Spurs Focused on Election for Downtown Arena Funding
SAN ANTONIO — With just one week remaining until a crucial election, the San Antonio Spurs express confidence in the support of voters to fund a new downtown arena. Early voting is already taking place, with both supporters and critics actively promoting their viewpoints.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is likely monitoring the election closely. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, he discussed teams facing “arena issues” and hinted at their relocation. While the Spurs’ lease at Frost Bank Center is not expiring until the 2031-2032 season, Silver’s comments could be significant depending on this election’s outcome.
“We wouldn’t be doing our jobs as a league if we weren’t always thinking about how we’re doing in our existing markets,” Silver stated. He clarified that, while there are no current plans to relocate any teams, discussions about arena conditions and local population trends are crucial for sustaining a competitive team.
This November, voters in Bexar County will weigh in on whether to allocate up to $311 million for the new Spurs arena. This funding would be derived from an increase in hotel room and rental car taxes, which would not affect current taxpayers.
Proposition B on the ballot specifically addresses the county’s share of the arena funding but passing it would encourage financial commitments from other entities, including up to $498 million from San Antonio and $500 million from the Spurs themselves. The total expected cost of the arena stands at around $1.3 billion. Additionally, Proposition A seeks to secure $192 million for upgrades to the Freeman Coliseum and Frost Bank Center.
In an effort to generate public support for these measures, the Spurs and the rodeo have launched a public awareness campaign. They stress that tourists will bear the costs, stating there will be “no cost to San Antonio homeowners or renters.” The associated political action committee, Win Together PAC, has raised over $7 million and spent approximately $5.5 million as of late October.
Opponents, including the grassroots organization COPS/Metro, argue against using “public funds for private profit,” noting the absence of an independent cost/benefit analysis for the proposed arena despite a push from Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones for such an assessment.
Regarding Commissioner Silver’s remarks and their potential relevance to the Spurs, the franchise has opted not to comment. When asked about possible conversations with Silver following the upcoming election, the Spurs emphasized their commitment to the local community. “Props A and B will be funded by visitor dollars, strengthen the East Side and build a downtown home court,” stated Bobby Perez, chief legal officer for Spurs Sports & Entertainment. He reassured that the Spurs are fully invested in San Antonio, pledging over $2 billion towards the project, including the new arena and future developments.
