San Antonio City Council Approves Spurs Downtown Arena Amid Mayor Opposition

The San Antonio City Council voted 7-4 to approve a term sheet with the San Antonio Spurs for a new $1.3 billion downtown arena, advancing the project despite Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones’ call for a "strategic pause" to conduct an independent economic impact study. The city's portion of the funding would be up to $489 million, financed through property and visitor taxes around Hemisfair, contingent on Bexar County voters approving a venue tax increase in the November ballot that would contribute $311 million. The Spurs would contribute at least $500 million and cover any cost overruns, with a 30-year lease agreement including a non-relocation clause and annual community payments totaling $75 million. Mayor Jones and three council members opposed the deal, expressing concerns over proceeding without further study and public input, but the majority chose to move forward without the proposed pause. The project also includes $1.4 billion in new development over 12 years encompassing housing, hotels, retail, and office space, with the city planning to purchase the arena site from the University of Texas System. The outcome of the arena deal hinges on the upcoming voter approval of the venue tax, with city officials preparing to negotiate contracts if the funding measure passes.