Recent polling data from the Center for Public Opinion Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio indicates a decline in public support for Project Marvel, a proposed sports and entertainment district in downtown San Antonio. As of early April, only 34% of respondents expressed support for the project, down from 41% in February.

Polling Details

The survey, conducted between April 7 and April 9, included responses from 685 likely voters in Bexar County, with a margin of error of +/- 3.7%. The results revealed a shift in sentiment, with 44% of participants now opposing the project—an increase from 36% two months earlier. Additionally, 18% remained undecided, while 4% had no opinion.

Political Context

Growing scrutiny regarding Project Marvel coincides with its prominence in the San Antonio mayoral race for 2025. Various candidates have begun to take stances—some vocally supporting the initiative and others raising alarms about potential costs and societal impacts, including gentrification. This shift has positioned the project as a key issue for evaluating future city leadership.

Concerns among residents reflect a historical skepticism about promises related to similar large-scale developments, with many fearing that commitments made by the city, county, and Spurs could echo past disappointments, such as those associated with the Frost Bank Center in the early 2000s.

Project Overview

Proposed by a coalition comprising business leaders, Spurs Sports and Entertainment, and municipal officials, Project Marvel seeks to revitalize a significant portion of downtown. The plan incorporates the construction of a new basketball arena for the San Antonio Spurs, surrounded by mixed-use developments aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal as a destination for sports, entertainment, retail, and tourism.

Advocates suggest that the project could yield long-term economic benefits and bolster San Antonio’s profile as a major city, while critics question the project’s transparency and how much public funding will be utilized. A contentious aspect of the project is its reliance on a Bexar County venue tax, proposed as a financing mechanism for the new arena.

Public Sentiment on Venue Tax

The recent poll also reflected divided opinions concerning the venue tax: 44% of likely voters oppose its use for funding the arena, while 40% support it—a reversal from February’s findings, which showed slightly more support for the tax at 42%. Furthermore, 15% of respondents remained uncertain about their stance, indicating a significant portion of the electorate is undecided.

This skepticism toward the venue tax may stem from broader distrust regarding public-private partnerships that depend on taxpayer contributions. Community groups have called for increased transparency, public involvement, and clarity regarding financial responsibilities among the city, county, and private developers.

Next Steps for Project Marvel

Despite mixed public reception, the initiative is progressing through the planning phases. Earlier in April, an initial, non-binding agreement was executed by the city, county, and Spurs to collaborate on relocating the Spurs downtown and repurposing the Frost Bank Center.