Voters Approve Funding Plan for New Spurs Arena in Downtown San Antonio

The San Antonio Spurs took a major step toward securing a new home on Tuesday night after Bexar County voters approved a funding measure to support the construction of a downtown multipurpose arena. According to county officials, just over 52% of voters backed the proposal, a slim margin that reflected the spirited debate surrounding public support for professional sports facilities.

The approved plan allows county officials to allocate up to $311 million in venue taxes—revenues primarily collected from visitors through hotel stays and car rentals—toward the arena project. These taxes, by state law, cannot be used for general public purposes such as schools or infrastructure, which became a central point in the Spurs’ pitch to local voters.

While the initiative faced criticism from some lawmakers and community groups concerned about fiscal priorities, Spurs officials maintained that the project would serve as a long-term investment in the city’s growth, tourism, and downtown revitalization.

Peter J. Holt, chairman of Spurs Sports and Entertainment, expressed gratitude following the vote, emphasizing the deep bond between the team and the community. “We love this city, we love this county, and the county and the city love us back,” Holt told reporters Tuesday night.

1. Spurs’ Financial Commitment and Vision for Development

Under the approved plan, the Spurs will contribute at least $500 million toward the new arena’s construction, covering all potential cost overruns. The team also plans to pay rent for use of the facility, with those funds expected to help offset the city’s projected $489 million contribution to the project. In addition to the arena, Spurs ownership has pledged approximately $1.4 billion in surrounding private development. This investment would include restaurants, shops, residential spaces, and entertainment venues, designed to transform the downtown area into a vibrant year-round destination. County leaders have framed the deal as a public-private partnership aimed at boosting San Antonio’s economic profile while minimizing direct financial impact on residents. Because the funding relies on venue taxes rather than property taxes, officials stressed that local homeowners would not see any increase in their tax bills as a result of the project. A separate ballot measure also passed Tuesday, allowing roughly $200 million to be allocated toward expanding rodeo facilities and events—another cornerstone of San Antonio’s cultural and economic identity. Holt praised the alignment of these efforts, calling them “a win for everyone in the community.”

2. Mixed Reactions and Political Pushback

Despite the measure’s passage, the debate over public financing for sports arenas remains contentious. Some lawmakers and community groups voiced concern that the funds could be used for other civic needs such as education, housing, or infrastructure. Polls conducted in the weeks before the vote suggested the measure’s outcome was uncertain, underscoring public skepticism about the use of taxpayer-backed incentives. Critics said that the city’s contribution needed more scrutiny and transparency before moving forward. San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones expressed cautious optimism following the vote but emphasized the need for further evaluation. “We need a full understanding of the city’s financial commitments and the broader economic impact before construction begins,” she said in a statement. Still, supporters point out that the arena could serve as a long-term economic engine. Tourism officials estimate that the new downtown site could draw more events, visitors, and hotel revenue than the Spurs’ current suburban home, the Frost Bank Center.

3. Early Planning and What Comes Next

With the measure now approved, the Spurs and city officials are turning their attention to design and planning. Holt said the team is “at the very beginning of the design stage” and that a construction timeline has not yet been determined. The Spurs’ current lease at the Frost Bank Center runs through 2032, giving both the franchise and local leaders time to finalize details and secure necessary approvals. The team has not yet announced a site selection, though downtown has been identified as the preferred location. Local business leaders have already begun expressing interest in potential partnerships and investments tied to the arena’s surrounding development. The project is expected to bring in hundreds of jobs during construction and boost tourism once completed. Holt remains confident that the arena will symbolize the next era of growth for San Antonio. “This city deserves something bold,” he said. “We’re building not just an arena, but a place where our community can come together for generations to come.”