Venue Project Election
Summary
The city is weighing a massive $1.3 billion deal for a new Spurs arena, but the math isn't adding up. Taxpayers are currently staring down a $131 million budget hole that could lead to cuts in essential city services.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 35
- Last 30 days
- 5
Last discussed Aug 5, 2025.
Impact analysis
The proposal involves significant public funding for venue projects, though specific tax implications for residents are still being debated.
The San Antonio Spurs organization, local tourism, and potentially the regional economy.
Residents concerned about gentrification, displacement, and the use of public funds for private business ventures.
Mentions & discussions (22)
City scraps plans for parking garage as part of Project Marvel improvements in 2027 bond
A new UTSA poll found support for Project Marvel has remained steady as Spurs Sports & Entertainment prepares to begin a public listening tour and shift the project’s branding. Credit: Cooper Mock for the S...
Attending top Alamodome concerts is about to get even more expensive
Beginning Oct. 1, though, attending top Alamodome events will get even more expensive, and out-of-town concert-goers will eventually face higher costs, too, when they stay overnight.
‘Like you are shooting their cousins’: San Antonio councilman says Spurs arena debate driving council clashes
Local NewsCM Jalen McKee-Rodriguez: ‘There is this culture of sabotage that I absolutely hate and don’t know how to heal’ SAN ANTONIO – Venting his frustrations on social media, a San Antonio councilman laid ou...
How the Spurs are working with local businesses to build a new downtown arena
Love it or hate it, the San Antonio Spurs’ new arena will reshape downtown. The Spurs, the City of San Antonio and Bexar County are spending $1.3 billion on the new arena and building a $1.4 billion sports and ...
Council approves $60M in TIRZ debt to buy land for Spurs arena
The San Antonio City Council gave the go-ahead Thursday to use a special tax capture district to buy a downtown site for a new Spurs arena as well as help fund projects at the San Antonio Zoo, Botanical Garden, and Brackenridge Park.
Midtown TIRZ commits $166M to buy land for Spurs arena and projects at Zoo, Brackenridge Park and Botanical Gardens
A city board on Friday approved millions of dollars in spending to acquire the land for a new downtown basketball arena and pay for improvements at Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo and the San Antonio Bot...
A ballpark for the community remains on the table as city pursues new use for Wolff Stadium
The Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium is where the San Antonio Missions baseball team have played since 1994. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report Will Wolff Stadium go away? That question came...
Arena plan could spur Alamodome development
Plans for a downtown sports and entertainment district anchored by a billion-dollar Spurs arena and complementary mixed-use projects have sparked renewed interest in potential redevelopment opportunities around the Alamodome.
In first meeting since 2024, Midtown TIRZ board looks to fund Project Marvel and ‘cultural corridor’ projects
This story has been updated. One of the largest tax increment reinvestment zones (TIRZ) in San Antonio is well-positioned to help pay for the land for a new Spurs arena while keeping the money flowing to some o...
San Antonio City Council bats down second arena funding vote
Local NewsAttempt to add issue to November ballot fails in 5-6 voteSAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio City Council batted down Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones’ attempt to get the city’s funding for a downtown Spurs arena ont...
Southtown businesses ready for new Spurs arena after City Council rejects city funding vote
Local NewsResidents still divided on whether funds should be spent on new arenaSAN ANTONIO – Southtown business owners are excited for more foot traffic they believe a new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spu...
San Antonio considers extending Midtown TIRZ to potentially pay for arena site
Since the Midtown TIRZ was formed in 2008, the old Pearl Brewery has gone from blighted industrial site to one of San Antonio's highest-rent neighborhoods. Credit: Amber Esparza / San Antonio Report ...
San Antonio City Council rejects public vote on $489M Spurs arena contribution
This story has been updated. San Antonio City Council rejected calls to hold a public vote on its $489 million Spurs arena contribution on Monday, voting down a proposal to put it on the Nov. 3 midterm ballot. ...
Bexar County Judge Sakai lays out impact, consequences of city's decision on Spurs arena
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai laid out the impact and consequences of San Antonio’s decision on the proposed Spurs arena Saturday, ahead of a special City Council meeting Monday on whether to put the arena back on the November ballot.
Mayor makes final public push for vote on San Antonio’s $489 million Spurs arena contribution
City Council will decide Monday whether to place the city’s share of the proposed downtown arena on the November ballot.
Hours before deadline, City Council will debate whether to call second Spurs arena vote
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones shared a letter with local businesses and philanthropists asking them to support city-funded nonprofits to help balance the budget. Credit: Amber Esparza / San Antonio...
Nearly a year later, Bexar County still isn’t collecting new taxes for Spurs arena
The city of San Antonio is already in the process of hiring outside consultants and procuring the land for a new $1.3 billion Spurs arena on the site of the now-razed UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures. Credit:...
San Antonio arena debate heats up as City Council faces $158 million budget shortfall
The debate over a proposed downtown sports and entertainment district is heating up again at San Antonio City Hall, with Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones pushing for another public vote on the city’s funding for a new Spurs arena.
Voters split on proposition to hold second vote on Spurs arena funding in November
Local NewsMayor seeks another city vote on Project Marvel arena funding despite council objectionsSAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is pushing for a citywide vote this November on the city’s...
San Antonio creates advisory committee for Project Marvel
San Antonio plans to use a new advisory committee to get public input on plans for a new sports and entertainment district and make recommendations on how to spend millions the Spurs are expected to set aside as part of an arena deal.
Commissioners Court - Aug 5, 2025
The county is considering putting a vote on the November ballot regarding funding for major arena and stadium improvements, including a new Spurs arena.
Commissioners Court - Jun 10, 2025
The county is moving forward with a plan to build a new arena for the Spurs and upgrade the Freeman Coliseum, funded by hotel and rental car taxes.
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