Spurs unveil firms for downtown arena project
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) said Wednesday it has hired nine firms to design, plan and build the team's downtown arena and surrounding entertainment district.
Why it matters: The announcement marks a key step forward for the long-discussed arena project.
The latest: The lead firms include Marquee Development (district development), Sasaki (master district planner), Overland International (arena architect), Pape-Dawson (civil engineering), CAA Icon (project management), Stafford Sports (strategic planning), Goldman Sachs (financial advisory), Hunton Andrews Kurth (legal counsel), and Jorge Rodriguez Financial Consulting.
- Pape-Dawson and Jorge Rodriguez Financial Consulting are based in San Antonio.
Between the lines: SS&E doesn't yet have a timeline for arena construction, spokesperson Liberty Swift tells Axios.
What they're saying: "We are bringing together the right partners to deliver something San Antonio can be proud of," SS&E CEO R.C. Buford said in a statement.
- "We are combining world-class capabilities with local insight to ensure this project reflects the character of our city and creates meaningful opportunities for our community," Buford said.
The big picture: SS&E plans to contribute $500 million toward the $1.3 billion arena and cover any cost overruns, while Bexar County and the city plan to contribute up to $311 million and $489 million, respectively.
- The city's portion will be backed in part by revenue from new development, like apartments and retail, that the Spurs plan to build around the arena.
What's next: The city is still finalizing purchases of the land for the future arena and development from UT San Antonio and the federal government. The city will then lease the land to the Spurs organization.
