While you’re at it, don’t sport your San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo gear, either.
SAN ANTONIO — If there was any doubt that the issue of funding a downtown San Antonio Spurs arena was a political one, Bexar County voters needn’t look any further than what they’ll be forbidden to wear at the polls on Nov. 4.
A key measure on the ballot – Proposition B – would, if passed, pave the way for the $1.3 billion arena by approving $311 million in tourism tax dollars toward the project, representing Bexar County’s slice of the funding pie. The parallel Proposition A would allocate $192 million to facility upgrades for the Freeman Coliseum and Frost Bank Center grounds, accounting for a future where the Spurs leave and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo potentially expands its activities.
Because of a Texas Election Code stipulation that forbids electioneering, including wearing politically affiliated clothing or accessories to the polls – and clothes reflecting any other candidates or measures on the ballot – the Bexar County Elections Department says anyone wearing Spurs jerseys, hats, button or other merchandise within 100 feet of a polling place on Nov. 4 or the early voting period will be turned away. The same warning applies to voters wearing clothes related to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
Propositions A and B look to raise the county’s venue tax, related to hotel room rentals, from 1.75% to 2%. That, combined with a 5% rental car tax, would provide the money for upgrades at the Spurs’ current home and/or the construction of their new one.
The state’s rule on electioneering came into play last year during early voting for the presidential election. On Oct. 24, 2024, 64-year-old Jesse Lutzenberger was taken into custody in Bexar County after allegedly punching an election clerk when he was asked to take off his hat supporting then-candidate Donald Trump, breaking polling site rules.
Lutzenberger was charged with injury to an elderly person and quickly released on bond. But he’s due in court next on Monday.
Monday is also the deadline for Bexar County residents to ensure they’re registered to vote on Nov. 4. The early voting window runs from Oct. 20-31.
Per the term sheet between the Spurs and San Antonio leaders approved by City Council in August, the city would contribute up to $498 million for a new arena while the team would be on the hook for $500 million and cost overruns. All that is contingent, however, on the outcome on Nov. 4.