San Antonio reveals plans for new Spurs arena, downtown district
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What a potential downtown sports and entertainment district could look like. Rendering: Courtesy of the city of San Antonio via Populous
A new Spurs arena could be just one element of a proposed downtown San Antonio district, featuring a live entertainment venue, a land bridge over Interstate 37 and more.
Why it matters: City officials presented rough outlines of the plans to the City Council on Thursday, revealing publicly for the first time what had been discussed privately for more than a year.
- The vision could transform the eastern section of downtown in the coming decades.
What they're saying: Mayor Ron Nirenberg said now is the time for San Antonio to consider such a substantial project because the city is attracting more private investment, which he attributed to public spending in affordable housing, workforce training and transportation.
- "We began to think about downtown as an opportunity for us to have a bigger vision than just a collection of projects," Nirenberg told reporters.
- "Our community deserves a world-class, accessible city center that unites us and delivers unforgettable experiences," Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt said in a statement. "A centrally located entertainment district anchored by the Spurs could help bring that vision to life."
Zoom in: Officials are eying the Institute of Texan Cultures at Hemisfair as the location for a Spurs arena, city manager Erik Walsh confirmed to reporters.
- The city has the right of first refusal to buy or lease the Institute of Texan Cultures from the University of Texas System Board of Regents.
In addition to an NBA arena, the district could include:
- An expanded Henry B. González Convention Center
- A new convention center hotel
- An upgraded Alamodome
- A live entertainment venue at the site of the former John H. Wood Jr. U.S. Courthouse
- Retail, housing and more on over 60 acres of developable property
- A land bridge, similar to the one at Phil Hardberger Park, that links downtown with the East Side
Projects around Hemisfair, west of I-37, could take shape within one to five years.
- Projects east of I-37, like the Alamodome, are on a six- to 15-year timeline.
- The city's loose goal is for a new Spurs arena and renovated convention center to be finished before 2030, assistant city manager Lori Houston said.
State of play: Councilmembers were generally supportive of the plan Thursday, pointing to what the Spurs mean to San Antonio. But some called for a community benefits agreement.
Reality check: None of the plans are concrete or guaranteed. The city does not yet have cost estimates or a defined way to pay for all parts of the vision, Walsh said.
- One possible funding source is the county's venue tax, paid for by rental car fees. County voters would have to approve putting that toward the district, officials said.
- And if the district requires basic infrastructure improvements, like to streets, voters could be asked to approve general obligation bonds, Walsh said.
- But officials have not yet determined the mix of public and private dollars, he added.
The intrigue: Spurs officials did not approach the city wanting a new arena, Houston told reporters — but they are interested in moving downtown because of the potential for a district, she said.
Between the lines: East Side residents were promised revitalization that never came to fruition around the Frost Bank Center where the Spurs play.
- District 2 Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, who represents the East Side, said he has "cautious optimism" about the plans, but is reserving his support and asking for a new master plan for the current arena and surrounding community.
What's next: Elected officials will review individual pieces of the district one at a time.
- The City Council is expected to discuss convention center renovations and feasibility on Dec. 4.