Bexar County voters have weighed in on a controversial proposition to make use of public funds to construct a brand new San Antonio Spurs area downtown. In response to county election officers, Proposition B has handed with roughly 52.14 % help, paving the best way for Mission Marvel to maneuver ahead. Proposition A, associated to proposed enhancements to the East Aspect’s Frost Financial institution Heart and Freeman Coliseum, was additionally authorized at 55.91 %.
Proposition B: The downtown area and Mission MarvelProposition B centered on Mission Marvel, the $1.3 billion redevelopment that may carry a brand new San Antonio Spurs area — and a complete leisure district — to the center of downtown. The plan envisions an expanded conference middle, a conference lodge tower, upgraded Alamodome amenities, new retail and residential areas, and improved infrastructure. Earlier plans for a land bridge spanning Interstate 37 are now not in play.
Underneath the cost-sharing mannequin authorized by voters, Bexar County will contribute $311 million, the Metropolis of San Antonio will present $489 million, and the Spurs will make investments $500 million, plus cowl any value overruns. The Bexar County dedication will likely be funded by elevating the town’s lodge occupancy tax from 1.75% to 2% beginning in 2026 and lengthening an current rental automotive tax. Income from these sources will likely be used to repay project-related debt.
The proposition drew fervent opinions from either side. Supporters framed Mission Marvel as a once-in-a-generation alternative to spark downtown revitalization, enhance tourism, and safe the Spurs’ long-term presence in San Antonio. They emphasised that the funding mechanism depends on visitor-based taxes, not native property taxes, arguing that the monetary burden would fall on vacationers slightly than residents.
Opponents countered that Mission Marvel represents an pointless public spending threat, noting that a lot of the funding nonetheless comes from public sources, even when it’s visitor-driven. Critics argued that lodge and rental automotive tax income may very well be higher spent elsewhere, equivalent to sustaining current venues just like the Frost Financial institution Heart, the place the Spurs are leased by means of 2032. Neighborhood teams additionally voiced considerations about transparency, long-term debt, and whether or not downtown improvement would come on the expense of neighborhood funding and affordability.
Proposition A: Freeman Coliseum and Frost Financial institution Heart upgradesWhile Prop B garnered a lot of the election season buzz, Proposition A centered on retaining the East Aspect vibrant if the Spurs transfer downtown. The handed measure funds $191.8 million in upgrades for the Freeman Coliseum and Frost Financial institution Heart, remodeling the district right into a year-round hub for livestock exhibits, rodeos, live shows, and expos.
County leaders say the amenities want costly repairs quickly, and Prop A would assist cowl these prices whereas additionally rebranding the world as a multipurpose “coliseum district.” A Might 27 county presentation laid out plans for brand spanking new exhibition halls, which might host the whole lot from pickleball tournaments to commerce exhibits.
Officers additionally envision an annual county truthful, FFA and 4-H conventions, horse exhibits, and different occasions to maintain the complicated producing income all yr lengthy.
