The landscape of downtown San Antonio could see a significant transformation with rumors swirling about new digs for both the San Antonio Spurs and the San Antonio Missions baseball team. In what could lead to an overhaul of the city's sports infrastructure, the University of Texas Board of Regents recently greenlighted the sale or lease of land currently occupied by the Institute of Texan Cultures, as reported by KENS 5. The move could pave the way for the city's "downtown revitalization project" alongside West Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard.
A potential hurdle for the planned revitalization, local conservationists have asserted their stance by filing for historic designation of the land. Furthermore, amidst speculation of a new downtown arena, the Spurs' increased interest in leveraging their draft success with Victor Wembanyama has led to the franchise exploring the construction of a new arena, the Express-News laid out. After 22 years at the Frost Bank Center, the Spurs find themselves envisioning a future possible within the downtown core, buoyed by the promise of their new star.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai expressed a tentative interest in the stadium proposal, noting that the Missions' owners would need to demonstrate public financing's benefits to county taxpayers, revealed in an interview. However, when asked about a shared sports complex for the Missions and the Spurs, Sakai was less enthusiastic: "I’m not prepared to bring the Spurs into this conversation," suggesting potential complexities in the political arena.
Countering the enthusiasm for relocation, former County Judge Nelson Wolff voiced concerns to the Express-News about leaving the existing AT&T Center, emphasizing its quality and the county's challenges in replacing the Spurs should they migrate downtown. Current county leaders are not sitting on their hands, though; discussions are underway about seeking an increase in the visitor tax for AT&T Center improvements and other venues, indicating commitment to the Center's future.
The Spurs' position appears fortified with the drafting of Wembanyama, generating increased ticket sales and heightened interest in the team. As downtown buzz grows louder, the Spurs have remained tight-lipped, with team officials not responding to requests for comment. Yet, the notion persists that research is being done to assess a downtown arena's feasibility, with Eddie Aldrete, a political and communications consultant having deployed the successful campaign for the AT&T Center's public funding, telling the Express-News about the ongoing downtown arena conversation, adding, "I think they're doing some preliminary research to see if it would make sense."
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