San Antonio Sports & Entertainment District

Who will pay for the downtown Sports & Entertainment District's projects?

The District will be paid for primarily by visitors, not residents. Property taxes will only be used-if voters approve-for infrastructure, such as better streets and sidewalks. Developer contributions and support from the Spurs would also help.

Will my property taxes go up?

No. The District would not be funded by residential property taxes, except for voter-approved infrastructure improvements. The property tax rate itself would not increase.

Who is paying for the new Convention Center Hotel?

Private companies would pay for the design, construction, and operation of the Convention Center hotel. Local taxpayers would not fund it.

Why is expanding the Convention Center Important?

San Antonio's convention industry is vital to our economy, and expanding the Henry B. González Convention Center is essential to staying competitive- both in Texas and nationally.

The 2016 expansion was so successful that we're now at 70% occupancy, effectively full capacity, and we've lost an estimated $700 million in business over the past six years due to space limitations.

The proposed expansion would add 200,000 square feet of space, allowing us to attract larger or multiple conventions simultaneously. This could bring in hundreds of millions more in economic impact and support local jobs and businesses. If we want to remain a top-tier destination, we can't afford to fall behind.

What is the purpose of the land bridge?

The land bridge would reconnect neighborhoods to downtown across I-37, making it easier for people to reach jobs, events, and other opportunities. A land bridge would also allow for far better pedestrian access from the Alamodome to the heart of the District.

Why does the Alamodome need upgrades?

The Alamodome is one of the largest venues in Texas and hosts major events like the Valero Alamo Bowl, UTSA Football, and concerts by artists such as Elton John, and Pink. It has also hosted the NCAA Final Four, which brought $440 million in economic impact to San Antonio.

Upgrades are needed to keep the facility competitive, attract more major events like College Football Playoffs and international soccer, and ensure it continues to drive economic benefits for our community.

What will happen to the John Wood Courthouse?

The vacant former courthouse, which once served as the U.S. Pavilion during the 1968 World's Fair, will be transformed into a mid-sized venue for live performances and events, creating a much-needed entertainment space in the heart of downtown.

San Antonio currently has limited options for venues with a capacity of up to 5,000 people. This new space would help fill that gap, providing a flexible option for smaller events and freeing up opportunities for the Alamodome to host more large events.

Will the public have a say in these projects?

Yes. Community feedback is a key part of the process. Two-day planning workshops took place throughout the city in each council district in June and July 2025 and a bilingual survey collected public input.

Will there be a new arena for the Spurs?

Voters will ultimately decide whether to approve funding for a new arena for the San Antonio Spurs. The District will complete the redevelopment of Hemisfair to serve as a gathering space for the San Antonio community.

On August 21, 2025, City Council gave the City Manager permission to finish talks and sign a non-binding Term Sheet with the San Antonio Spurs for a new downtown arena.

The Spurs are pledging $2 billion for downtown projects. This includes $500 million for a new arena (plus any extra costs), $1.4 billion in improvements to Hemisfair Park and nearby areas, $30 million to buy and redevelop the old federal building on Cesar Chavez Blvd., and $75 million for City Council to invest in community benefits.

The City will contribute up to $489 million, but none of that money comes from local taxpayers or existing City General Fund dollars. The funds will come from tourists and developers—people renting hotel rooms, rental cars, or building in Hemisfair Park.

Most of the City’s share—52%—comes from private sources like lease payments from the Spurs, new development, and ground leases. The rest comes from hotel revenue that would normally go to the state.

The term sheet has the Spurs staying in San Antonio for 30 years. Continued progress under the term sheet depends on Bexar County voters approving $311 million for the arena in the November 4, 2025, election.