Spurs Sports & Entertainment is kicking off the first of 10 public sessions tonight on Project Marvel, the city of San Antonio’s planned sports and entertainment district downtown.
SS&E is planning to build a new $1.3 billion arena at Hemisfair, which will be the centerpiece of a multibillion-dollar district, which is expected to include a renovated Alamodome and expanded Convention Center.
The doors open at each event at 6:30 p.m., when attendees can check out displays and meet personnel designing the district before hearing a project update presentation at 7 p.m. At about 7:15 p.m., they’ll split into small groups to give their opinions on Project Marvel.
Tonight’s session is at Pope Francis Center at 263 Felisa St.
The sessions are meant to “give residents an opportunity to learn where the project stands, ask questions and share ideas for the district, arena and surrounding public spaces,” the Spurs ownership group said in a news release.
“The sessions will focus on the work SS&E is leading within the downtown arena district, including the future home of the Spurs and related opportunities to create a more connected, active and welcoming place.”
City and SS&E officials are working out the details of a non-binding term sheet to finance the arena. San Antonio committed to contribute up to $489 million to the effort. The county is putting in as much as $311 and the Spurs will contribute the final $500 million.
Early plans called for a second Convention Center hotel, but that idea has since been slashed. Officials also hit pause on converting the former John H. Wood Federal Courthouse into a concert venue.
SS&E has pledged to bring in $1.4 billion worth of development projects to surround the arena, including a hotel for visiting NBA teams. New apartments, stores, restaurants and bars are also expected.
San Antonio will use property tax from the new development to repay debt it must issue to help build the arena.
The SS&E “community conversations” about the upcoming project will continue through the end of this month. Meetings following tonight’s first will be held on: