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Ad hoc working group formed to pursue Spain flight connections and World Cup base camp
Summary
The committee approved an ad hoc working group to explore flight connectivity between San Antonio and Spain and the prospect of San Antonio serving as a 2026 World Cup team base; the group will sunset in January 2027 or on completion of its charge.
The Economic and Workforce Development Committee voted on Sept. 24 to establish an ad hoc working group to explore increased flight connectivity between San Antonio and Spain and to evaluate San Antonio's prospects to serve as a base camp for a national team during the 2026 World Cup.
Economic Development Director Brenda Hicks Sorensen told the committee that a recent delegation from Lanzarote highlighted opportunities in food, wine, tourism and trade tied to the city's newly formalized sister-city relationship. "Our recommendation is to move forward with that working group, specifically focused on those 2 areas," Sorensen said.
Purpose and scope: Staff recommended the working group focus on two tasks: (1) opportunities to expand flight connectivity between San Antonio and Spain and (2) evaluating the prospect of San Antonio serving as a 2026 World Cup base camp. The recommended membership included representatives from the honorary consulate of Spain in San Antonio, aviation, economic development, Visit San Antonio, Greater SATX and EWDC appointees; staff said membership would rotate among EWDC members.
Discussion highlights: Committee members raised questions about including small businesses and community stakeholders, adding benchmarks for return on investment, and leveraging local venues. Councilman Galvan asked that universities and school districts be considered for exchange programs and community engagement. During discussion, staff identified Toyota Field as a potential facility to serve as a home base for a team.
Action taken: The committee moved to establish the ad hoc working group for the stated purposes and to sunset the group on Jan. 31, 2027, or upon completion of the charge; the motion passed. The committee also directed staff to provide memo updates and to be prepared to agendize items for the committee as needed.
Next steps: Staff will circulate working-group membership and provide periodic memos to the committee. The city will pursue stakeholder engagement to refine objectives, benchmarks and potential public-private partners for flights and team-hosting logistics.
