enhance the local economy.
However, none of these proposed developments from the 2003 plan ever came to fruition, leading community activists to raise concerns about the reliability of new initiatives. Activists have rerouted their focus to Project Marvel—a $4 billion sports and entertainment district proposed to construct a new arena in the Hemisfair area. Kathy Vale, a local activist, shared the original article on social media, which ignited backlash from community members upset with the Spurs for their failure to deliver on previous commitments.
An analysis of contracts reviewing East Side development revealed that Spurs Sports & Entertainment is only legally mandated to reimburse the county instead of committing to additional enhancements. Critics of Project Marvel have expressed that similar loopholes may exist in current agreements about the Spurs’ financial responsibilities toward local development.
A political advertisement related to Project Marvel asserts that Spurs LLC would invest $2.1 billion in economic development connected to the proposed new arena. Despite these claims, concerns remain about the actual commitment of the Spurs to uphold such promises, as highlighted by Andrew Zimbalist, an economics professor at Smith College. He questioned the reliability of the Spurs’ prior promises regarding economic growth.
Former San Antonio mayor Nelson Wolff expressed support for the idea behind Project Marvel but conceded that anticipated economic developments from the previous AT&T Center had not materialized as expected. Wolff emphasized the critical need for public awareness and community involvement for the success of current proposals surrounding the new arena.
Key Features of the Project Marvel Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $4 billion |
| Proposed Location | Hemisfair |
| Spurs LLC Economic Development Commitment | $2.1 billion |
| Initial 2003 Plan | $250 million in projects |
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 2022 | Holt discusses East Side improvement | Original article |
| 2003 | Initial community plan proposed | Historical plan |
| 2023 | Activists recirculate article | Current events |
FAQ
What year was the original article about Spurs economic promises published?
The original article was published 23 years ago, which places it in the year 2000.
What was discussed by former Chairman Peter Holt in the October 2022 article?
Peter Holt discussed his dedication to improving the East Side and mentioned positive momentum for change in the neighborhood.
What is Project Marvel?
Project Marvel is a proposed $4 billion sports and entertainment district aiming to bring a new arena to Hemisfair.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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San Antonio Spurs Surprise Visit to Local Schools
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San Antonio’s Bid for Major League Baseball Expansion Faces Challenges
San Antonio Spurs Announce Major Arena Partnership
San Antonio’s Labor Day Weekend Events Offer Fun for All
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
Additional Resources
- San Antonio Current: East Side Promises
- Google Search: Project Marvel San Antonio
- News4SA: Nelson Wolff on Spurs Investment
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- KSAT: San Antonio Mayor News Conference
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Texas
- Community Impact: City Council Backs Spurs Arena
- Google Scholar: Economic Impact Sports Arenas
- San Antonio Current: Project Marvel Economic Analysis
- 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.
