City and County Finalize Agreement for New Spurs Arena, November Vote Possible
The City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and the San Antonio Spurs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to move forward with plans for a new downtown arena and Sports and Entertainment District. This signed MOU marks an official step in relocating the Spurs downtown and reimagining the area surrounding the Frost Bank Center.
The proposed district includes a wide range of developments, such as a new Spurs arena, an expanded convention center, a land bridge connecting the East Side to downtown, a convention hotel, and mixed-use infrastructure improvements. However, Bexar County is currently focused solely on the arena component.
I am happy that we have worked together to finalize this MOU. We are looking forward to a potential November venue tax election to allow voters to voice their opinion on the new Spurs arena, which is the only component of Project Marvel involving Bexar County.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai
Between 1973 and 1993, the San Antonio Spurs called the HemisFair Arena home—a downtown venue that was eventually torn down. After that, the team moved into the Alamodome. In 1999, Bexar County voters passed a venue tax to help pay for a new basketball arena. By 2002, the Spurs had relocated to the County-owned Frost Bank Center, where their current lease runs through 2032.
Not all residents are on board with this plan. With the Spurs’ lease at the Frost Bank Center ending in 2032 before this project came along, concerns are growing about the team’s long-term commitment to San Antonio.
After three arena moves in San Antonio what happens if they leave the city altogether and San Antonio is left with the Alamodome, The Frost Bank Center and a Downtown Arena and NO sports team? I already see a pattern.
Mary Rivera-Garcia, D2 Resident
More to come, stay tuned.
