Voting No on Project Marvel and Rodeo Props Would Be A Slam-Dunk. Here’s Why.
The Rodeo, The San Antonio Spurs, and local media outlets can flood the city with “Vote Yes” TV ads, and op-eds from Peter J. Holt or Beto Altamirano. But we have been here before. Those who remember 1995, or earlier, know exactly how these investments play out: private gain, public pain.
COPS/Metro Alliance isn’t buying it, as they continue to say ‘no’ to public funds for private development. According to the SA Observer poll and the UTSA poll, neither are the citizens of San Antonio as they’re watching their grocery, electric, and water bills skyrocket.
The Billionaires Behind It All
In August, we reported that the Spurs’ ownership group is loaded with tech giants, billionaires, major investors, corporations, and other high-profile figures. Together, their net worth tops $300 billion — yet somehow, taxpayers are still being asked to chip in. Owners such as AirBNB, Dell Technologies, Sixth Street Group and many more.
Meanwhile, on the Other End of Downtown…
While the arena dominates headlines, there’s another project quietly bulldozing its way into the heart of downtown the new $160 million San Antonio Missions stadium. Scheduled to open by 2028 along San Pedro Creek, it’ll sit where the old Soap Factory apartments stand. Residents will have to relocate.
So, with a Triple-A baseball park on West side of downtown and a billion-dollar NBA arena on the East, downtown San Antonio is being squeezed by elite interests both physically and financially.
Why “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE” Is on the Ballot
The ballot language for Proposition B doesn’t hide the truth: “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE.” Yet, officials keep pushing the idea that the county’s venue tax can only be used for arenas, which is simply false.
The Texas Local Government Code defines a “venue” as everything from municipal parks and watershed preservation to cultural projects — not just sports complexes.
In 2008, Bexar County voters approved the same Venue Tax for four major propositions totaling $415 million:
- $125 million for San Antonio River improvements like Museum Reach and Mission Reach.
- $110 million for cultural arts venues, including the Tobin Center and the Alameda Theater.
- $100 million for arena renovations.
- $80 million for amateur sports facilities and youth leagues.
That’s what community reinvestment looked like, a portfolio of public projects, not one project for another billionaire playground.
Polls Are Split: UTSA And The San Antonio Observer Polls Show Residents Are Tired of the Spin
A UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research poll found that 46% of likely voters oppose Prop B, while just 40% support it. The rest are undecided and when asked about Project Marvel in all support barely reached 45%.
The San Antonio Observer also conducted a poll which showed that 43% oppose the new Spurs arena, 28% said yes, while 29% are undecided. When it comes to funding, nearly eight in ten residents, 78%, say taxpayers should not be on the hook for Project Marvel, while only 10% support using public money and 12% remain unsure.
Vote ‘NO’ For Prop A & B
The November 4 vote is the only chance for residents to weigh in on Project Marvel’s sprawling financing scheme. The city already plans to throw $489 million from the hotel tax, $100 million to move SAWS facilities (City General Fund), and $60 million from diverted funds (TIRZ) to buy arena land all decided without a public vote.
This isn’t about the Spurs as a basketball team. It’s about who pay’s for a fourth Spurs arena. As Mayor Jones put it, “We want the Spurs here.”
A “No” vote on Proposition A & B isn’t anti-San Antonio or anti-Spurs. It’s pro-accountability. Because a city that loves its Spurs shouldn’t have to go broke proving it.
Go vote San Antonio.
