Bexar County voters will decide on funding a new $1.3 billion downtown arena for the Spurs on Nov. 4.
SAN ANTONIO — The clock continues ticking toward Nov. 4, when Bexar County will approve or reject a pivotal piece of funding for a downtown San Antonio Spurs arena in what is, so far, the lone scheduled public referendum on the project.
Proposition B on the November ballot looks to channel tourism dollars – specifically, tax money from hotel rooms and rental cars – towards a new arena expected to cost $1.3 billion. The county is slated to be on the hook for up to $311 million of that price tag.
A partner ballot measure, Proposition A, would further shape the future of San Antonio’s entertainment venues. If passed, Prop A would utilize some of those same tax dollars towards reimagining the east-side Freeman Coliseum and Frost Bank Center grounds for a future when the Spurs depart for downtown.
Planning for the Spurs arena is contingent on the passage of those propositions, per a memorandum of understanding finalized earlier this year and a term sheet between the city and Spurs approved in August. A new Spurs arena would serve as the cornerstone of a downtown sports and entertainment district officials have codenamed Project Marvel, which has its passionate supporters as well as ardent detractors who want local leaders to prioritize other matters.
That all amounts to what will be a pivotal vote on Nov. 4, and likely a sizeable turnout. But are you registered to make your voice heard at the ballot box?
If you aren’t sure, there’s an easy way to check. All you need to do is enter your birthday and address number on the Bexar County Elections Department website to see if your information pops up.
Those who voted in the county election earlier this year are good to go: Your registration is still active. For those that aren’t, the deadline is coming up fast on Monday, Oct. 6.
To be eligible to vote in November, you must:
- Live in Bexar County
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 17 years and 10 months old, and 18 years old on Nov. 4
- Not be a convicted felon, unless you’ve completed the entirety of your punishment.
- Not be declared mentally incapacitated.
You can find a voter registration application here; fill it out, and send it to the elections department at 1103 S. Frio Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78207. You can also register to vote when renewing your driver license.
As for those looking to vote in the Nov. 4 election by mail, the last day to apply for a ballot is Friday, Oct. 24. The early voting window runs from Oct. 20-31.