What’s Going On With the Spurs Arena, Bexar County, and Willow Springs Golf Course? Here is a breakdown.
Bexar County’s role in the proposed new arena is officially titled the ‘Coliseum Complex Venue Project’—this article breaks down what that means and how the County plans to move forward. There are many moving pieces—and voter approval, city leadership decisions, and team agreements will all need to align before anything actually moves forward.
The Venue Tax Proposal
Bexar County is considering asking voters to approve an increase to the hotel occupancy tax from 1.75% to 2% on the November 4, 2025 ballot. This venue tax—including the existing 5% rental car tax—would only apply to people staying in local hotels or renting cars. It is not a sales tax or a property tax, and if you don’t stay in a hotel or rent a car, you will not be impacted.
If passed, the tax could generate up to $448 million for improvements to county-owned sports and entertainment venues, rodeo expansions and the new Spurs arena.
Here’s how the money might be spent:
- $78–90 million is being request for upgrades to the Frost Bank Centerand Freeman Coliseum
- $200 million is being requested for Rodeo expansion
- Any leftover funds generated from this proposed venue tax could potentially be contributed to the development of a new arena for the Spurs
This is all subject to change as these plans depend entirely on voter approval and future agreements.
Willow Springs Golf Course in Play
Located right across from the Frost Bank Center, Willow Springs Golf Course is owned by the City of San Antonio. Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai has formally requested the City transfer ownership to the County to support redevelopment.
While no official plans for the land have been confirmed, the Coliseum Advisory Board has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to find a master developer—someone to envision how the land could be transformed to serve the public and the local economy.
New Advisory Council Leads Community Voice
A new Eastside Economic Development Advisory Council has been formed to ensure the community stays at the center of these plans. The 15- Eastside community member council appointed by chairs County Judge Sakai and State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins.
This ‘ad hoc’ group hears from elected officials and invited guests to discuss and learn for Eastside Redevelopment. The group consists of the following member: Al Bennett, La Juana Chambers Lawson, Mary Finger, Kevin Hayden, Reverend C.J. Littlefield, Dr. Eva Mason, Dr. Philip Parker, Renee Paschall, Francine Prosser-Johnson, Margaret Richardson (Vice Chair), Reverend Joe Scrivner, Jenna Stoeltje, Nick Williams, Floyd Wilson (Chair) and Richard Leal.
What Happens Next?
August 18, 2025 – Deadline for the County to officially put the hotel tax on the ballot
November 4, 2025 – Voters decide whether the 2% venue tax goes forward
If approved, funds could begin flowing in 2026, opening the door for renovations, rodeo growth—and possible support toward a new Spurs arena (See page 6.)
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about basketball or concerts—it’s about how public money is used, who benefits from redevelopment, and what the future of San Antonio’s East Side could look like.
Stay informed. Stay involved. Your vote WILL shape the city’s next major transformation. For the latest look at ‘The Other Half of the Plan’: The City and Spurs’ evolving plan, now branded as the ‘Sports and Entertainment District’ visit here.
