Common questions about the vote to fund a new Spurs arena
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There's been a lot of jostling over whether taxpayers should pay for the San Antonio Spurs to get a downtown arena surrounded by new development, but voters will finally get to weigh in starting Monday.
Why it matters: A new Spurs arena at Hemisfair could be the most consequential change downtown has seen in decades.
We broke down some common questions about the arena and the funding question that voters will see on the ballot as Proposition B.
What's next: Early voting runs Oct. 20–31. Election Day is Nov. 4.
How much could the arena cost?
The funding framework covers a $1.3 billion arena. The Spurs agreed to fund any amount beyond that; officials previously estimated the cost as up to $1.5 billion.
How will the arena be funded?
By the numbers: A nonbinding deal the City Council approved lays out the plan:
- $500 million from the Spurs
- $489 million from a city bond that does not require voter approval
- $311 million from a Bexar County venue tax increase, if approved by voters
The city's portion will be backed in part by revenue from the Spurs' arena lease and property taxes on new development built around the arena.
- The county's portion comes from a tax on hotel rooms and rental cars.
Is this a tax burden on local families?
It's complicated.
Zoom in: The Spurs and their supporters highlight that the funding framework relies on taxes paid by travelers, and on taxes from new development they say would not be built without a new arena.
- But there are infrastructure costs around the proposed arena the city could foot.
Zoom out: For decades, economists have said that publicly financed sports facilities are not a good public investment because they don't generate new revenue.
Who is supporting a new arena?
The Spurs are the major player funding local ads in support of the arena. A political action committee affiliated with the team had about $2 million in contributions as of the latest report.
Who is opposing a new arena?
COPS/Metro, a nonprofit coalition of faith and community leaders, is running one of the most organized campaigns against Prop. B. Its political action committee raised about $200,000 since mid-August.
- Some neighborhood leaders have also formed No! Project Marvel. The group did not file any campaign finance reports, per the Express-News.
Will the Spurs leave San Antonio for Austin if Prop. B fails?
Major league sports teams often use the threat of relocation — real or perceived — to pressure voters. But an expert told us it's only a threat.
Reality check: The team has not answered the question directly.
- City officials have said if Prop. B fails, the Spurs are back to the drawing board.
Does Prop. B affect the rest of Project Marvel?
Prop. B is only one funding piece for the arena. The city could move ahead on other pieces of the so-called Project Marvel — which includes a convention center overhaul, a live entertainment venue at the site of the former federal courthouse, an upgraded Alamodome and more.