Downtown San Antonio is set to dribble a new rhythm with the introduction of an outdoor basketball court at Hemisfair, near the historic Tower of the Americas. The Red & Charline McCombs Community Court will replace an aging pond in Tower Park, as reported by the San Antonio Report. The project, backed with $1.8 million from the McCombs Foundation and Spurs Give, reflects a community desire for more recreational spaces.
Designed by Gomez Vazquez International, the court sports a 35-by-21-yard concrete surface with a roof structure to shade players from Texas' steamy sun. The design includes the planting of two more trees to complement the existing greenery, as Hemisfair officers coordinated with the city arborist to ensure their preservation. "We are grateful to the McCombs family and Spurs Give," Andres Andujar, Hemisfair CEO, imparted enthusiasm in a statement, emphasizing that community feedback drove the court's creation.
There’s more than just a basketball court in the mix for Hemisfair’s future. The east quadrant could see significant changes, as the University of Texas at San Antonio has begun discussions with the City regarding the Institute of Texan Cultures property. This piece of land is under consideration not only for its current cultural value but also for its potential to expand the Henry B. González Convention Center or become part of a sports district. With UTSA announcing plans to take down the ITC building and move the museum's artifacts, some are speculating that a sports arena might be coming, as noted by the San Antonio Report.
The new court not only tips off its hat to San Antonio's sporting history but also stands as a tribute to Red McCombs, a prominent figure credited with bringing the Spurs to the city. "My parents were always focused on lifting their community," said Marsha Shields, CEO and managing partner of McCombs Enterprises, according to the Express News. The outdoor court is slated to open from 5 a.m. to midnight and should also play host to competitive events and programming through Hemisfair and the city's parks department’s joint management.
With the gradual upliftment of the three public parks in Hemisfair, the narrative of downtown San Antonio takes another step towards blending urban living with active recreational facilities. The Yanaguana Garden and the first phase of Civic Park have already laid foundations of this blend, alongside ongoing construction developments, including a 17-story hotel set for an early 2026 launch, as detailed by the Express News.
