Voters in Bexar County, Texas, have given a resounding thumbs up to a big, ambitious plan. This will be used to build a new multipurpose arena for the San Antonio Spurs. On Tuesday, our local elected officials won big, grassroots support from the electorate. More than 52% voted for the final measure to spend up to $311 million in city venue taxes to construct this multi-faceted, ambitious project. This expansion approval moves the Spurs one step closer to getting a brand new home in downtown San Antonio.
According to Spurs’ chairman Peter J. Holt, the team is ecstatic about the project. He praised the team’s deep ties to their city and community, and the connections with Charlotte’s diverse culture. He continued, “We are still going to have to work together … and get something really special done on a bipartisan basis.” Holt highlighted the project’s potential to benefit not only the Spurs but the broader community, saying, “We’re ready to do something really special that’s going to help the Spurs, it’s going to help the rodeo, it’s going to help all sectors of the community and it’s going to be right in the heart of our city. This is something we deserve. Our fans deserve it. Our community deserves it. We’re going to dream, dare, believe and build bold and beautiful things.
While the proposal ultimately had a happy ending, it faced fierce opposition. Many lawmakers and community groups expressed concerns about the financial implications and overall impact of such a large investment. The city intends to pay $489 million of the arena’s cost. Further, as Holt pointed out, the Spurs will be paying rent to use the new facility. This rent revenue is supposed to help cover the city’s $3 million budgetary obligation.
The approval is bolstered by a separate, complementary measure that passed concurrently. As a result, San Antonio might gain additional rodeo events. Should lawmakers wish, they can now set aside as much as $200 million just for rodeo-related activities in the area.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has advocated for clearer, more detailed analysis to be provided before the city starts spending money on the proposed arena project. Her goal is for every part of the plan to be fully vetted before proceeding.
The new arena is envisioned as a multipurpose venue, designed not just for basketball games but for various community events and entertainment activities. The Spurs organization hopes that this facility will invigorate the downtown area and provide significant economic benefits for the city.
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