SAN ANTONIO – A new Spurs arena isn’t the only project getting attention in San Antonio’s proposed sports and entertainment district.
City staff is proposing a two-phase, $850 million expansion of the Henry B. González Convention Center, which is about $100 million more than their previous estimate.
They’re also planning on $125 million worth of work on the Alamodome over the next decade in the lead up to what could be a major overhaul that city officials say they can’t yet afford.
The two projects were discussed at a Wednesday council meeting and briefing with reporters.
Financing plans for both rely on a special tax capture district known as the project finance zone, which diverts a portion of hotel-related state taxes, as well as the city’s local tax on hotel stays.
Convention center expansion
The planned convention center expansion would add more than 209,000 square feet of exhibit, ballroom, and meeting space and connect the building to Civic Park, though it has not been fully designed.
The extra exhibit space would place the convention center among the top 10 nationwide, said Michael Lockwood from Populous, an architectural firm hired by the city.
Visit San Antonio President and CEO Mario Bass indicated that the additional space would enable them to pursue bookings from 74 more groups for events. However, he noted that competition is stiff, as other Texas cities and venues across the nation are also enhancing their convention facilities.
Bass stated that while San Antonio is “currently holding our own” in comparison to cities like Austin, Fort Worth, and Dallas regarding event bookings, the situation is projected to decline significantly by 2031.
“That has everything to do with the convention centers that are opening up and the investments that are being made,” he said.
Though initial estimates for the expansion hovered around $700 million to $900 million, city staff later revised the figure to $750 million.
The first phase of the latest plan, estimated at $700 million, would introduce all new exhibit and ballroom space, while the $150 million second phase, which includes the bulk of the meeting space, could be postponed until the economy shows improvement.
Ben Gorzell, Chief of Financial & Administrative Services, mentioned that the city aims to initiate a solicitation in spring 2027 to find a designer for the full expansion.
However, he does not anticipate construction to commence until late 2028 or early 2029.
Slide from an Oct. 28, 2026 San Antonio City Council presentation laying out a two-phase, $850 million expansion of the Henry B. González Convention Center (City of San Antonio)
Alamodome renovations
The city has previously discussed a substantial overhaul of the Alamodome to maintain its competitiveness with newer facilities nationwide. However, staff caution that every proposed scenario exceeds $1 billion in costs.
Considering the financial commitments required for the new arena and expanded convention center, the city has largely postponed any major renovations until 2035 or later.
In the interim, Gorzell stated that a proposed $125 million worth of work over the next decade is essential for ensuring the Alamodome has the operational capital necessary for its current functions.
The city’s financial capabilities are expected to improve in the early to mid-2030s, allowing for a decision around 2035 on whether to continue with maintenance improvements or pursue a significant renovation.
Spurs arena development
The $1.3 billion arena project is progressing as the city negotiates with the University of Texas at San Antonio to acquire the proposed site, alongside finalizing a deal with the Spurs based on terms approved by council members last summer.
While there was optimism for concluding a deal with the Spurs by year-end, city staff now indicate that the timeline is uncertain.
The Spurs aim to have the new arena operational by the 2030-2031 season.
