Funds raised from this increased tax, as well as the existing 5% tax on rental cars, will go toward the renovation of the Frost Bank Center, the transformation of the Freeman Coliseum into a permanent home for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and up to 25%, or $311 million, of the cost for a San Antonio Spurs arena downtown.
Voters will decide on two propositions, with Proposition A funding the existing county venues and rodeo, while Proposition B funds a portion of the Spurs arena. Jim Lefko, director of communications for Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, said the tax is estimated to generate $503 million over a 30-year period. Lefko said the most important aspect of the vote is that funds raised through this tax can only be used on venues.
Jeff Webster, CEO of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, said these taxes would not burden the local taxpayer.
“[Major] cities do the same thing we’re about to do, [which] is put 99% of the burden on the visitors and tourists that come to the community that utilize the facilities,” Webster said.
San Antonio Rodeo breakdown
- 1.5M annual visitors to the fairgrounds
- $330M annual economic impact from the February 2025 Stock Show & Rodeo
- $384M additional economic impact not including February rodeo event
- $750M in annual year-round programming
- $44M for Frost Center and Freeman Coliseum improvements
- 18 potential events for year-round activity
- $197.01M total cost for renovation and expansion
- $195M for rodeo expansion
Cody Davenport, CEO of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, said if both propositions pass, the rodeo can compete with other major rodeo sites, such as Fort Worth.
“We’re the gateway to South Texas, and we’re the gateway to Mexico. There is absolutely no reason that we should not have this action right here,” Davenport said.
The project will include two new buildings, modified flex stalls and an exposition hall. The modified exposition hall will feature holding pens, a market, a restaurant and a permanent show arena.
Davenport emphasized that new facilities would keep a majority of events that leave the area.
“[If] we clean this place up to make it more attractive, then I can go out and I can compete, and I can bring these [events] into San Antonio,” Davenport said.
If approved by voters, design and planning for the renovation would begin immediately, with construction estimated to take four to five years.
The details
Proposition B would fund a portion of the new downtown Spurs arena. The construction—described as a public-private partnership between the Spurs, the city of San Antonio and Bexar County—is estimated to cost $1.3 billion. If the city moves forward with Proposition B, also known as Project Marvel, it is proposed that it will use the state’s share of the HOT generated from local tourism, which amounts to $489 million.
Webster described the new arena as part of a broader urban revitalization strategy that will boost the city’s economy.
“We’re putting it downtown. There’s a lot of synergy,” Webster said. “This stretches from the San Pedro Creek area on the west side to downtown, to the River Walk, to what’s happening at The Alamo, to Hemisfair Park ... it’s [about] economic generation, [and] job opportunity.”
Liberty Swift, assistant vice president of corporate communications for the Spurs, said the venue tax vote will provide greater investment into the city as a whole.
“Approval means investment in the east side and allows us to begin the next chapter with a new downtown arena,” Swift said.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Grant Moody said he was against committing resources toward the Spurs Arena.
“While I support the rodeo and our Spurs ... I couldn’t support the proposed tax increase, Moody said. “The tax increase is a bridge too far for me.”
What happens next
Lefko said the next steps depend on the voters.
“If both propositions are thumbs up, we proceed as planned, and if both are thumbs down, they both don’t proceed,” Lefko said. “The rodeo is very enthused about going ahead. If they get their thumbs up, they’re going to start building.”
Davenport said if the vote doesn’t pass, then the rodeo and the Spurs will go into a holding pattern, with each having to reevaluate their position.
“I personally think we’re voting on whether we want the Spurs in San Antonio or not,” Davenport said. “If Proposition B does not go through, it will kill all things going forward. So I think it’s very safe to say the Spurs will leave San Antonio.”
The vote on the venue tax will be on Nov. 4 ballots, with early voting taking place from Oct. 20 to 31.
