Bexar County voters are divided on two key ballot proposals related to San Antonio’s entertainment venues, according to a recent poll by the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Public Opinion Research. The survey, conducted from October 1 to October 3 with 660 likely voters, found that 44 percent support Proposition A, which seeks to expand the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo grounds. Proposition B, which would allocate venue tax funds for a new arena for the San Antonio Spurs at Hemisfair, received support from nearly 40 percent of respondents.
Both measures are part of Project Marvel, a plan to create a downtown sports and entertainment district. When asked about the overall project, 45 percent of those surveyed expressed support, while 40 percent were opposed. The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 3.8 percent.
In August, Bexar County Commissioners decided to put the funding proposals on the November ballot. If approved, up to $500 million in visitor tax revenue could be used for a new Spurs arena and renovations to the Frost Bank Center, the team’s current venue. The county would provide up to $311 million, or 25 percent of the project’s cost. The proposals also include redeveloping the Freeman Coliseum grounds.
Spurs Sports and Entertainment Chairman and Managing Partner Peter J. Holt has pledged $1 billion for the projects, including at least $500 million for the new arena, $500 million for nearby development, and $60 million for community incentives. The Spurs organization has also committed to covering any cost overruns. In late August, the San Antonio City Council allowed City Manager Erik Walsh to continue negotiations with Spurs Sports on a term sheet.
Opposition was stronger regarding the new arena for the NBA team; 46 percent of respondents said they would vote against it, and 15 percent were undecided. About 41 percent opposed funding for the rodeo expansion and Frost Bank Center redevelopment.
Bryan Gervais, UTSA political science professor and director of the research center, commented on the findings: “Support for ballot propositions is always very fluid.” He added, “It’s fair to say that the effort to secure venue tax funding for a new Spurs arena faces an uphill battle.”
City leaders and Spurs ownership argue that a new arena would help revitalize downtown and attract more events throughout the year. Interest in downtown office space has increased in anticipation of the project, despite vacancy rates near 27 percent. Critics question whether public venue tax funds should be used for a facility that may primarily benefit the basketball team.
Gervais noted that both supporters and opponents “have plenty of room to move the needle” as campaigns continue ahead of the vote.
