San Antonio, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Business leaders, restaurant owners, hotel workers, and local artists gathered at San Antonio City Hall in support of a vote on a $1.3 billion arena for the Spurs. The city council is set to vote on a term sheet outlining the financial contributions needed for the project, with concerns raised by Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones for a delay until a new economic impact report is available. The outcome of this vote will significantly impact the economic landscape and downtown revitalization in San Antonio.
San Antonio — Business leaders, restaurant owners, hotel and hospitality workers, and local artists gathered at San Antonio City Hall to show their support for a forthcoming vote by the City Council regarding a term sheet for a proposed $1.3 billion arena for the Spurs. The term sheet is a non-binding agreement that outlines the financial contributions and costs associated with the arena project. A vote on this crucial issue is expected to take place on Thursday.
Supporters at the rally included members of various local chambers of commerce, downtown residents, and creatives from the area. Their rally aimed to encourage a swift and favorable decision from the City Council on the term sheet, which they argue will be beneficial for the economic landscape of San Antonio.
In contrast, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones interrupted the rally to propose a delay of the project until a new economic impact report is completed and more public meetings are held to address community concerns. Mayor Jones’s call for a thorough review has drawn attention to the need for transparent dialogue surrounding the project. She emphasized the importance of assessing how this initiative will impact the economy and communities within San Antonio.
The proposed arena is intended to be located on the site of the former Institute of Texan Cultures, and it would require the city to contribute up to $489 million. This funding would be largely sourced from a special project finance zone that permits local sales tax allocations typically sent to the state to be utilized for the project. Furthermore, Bexar County could contribute up to $311 million, pending voter approval to increase hotel occupancy taxes from 1.75% to 2%.
During the event, business leaders expressed concerns that any delays in the approval process could lead to missed opportunities and increased project costs. They reiterated that the funding model for the arena predominantly relies on taxes paid by visitors rather than local residents. Despite worries about the Spurs potentially leaving San Antonio, team officials have not indicated any plans to relocate.
As the council is set to vote on both the term sheet and the resolution proposed by Mayor Jones on Thursday, the outcome of this decision is perceived as a critical factor that will influence the future economic environment and the revitalization efforts in downtown San Antonio. Currently, five council members have voiced support for the term sheet, while others align with the mayor’s request for further review.
According to the proposed agreement, the Spurs would commit at least $500 million toward the arena and agree to cover any cost overruns that may occur during construction. Mayor Jones has expressed a commitment to ensuring the team remains in San Antonio, while prioritizing a favorable arrangement for the community that emphasizes transparency and public engagement.
What is the Spurs arena project?
The Spurs arena project is a proposal for a new $1.3 billion arena in San Antonio, designed for the NBA team, the Spurs. It includes a non-binding term sheet outlining costs and contributions from the city and the Spurs organization.
What are the financial contributions required from the city and county?
The city may contribute up to $489 million funded by special project finance zones, while Bexar County could provide up to $311 million, pending a voter-approved increase in hotel occupancy taxes.
What concerns did Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones raise?
Mayor Jones has called for a pause on the project to conduct a new economic impact report and engage the community through additional public meetings. She has also raised issues around project transparency.
What impact could this project have on San Antonio?
Supporters believe the arena will enhance the local economy and support downtown revitalization. However, opponents are concerned about the potential economic impact without sufficient public analysis.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Arena Cost | $1.3 billion |
| City Contribution | Up to $489 million |
| County Contribution | Up to $311 million (pending voter approval) |
| Spurs Contribution | At least $500 million |
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | City Council Vote on Term Sheet | Pending |
| Future | Proposed economic impact study and public meetings | To be scheduled |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
San Antonio Spurs Propose $2.1 Billion Arena Project
Texas Retail Construction Sector Sees Significant Growth
San Antonio Spurs Move Forward with Project Marvel Arena Proposal
San Antonio City Council To Vote On New Spurs Arena Plan
Additional Resources
- San Antonio Express-News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: San Antonio Spurs Arena
- KSAT News
- Google Scholar: Economic Impact of Sports Arenas
- San Antonio Express-News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA Arena Construction
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google News: Spurs Arena Project
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.
