San Antonio, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A recent poll reveals that Bexar County voters slightly prefer raising the venue tax to expand the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo grounds over funding a new arena for the Spurs. The poll indicates 44% are in favor of Proposition A, while only 40% support Proposition B for the Spurs arena. Overall, 45% support the broader Project Marvel initiative, which aims to enhance downtown San Antonio’s sports and entertainment offerings.
San Antonio — Bexar County voters are slightly in favor of raising the county’s venue tax to expand the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo grounds over funding a new arena for the San Antonio Spurs, according to a recent poll.
Key findings
A recent poll from the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Public Opinion Research (CPOR) surveyed 660 Bexar County voters. The poll focused on two November ballot propositions related to Project Marvel, a plan for a new sports and entertainment district in downtown San Antonio.
Approximately 44% of respondents support expanding the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo grounds (Proposition A), which includes redevelopment of the Spurs’ current arena at Frost Bank Center. About 41% of respondents oppose Proposition A, while 15% are unsure.
Support for using the tax to fund part of a new $1.3 billion Spurs arena (Proposition B) is lower, with 40% in favor and 46% opposed; 14% remain undecided.
Overall, 45% of voters support Project Marvel, while 40% oppose it. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 3.8%.
Methodology and timing
The CPOR poll was conducted using computer-assisted, self-interviewing software in both English and Spanish from October 1 to 3. The election for the propositions will take place on November 4, with early voting beginning on October 20.
What Project Marvel would include
Project Marvel includes construction of a new Spurs arena, a land bridge over Interstate 37, and expansions of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and the Alamodome.
Proposed upgrades to the Frost Bank Center and other venues could cost up to $193 million from the venue tax. Bexar County can allocate a maximum of $450 million for these projects if the ballot measure passes. The venue tax would be applicable only to visitors, not local residents, as stated by county officials.
Propositions explained
- Proposition A: Funds to expand the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo grounds and redevelop the Spurs’ current arena at Frost Bank Center.
- Proposition B: Use of the venue tax to fund part of a new $1.3 billion Spurs arena in the planned district.
Campaign environment and public concerns
Support for both propositions is considered fluid, especially with organized campaigns possibly influencing voter opinions before the election. Both supporters and opponents of the venue tax are scrambling to communicate their messages as early voting approaches.
Some residents have raised concerns about the funding process and overall transparency of Project Marvel.
Why the outcome matters
The ballot decisions will determine whether Bexar County can use a venue tax—charged only to visitors—to help fund major downtown redevelopment, including a new Spurs arena and large convention and event space upgrades. If approved, the county could allocate up to $450 million from the venue tax for the projects, including up to $193 million targeted for upgrades to the Frost Bank Center and other venues.
Quick reference table
| Feature | Description | Amount / Poll Results |
|---|---|---|
| Poll sample | Survey of Bexar County voters by UTSA’s CPOR | 660 respondents |
| Proposition A | Expand San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo grounds; redevelop Frost Bank Center | Approximately 44% support / 41% oppose / 15% unsure |
| Proposition B | Use venue tax to fund part of a new Spurs arena | 40% support / 46% oppose / 14% undecided |
| Overall Project Marvel | New Spurs arena, land bridge over I-37, expansions of convention and event venues | 45% support / 40% oppose |
| Funding caps | Maximum county allocation if measure passes | $450 million maximum; up to $193 million for Frost Bank Center upgrades |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 1–3 | CPOR poll conducted | Completed — University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Public Opinion Research |
| October 20 | Early voting begins | Scheduled |
| November 4 | Election on the propositions | Scheduled |
| Now → October 20 | Supporters and opponents communicate messages | Active / Ongoing |
Poll results — simple visual charts
FAQ
What did the CPOR poll find about Proposition A?
Approximately 44% of respondents support expanding the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo grounds (Proposition A), which includes redevelopment of the Spurs’ current arena at Frost Bank Center.
What did the CPOR poll find about Proposition B?
Support for using the tax to fund part of a new $1.3 billion Spurs arena (Proposition B) is lower, with 40% in favor and 46% opposed; 14% remain undecided.
How did voters view Project Marvel overall?
Overall, 45% of voters support Project Marvel, while 40% oppose it.
How many people were surveyed and how was the poll conducted?
A recent poll from the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Public Opinion Research (CPOR) surveyed 660 Bexar County voters.
When was the CPOR poll conducted and what is the margin of error?
The CPOR poll was conducted using computer-assisted, self-interviewing software in both English and Spanish from October 1 to 3.
What is the margin of error for the poll?
The margin of error for the poll is +/- 3.8%.
When will the election and early voting occur?
The election for the propositions will take place on November 4, with early voting beginning on October 20.
Who would pay the venue tax?
The venue tax would be applicable only to visitors, not local residents, as stated by county officials.
What are the projected funding limits and costs?
Proposed upgrades to the Frost Bank Center and other venues could cost up to $193 million from the venue tax.
How much can Bexar County allocate if the ballot measure passes?
Bexar County can allocate a maximum of $450 million for these projects if the ballot measure passes.
Are voter opinions stable ahead of the election?
Support for both propositions is considered fluid, especially with organized campaigns possibly influencing voter opinions before the election.
Are campaigns active and are there public concerns?
Both supporters and opponents of the venue tax are scrambling to communicate their messages as early voting approaches.
Have residents raised any concerns about Project Marvel?
Some residents have raised concerns about the funding process and overall transparency of Project Marvel.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bexar County Voters Face Key Decisions on Project Marvel
UT-San Antonio President Endorses Project Marvel
Concerns Rise Over Spurs Arena Funding in San Antonio
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Texas Hemp Industry Faces Legislative Setbacks
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San Antonio Spurs Announce Major Arena Partnership
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- KSAT News
- Google Search: Project Marvel San Antonio
- Axios Local
- Google Scholar: Spurs Arena San Antonio
- KENS 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
- Axios Local
- Google News: San Antonio venue tax
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.
