San Antonio, TX, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio Spurs have initiated a ‘Vote Yes’ campaign aimed at Bexar County’s progressive voters to support public funding for a new arena. The campaign, which utilizes text messaging to warn of potential political repercussions from opposing the funding, emphasizes the importance of local tourist dollars. A recent poll shows that nearly half of likely voters are against public funding, indicating significant resistance. As the City Council approved a related funding deal, the Spurs committed substantial financial resources to the arena and nearby development, further escalating the urgency for community engagement ahead of the upcoming election.
San Antonio — The San Antonio Spurs launched a Vote Yes campaign targeting Bexar County’s progressive voters, beginning with text messages that warned voters that opposing public funding for a new arena could benefit Republican politicians Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and urging support for Propositions A and B to keep local tourist dollars within the community.
Key developments
The campaign’s messaging represents a marked shift from previously apolitical strategies by the team. The initial outreach took the form of text messages sent to voters that tied a ‘no’ vote on arena funding to broader state political outcomes and encouraged voting in favor of propositions intended to fund the project locally.
A recent UT-San Antonio poll indicated that 46% of likely voters plan to oppose public funding for the new arena in the upcoming November 4 election, underscoring potential resistance among voters even as the Spurs intensify outreach to specific voter blocs.
Funding mechanics and timeline
The texts referenced the Project Finance Zone (PFZ) law, allowing San Antonio to retain certain tax revenues for arena funding until 2028. Officials note that if the arena vote fails, the city still has three years to negotiate a deal with the Spurs regarding the PFZ funds. The arena funding mechanism also includes a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) and ground leases that do not involve state funds. Voters will decide whether to increase Bexar County’s visitor tax to 2% to help fund the new Spurs arena.
City Council action and public response
The San Antonio City Council approved a funding deal for a $1.3 billion Spurs arena following a contentious meeting. The council’s vote was 7-4 in favor of advancing the funding terms. The meeting produced mixed public commentary, with critiques focusing on a perceived lack of transparency and calls for broader community input.
The city’s mayor was not aligned with the council on the vote. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones opposed the council’s decision, advocating for an independent economic impact report before proceeding and emphasizing the need for more comprehensive data and community involvement before finalizing the funding deal.
Financial commitments and risks
The Spurs are committing at least $500 million to the arena and guarantee $1.4 billion in nearby development over 12 years. The funding proposal could potentially cost the city up to $489 million and Bexar County up to $311 million. The Spurs will cover all cost overruns related to the arena’s construction. The team has also committed $75 million in community benefits, aimed in part at improving access to games for local residents.
City officials continue a probe into affordability for attending games, with an indication that 1,000-1,500 tickets priced at $25 or less will remain available if the project proceeds.
Voting schedule and project scope
Early voting starts on October 20 and concludes on October 31, with Election Day set for November 4. The ballot will include the propositions tied to funding the arena and related measures.
The overall proposal is part of Project Marvel, which entails a major revitalization of San Antonio’s entertainment district, including funding for the redesign of the Frost Bank Center and the development of the new Spurs arena.
What supporters and critics say
Supporters of the proposal emphasize projected economic benefits and job creation tied to the construction and subsequent development guaranteed by the Spurs. Critics have raised concerns about process, transparency, and the public financial exposure for city and county governments.
Immediate implications
- The team has shifted to targeted political messaging directed at local progressive voters.
- Polling shows substantial opposition among likely voters as of the UT-San Antonio poll (46% plan to oppose).
- Even if voters reject the propositions, legal mechanisms related to the PFZ provide the city a multi-year window to negotiate further.
Key facts table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Campaign | San Antonio Spurs launched a Vote Yes campaign targeting Bexar County’s progressive voters |
| Initial outreach | Text messages warning voters that opposing public funding for a new arena could benefit Republican politicians Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick; urging support for Propositions A and B to keep local tourist dollars within the community |
| Polling | UT-San Antonio poll indicated that 46% of likely voters plan to oppose public funding for the new arena in the upcoming November 4 election |
| Funding mechanics | Project Finance Zone (PFZ) law; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ); ground leases that do not involve state funds |
| City Council decision | San Antonio City Council approved a funding deal for a $1.3 billion Spurs arena following a contentious meeting; council’s vote was 7-4 in favor |
| Spurs commitments | At least $500 million to the arena; guarantee $1.4 billion in nearby development over 12 years; $75 million in community benefits; will cover all cost overruns |
| Potential public cost | Could cost the city up to $489 million and Bexar County up to $311 million |
| Ticket affordability | Indication that 1,000-1,500 tickets priced at $25 or less will remain available |
| Voting dates | Early voting starts on October 20 and concludes on October 31; Election Day is November 4 |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 20–October 31 | Early voting starts on October 20 and concludes on October 31 | Scheduled |
| November 4 | Election Day set for November 4 | Scheduled |
| N/A | San Antonio City Council approved a funding deal for a $1.3 billion Spurs arena following a contentious meeting | Approved; council’s vote was 7-4 in favor |
| Through 2028 | Project Finance Zone (PFZ) law allows San Antonio to retain certain tax revenues for arena funding until 2028 | In effect; retention until 2028 |
Survey visual
FAQ
What is the ‘Vote Yes’ campaign targeting?
The San Antonio Spurs launched a ‘Vote Yes’ campaign targeting Bexar County’s progressive voters.
What did the initial text messages warn voters about?
The text messages warned voters that opposing public funding for a new arena could benefit Republican politicians Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
What did the texts urge voters to support?
The texts urged voters to support Propositions A and B to keep local tourist dollars within the community.
How did the campaign’s messaging differ from past efforts?
The campaign’s messaging marks a shift from previously apolitical strategies.
What did the UT-San Antonio poll indicate?
UT-San Antonio poll indicated that 46% of likely voters plan to oppose public funding for the new arena in the upcoming November 4 election.
What is the PFZ law referenced in the texts?
The texts referenced the Project Finance Zone (PFZ) law, allowing San Antonio to retain certain tax revenues for arena funding until 2028.
If the arena vote fails, what options does the city have?
If the arena vote fails, the city still has three years to negotiate a deal with the Spurs regarding the PFZ funds.
What other funding mechanisms are included?
The arena funding mechanism also includes a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) and ground leases that do not involve state funds.
What change to the visitor tax is on the ballot?
Voters will decide whether to increase Bexar County’s visitor tax to 2% to help fund the new Spurs arena.
What did the City Council approve?
The San Antonio City Council approved a funding deal for a $1.3 billion Spurs arena following a contentious meeting.
How did Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones react?
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones opposed the council’s decision, advocating for an independent economic impact report before proceeding.
What was the council vote tally?
The council’s vote was 7-4 in favor of advancing the funding terms.
What are the Spurs committing financially?
The Spurs are committing at least $500 million to the arena and guarantee $1.4 billion in nearby development over 12 years.
What is the potential public cost?
The funding proposal could potentially cost the city up to $489 million and Bexar County up to $311 million.
Who will cover cost overruns?
The Spurs will cover all cost overruns related to the arena’s construction.
What community benefits have the Spurs committed?
The Spurs have committed $75 million in community benefits, aiming to improve game accessibility for local residents.
What did the city’s affordability probe indicate?
The city’s probe into affordability for attending games continues, with an indication that 1,000-1,500 tickets priced at $25 or less will remain available.
When are the key voting dates?
Early voting starts on October 20 and concludes on October 31, with Election Day set for November 4.
What does Project Marvel include?
Project Marvel entails a major revitalization of San Antonio’s entertainment district, including funding for the redesign of the Frost Bank Center and the development of the new Spurs arena.
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UT-San Antonio President Endorses Project Marvel
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio Current: Spurs Abbott
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- KENS5: RC Buford Misconceptions
- Google Search: San Antonio Spurs New Arena
- Express News: UTSA President Supports
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Spurs Arena Funding
- Spectrum News: UTSA President Proposals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Spurs
- San Antonio Current: Trump Lawsuit Threat
- Google News: San Antonio Spurs Arena Voting
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.
