San Antonio Council Faces Calls for Independent Economic Analysis on Spurs Arena Proposal

The San Antonio City Council convened on August 21, 2025, to discuss significant financial commitments related to a proposed new arena for the Spurs organization. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the economic analysis supporting the project, which some council members and residents deemed insufficient.

The session began with public comments, where several speakers expressed skepticism about the financial implications of the proposed arena. One resident criticized the council for considering a commitment of at least $459 million without a detailed economic analysis, arguing that the promotional materials provided lacked substantial data and support. The speaker emphasized that the hotel occupancy tax (HOT) projections were overly optimistic and not backed by rigorous analysis, raising doubts about the project's financial viability.

Haywood Sanders, a professor emeritus of public administration, addressed the council directly, calling for an independent economic analysis of the proposed arena. He pointed out that the existing report from Stone Planning did not adequately clarify the assumptions or methodologies behind its projections. Sanders questioned the feasibility of the claim that a new arena would double the number of out-of-town visitors, suggesting that such predictions were unrealistic without further scrutiny.

Lupita Gonzalez also urged the council to prioritize transparency and require an independent economic impact analysis before proceeding with any negotiations or votes on the project. She stressed the importance of understanding both the direct and indirect costs associated with the arena.

The discussions underscored a growing demand among council members and the public for thorough financial assessments before committing taxpayer funds to large-scale projects. The council is expected to revisit the proposal and consider the need for additional analysis in future meetings, reflecting a cautious approach to public spending and accountability.