A MEASURED APPROACH TO A NEW SPURS ARENA.

I love the Spurs, and they play an important role in the culture of San Antonio. However, past public investments in facilities for the Spurs and other sports teams have overpromised and astoundingly underdelivered. Economic research consistently shows that public funding for pro sports arenas rarely generates the expected financial returns.

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I wouldn’t rule out some limited public financing for a new arena, but it must be backed by a realistic plan, clear-eyed analysis, and hard-headed negotiation. The primary focus should be on San Antonio residents—considering both the impact on quality of life and the opportunity costs compared to other pressing community needs.

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I’d advocate for a thorough cost/benefit and risk analysis of Project Marvel before any public vote. With its multi-billion-dollar price tag, we must evaluate opportunity costs—what better uses could these funds support?

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Key concerns include:

• The venue tax could instead fund parks, theaters, aquifer protection, and more.

• The TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) diverts money away from the general fund.

• The proposed I-37 land bridge would require federal and state cooperation, which seems unlikely in the current climate.

• Any deal for public financing must include binding guarantees to prevent the NBA from relocating for the entire lifespan of the arena.