City may ask voters to fund upgrades around new Spurs arena
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
City officials released new details Wednesday about a potential voter bond of up to $250 million that could cover road and infrastructure improvements around a proposed downtown Spurs arena.
Why it matters: The arena and a surrounding sports and entertainment district could bring thousands more people to downtown during big events. The aim of the bond is to make it easier for them to get there and get around.
Catch up quick: The city has led discussions for a new Spurs arena at the site of the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) that could cost up to $1.5 billion.
- It would anchor a broader entertainment district that could include a convention center remodel, an entertainment venue at the former John H. Wood Jr. U.S. Courthouse and more.
- The Spurs' lease with the county at the Frost Bank Center is up in 2032, and the team has indicated it wants to move.
The latest: Voters could weigh in as soon as November.
- Separately, Bexar County Commissioners Court is also considering a November vote on the county's venue tax, a fund generated by taxes on hotel rooms and rental cars.
- City officials cite that venue tax as a possible arena funding source, though Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai has said county facilities should be the first priority for it. Any new use or increase requires voter approval.
Friction point: The city, county and Spurs are still in negotiations and have not publicly revealed who will pay how much for an arena. At least two councilmembers on Wednesday questioned moving forward with an infrastructure bond without that information.
Zoom in: Tom Carter, senior vice president at Pape-Dawson Engineers, detailed potential bond projects to city councilmembers Wednesday. If passed, the following could be completed in about five years:
- Improvements to East César Chavez Boulevard that would make it easier for people to walk and bike — without reducing car lanes.
- A pedestrian bridge for people to cross over I-37 between the Alamodome and a new arena.
- A 2,500-space parking garage on Lot A at the Alamodome.
- A new ramp onto northbound I-37 between Montana and Commerce streets near the Alamodome.
- A single-point urban interchange at I-37 and César Chavez that would increase car flow to move more traffic more quickly.
- Multiple rideshare lots.
What they're saying: "A lot of those improvements we should already have, and we probably need regardless of what happens at the site of the old ITC," city manager Erik Walsh told reporters. "It's an investment in downtown and infrastructure."
The other side: "Why do we have to move it so fast right now, when we really don't have enough information to — I think — properly educate and motivate the voters?" outgoing District 9 Councilmember John Courage said.
What we're watching: Walsh said the city still needs to review how a November infrastructure bond could impact the planned May 2027 bond, which is on the city's typical five-year bond cycle that often covers streets, parks and drainage citywide.
What's next: Community engagement workshops begin at the end of the month and run through July. Dates and locations will be posted online.
- The City Council must vote by Aug. 18 to place an infrastructure bond on the Nov. 4 ballot.