San Antonio Advances $4B Sports District Plan

San Antonio is moving forward with the ambitious 'Project Marvel,' a multi-billion-dollar plan to establish a downtown sports and entertainment district, including a new Spurs arena, an entertainment venue, and a revamped convention center. Mayor Ron Nirenberg emphasizes the project as a comprehensive transformation aimed at attracting private investment and enhancing the city's appeal. Concerns have arisen about funding, with the City Council expressing a preference for utilizing a Community Venues Tax rather than taxpayer dollars. The district will cover over 60 acres and feature a land bridge connecting downtown to the East Side, aiming to be completed by 2030. City officials are also considering modernizing the Alamodome to host major events like the NCAA Final Four, addressing requirements from the NCAA for premium facilities. The project is seen as pivotal in ensuring the Spurs remain in San Antonio long-term, with the team's current lease at Frost Bank Center ending in 2032.