The construction of a new stadium is blocked? San Antonio mayor calls for suspension of the project, city has budget gap

Basketball 4:49pm, 8 August 2025 201

According to Texas media KENS5, San Antonio Mayor Ortiz Jones (see below) called for a "strategic suspension" of the "Miracle Project".

The Mayor held a special meeting on the project at the City Council. At the meeting, most members expressed support for the advancement of the project by August 21. But Jones issued a statement saying it was not necessary to take action this month. "Those deadlines are just the wishes of some people, not the city's intentions." Mayor Jones specifically pointed out that she was worried that the city's total fiscal contribution was still uncertain. Jones called on the city to conduct “due diligence” before proceeding. The

Miracle Project is the city's multi-billion dollar plan to enhance downtown with a sports and entertainment district centered on the New Spurs Arena, which will bring an upgraded venue and a versatile visitor experience. From June 24 to July 22, more than 1,400 San Antonio residents discussed the project and its financing strategies.

Jones pointed out in a statement that the Spurs said they hope to have a stadium of $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion. For a $1.3 billion stadium, the city's contribution could be as high as $489 million based on the Spurs' $500 million contribution and the county's $311 million contribution. Given the economic uncertainty faced by the federal fiscal cuts and the budget gap we have locally, we should act prudently based on audit data. The only data the city has currently on the economic impact of the new Spurs arena is a research funded by the Spurs. The people of San Antonio should receive an independent, detailed economic analysis report submitted to the City Council to clearly list the direct and indirect costs of the New Spurs Arena, as well as the opportunity costs. The people trust us to conduct due diligence and we should do so.

It is reported that the Hemisphere Expo Center is the former site of the 1968 World Expo. The newly built Spurs arena is located at the center of the Hemisphere Expo.