Bexar County voters will head to the polls November 4 to decide on two propositions – one would impact the future of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo leaders are trying to round up votes ahead of November 4 in favor of Proposition A.
If approved, the measure would allow Bexar County to use millions of visitor tax dollars to renovate and revamp the fairgrounds and Frost Bank Center.
On Tuesday night, the organization hosted a town hall inside the Freeman Coliseum Expo Center. Rodeo enthusiasts and volunteers filled the room, along with concerned voters.
Rodeo CEO Cody Davenport said he believes the proposed changes could double the organization’s economic impact.
“We want to activate beyond the month of February,” Davenport told the crowd.
He recalled that about two years ago, the Spurs informed him of their plans to leave the east side and Frost Bank Center. While it was initially a surprise, Davenport said he believes both organizations have outgrown the space.
“It’s no secret—you came here tonight. This place looks like an asphalt jungle,” Davenport said. “There’s no identity to it, no welcome feel. This would create the opportunity to build an identity.”
Proposition A asks Bexar County voters to approve raising the hotel tax from 1.75% to 2%. Combined with a 5% short-term car rental tax, the revenue would fund renovations at the Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum, and the fairgrounds. If approved, the county could raise around $192 million for the project.
Davenport said upgraded facilities could help attract year-round activity, such as an annual county fair, FFA conventions, or professional bull riding.
“We have the capability to go out in the industry, bring in people from the western industry, and host events that are happening across the nation right now,” he said.
Still, Proposition B has drawn much of the public spotlight since it would allow the county to help fund the Spurs’ move downtown, also using visitor tax dollars.
During the town hall Q&A, one man voiced concern:
“If you’re linked to Prop B, then Prop A is in trouble. We’re all asking ourselves who’s really going to benefit from Prop B?”
The two propositions are separate—one can pass even if the other fails. But Davenport still encouraged voters to support both, warning about what he believes could happen if Prop B is rejected.
“We all know the Spurs are going to be gone,” Davenport said. “So it’s kind of a yes or no: Do you want the Spurs or not? They’ll be gone.”
If voters reject Proposition A, county leaders will have to find another way to pay for what they describe as much-needed renovations and repairs at the Frost Bank Center and Freeman Coliseum.