San Antonio City Council Blocks Public Vote on Spurs Arena

The San Antonio City Council voted 6-5 on Monday to reject a proposal by Gina Ortiz Jones to place the city's funding contribution for a new San Antonio Spurs arena on the November 3 ballot. The decision allows the city to proceed with issuing up to $489 million in revenue bonds without further voter approval for the $1.3 billion project, known as Project Marvel.

Mayor Ortiz Jones advocated for the public vote, citing a projected $158 million city deficit for fiscal year 2027 and a changed economic environment. She argued that residents deserved a direct say in how public resources are spent. Opponents on the council, including Councilwoman Misty Spears and Councilman Marc Whyte, argued that a new election would be wasteful and could set a negative precedent for future revenue bond decisions.

The financing framework includes at least $500 million from the Spurs organization, which will also cover any cost overruns, and $311 million already approved by Bexar County voters in November 2025. City CFO Troy Elliott clarified that the city's general fund will not be responsible for the bond payments, which will instead be backed by arena lease payments, ground rent, and specific tax revenues.

Spurs Sports & Entertainment CEO R.C. Buford stated the decision allows the city to move forward toward a 2027 groundbreaking. Final negotiations for the project are expected to conclude by December, with City Manager Erik Walsh scheduling a discussion on negotiation priorities for October 8.