Bexar County voters are divided over two major ballot proposals that could impact San Antonio’s entertainment and sports venues, according to a recent poll from the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Public Opinion Research.
The survey, conducted from October 1 to October 3 among 660 likely voters, found that 44 percent support Proposition A, which would expand the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo grounds on the East Side. 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. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percent.
The ballot measures are part of Project Marvel, a plan for a downtown sports and entertainment district. When asked about the overall project, 45 percent supported it, while 40 percent were opposed.
In August, Bexar County Commissioners approved sending the proposals to voters. If approved, the measures could provide $500 million in visitor tax revenue for a new Spurs arena and renovations to the Frost Bank Center, the team’s current home. Bexar County would cover up to 25 percent of the cost, with a maximum contribution of $311 million.
Funds could also be used for redeveloping the Freeman Coliseum grounds, a concert venue and site of the stock show and rodeo.
Spurs Sports and Entertainment Chairman and Managing Partner Peter J. Holt has committed $1 billion to the projects: at least $500 million for the new arena, $500 million for development around the arena, and $60 million for community incentives. The Spurs have also pledged to cover any cost overruns.
In late August, the San Antonio City Council authorized City Manager Erik Walsh to continue negotiations with Spurs Sports on a term sheet.
Opposition to the NBA team’s proposed arena was higher, with 46 percent saying they would vote against it and 15 percent undecided. About 41 percent opposed funding the rodeo expansion, which includes redeveloping the Frost Bank Center.
“Support for ballot propositions is always very fluid,” in a news release outlining the findings of the poll. “That said,
“It’s fair to say that the effort to secure venue tax funding for a new Spurs arena faces an uphill battle,” said Bryan Gervais, UTSA political science professor and director of the research center.
The proposals have sparked debate in San Antonio. Supporters argue that a new arena could help revitalize downtown and attract more events throughout the year, while critics question using public funds for a facility that could mainly benefit the basketball team. The project has also renewed interest in downtown San Antonio’s office market, despite vacancy rates near 27 percent.
Gervais said campaigns on both sides “have plenty of room to move the needle.”
