Anticipation, anxiety, and curiosity has been brewing since last year’s rumored talks of a potential downtown Spurs arena. Last week, City Manager Erik Walsh briefed the City of San Antonio on proposed plans to revitalize downtown with massive upgrades + additions.
Our readers have mixed feelings about the announcement and want to weigh in on the conversation.
33% believe San Antonio’s future is bright
“It will be a wonderful addition to downtown as long as a parking garage is part of the plans.”
“I love it! The Spurs should have never left downtown.”
“Finally we can look forward to San Antonio becoming a world-class city.”
“We are a top city already and the new entertainment area will make us a premier destination. Aligned with everything UTSA is doing downtown this is a recipe for success. Personally, I’m excited to have an easy walking area downtown.”
29% are cautiously optimistic about the announcement
“The cost will get high.”
“Downtown is going to be crazy. Businesses will suffer with the construction.”
“The Alamodome was a huge flop, worried we’ll do it again. Build more unusable space”
23% need more information to determine their feelings
“Use the billions of $$$ to revitalize/upgrade the area around the Frost Bank Center with new tourist and entertainment facilities, hotels, restaurants, etc. Leave downtown San Antonio alone, it’s already too crowded, congested, and has horrible parking.”
“Our city has paid a tremendous amount of renovate the convention center. The funds can be better put to work by helping San Antonians with educational grants, and folks suffering from rising inflation.”
15% don’t think it will happen
“It’s a pipe dream. 15 years of construction!”
“I think it’s a lot of money for the Spurs when they have already had two places built with tax payers money.”
“A great deal of money for a limited audience.”
“This is going to create massive traffic and parking issues.”
“If this will take 15 years to complete, it’s likely that the city will be completely different with new needs in 15 years. We already have enough construction all over this city. This is a huge project — San Antonio can’t even finish I-35 or 1604.”
