The Bexar County Courthouse was built between 1892-1896 and stands on the corner of Dolorosa + Dwyer Streets in downtown San Antonio. | Photo by Lily Thomas
Judge Peter Sakai presented his vision for Bexar County in the annual State of the County address this week. The topic that took center stage was the future of downtown development.
Where’s the venue tax going?
Sakai outlined a plan for a venue tax on the ballot as soon as November that could raise $450 million. He said the money from hotel stays and car rentals needs to be invested in county facilities first, namely the Spurs’ current home at Frost Bank Center, the Freeman Coliseum, and the rodeo grounds.
Still to come, the county will need to reach an agreement with the Spurs. Factors such as how much of the overall funding is available for a new arena and what amount the Spurs organization is willing to contribute will come into play.
Leaders will decide on the county tax vote in the next 30 days, and Sakai said it’s possible it might not appear on the ballot until spring.
San Antonio Missions vs. Wichita Wind Surge | Friday, May 23-Sunday, May 25 | Times vary | Nelson Wolff Stadium | $17+ | The Missions round out a six-game homestand with giveaways tonight (Jackson Merrill baseball jersey) and tomorrow (Missions basketball jersey).
Saturday, May 24
E.M. Downey Book Signing | 1 p.m. | Barnes & Noble at The Shops at La Cantera | Cost of purchase | Elves and humans fight in an endless conflict in “Blood of Briar.”
Art Market and Food Drive | 7-11 p.m. | Burleson Yard Beer Garden | Cost of purchase | Bring donations of canned goods, can openers, rice, beans, and other non-perishable food products for the San Antonio Food Bank.
Raymond Orta & Friends | 8 p.m. | Empire Theatre | $30+ | Demi Chang hosts the evening of comedy starring Raymond Orta and featuring B Smitty.
Sunday, May 25
Free Entry Day | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Mitchell Lake Audubon Center | Free | Get outside in celebration of Black Birders Week + take home educational materials to learn which native plants will be best at attracting birds to your space.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders On Tour | 7 p.m. | Majestic Theatre | $24+ | Director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell pull back the curtain for a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of DCC auditions.
Havana Nights Party | 7-10 p.m. | Blush Restaurant & Bakery | $88+ | Indulge in Latin-inspired food and drinks, try your luck at casino games, and enjoy live entertainment by Gavasbeat.
Monday, May 26
Troops for Fitness Memorial Day Challenge | 9-11 a.m. | Lackland Terrace Park | Free | Honor service men and women by completing a workout combining a two-mile run, pull-ups, push-ups, and squats.
Wheely big things are on the horizon. The observation wheel coined “Grandisimo,” originally slated near the Alamo and River Walk, could now rise in St. Paul Square. Developers are eyeing a parking lot near Gonzales Street and Hoefgen Avenue for the 213-ft attraction, mini golf course, and event plaza. (San Antonio Express-News)
Closed
The Hayden closed its Alon Market location this week after ~two years, citing inconsistent customer traffic as the biggest hurdle. If you’re a regular of the San Antonio-based diner, there’s a silver lining: The Broadway restaurant will remain open. Make a reservation for weekend brunch. (San Antonio Business Journal)
Number
$3.08. That’s the projected national average price for a gallon of gasoline heading into Memorial Day weekend — 50 cents lower than last year’s average. If you’re taking a trip out of San Antonio this weekend, you’ll likely pay less because gas in Texas is below the national average. (GasBuddy)
Film
Itching to see “Jurassic World Rebirth” when it comes out this summer? Good news for those of us who like to save money — starting Wednesday, July 9, AMC Theatres will offer AMC Stubs Rewards members 50% off adult movie tickets on Wednesdays. Become a member + find AMC theaters in San Antonio.
Sports
There’s chatter that Giannis Antetokounmpo could join the Spurs — but a trade of this magnitude comes with pros and cons. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Shop
Summer is almost here — and Hoka shoes deliver all-day comfort and support for any activity. Brad’s Deals has rounded up the best summer Hoka discounts from top retailers.*
City Guide
City Guide
Late-night craving?
San Antonio’s newest burger eatery, Smash’d, is grilling up smashed burgers by Chef Brandon Peterson. | Photo by SATXtoday team
If the mood strikes at midnight, you can keep stomach growls at bay at one of these San Antonio restaurants. Smash’d, 520 E. Grayson St. | Open until 1 a.m., Friday-Saturday
Order the Wake & Bacon Smash’d Burger during its late-night happy hour on Friday and Saturday nights. Pro tip: Don’t forget to grab a Cucumber Smash Cooler to wash it all down.
Rosario’s, 722 S. Saint Mary’s St. | Rooftop bar open until 1 a.m., Friday-Saturday
Enjoy bar bites and good vibes with views of the SATX skyline. Pro tip: The rooftop bar is 25+.
Faust Tavern, 517 E. Woodlawn Ave. | Open until 2 a.m., Tuesday-Sunday
It’s sure to be a fun time at this dive bar offering cocktails, pizza, and live music.
A great deal from Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. Note: Prices subject to change.
⭐ Get 27% off a portable charger and never lose battery again.
⭐ Shop 15% off Clinique Take The Day Off makeup remover, an oil-free, non-irritating formula.
⭐ Take 41% off an air fryer from the Instant Pot brand that’s rated 4.5 stars.
That’s not all the buzz — I’ve got one more happening for you this weekend. Larger-than-life animatronic insects (a beetle, spider, butterfly, and more) are taking over the San Antonio Zoo beginning tomorrow, May 24. A general admission ticket gets you access to Big Bugs through Tuesday, Sept. 2.
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