The San Antonio Spurs have formally committed over $1 billion toward the creation of a sprawling Sports and Entertainment District in downtown San Antonio.
Anchored by a state-of-the-art arena, the initiative, dubbed Project Marvel, is more than a sports venue. It’s a civic blueprint aimed at revitalizing the city’s urban core, expanding infrastructure, and delivering tangible community benefits.
According to a letter from Spurs Chairman Peter J. Holt, the organization’s investment will be divided into three major components:
- $500 million for the new arena, including guaranteed coverage of cost overruns
- $500 million for adjacent downtown development, including retail, hospitality, and public spaces
- $60 million in community incentives, ranging from affordable ticket programs to early childhood education initiatives
This marks the first time the Spurs have publicly laid out hard figures for their contribution, signaling a serious commitment to both economic growth and civic responsibility.
The proposed arena will be built on the site of the Institute of Texan Cultures, connecting to the Alamodome via a newly constructed land bridge over Highway 281. The district will also include:
- Expansion of the Henry B. González Convention Center
- A complete overhaul of the Alamodome
- Conversion of the old federal courthouse into a 5,000-seat multipurpose center
If fully realized, Project Marvel could represent a $4 billion investment in downtown San Antonio, reshaping the ‘skyline’ and boosting tourism, commerce, and civic pride.
The Spurs’ proposal includes a robust community benefits package:
- 30% of construction contracts allocated to locally owned San Antonio companies
- Free VIA Park & Ride service for up to 2,000 fans per home game
- 500 tickets per game priced at $25 or less
- $35 million earmarked for early childhood education and childcare initiatives over 20 years
These measures aim to ensure that the district serves not just fans, but families, workers, and small businesses across the city.
While the Spurs’ commitment has drawn praise from business leaders and city officials, it has also sparked debate. Some residents and council members have questioned whether the team should contribute more, especially given the wealth of its ownership group. Others have called for additional guarantees around affordable housing, public transit, and revenue-sharing models.
City Manager Erik Walsh and Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones are currently negotiating the terms of the deal, with a $250 million infrastructure bond potentially heading to voters in November 2025. The Spurs’ current lease at Frost Bank Center runs through 2032, giving the city time to finalize plans and secure funding.
The San Antonio City Council is expected to receive briefings in late July and early August, with a vote on the term sheet scheduled for August 21. If approved, design and planning could begin in 2026, with major construction starting in 2028 and continuing into the early 2030s.
For now, the Spurs remain committed to transparency and collaboration.
“We remain fully committed to working in partnership with the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and the public to explore this opportunity together with transparency, trust and a shared vision for our community’s future,” Holt wrote.
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