Downtown San Antonio’s Future Is Taking Shape: Sports District, Convention Center Expansion & More

San Antonio is investing big in its downtown—and the changes on the horizon are poised to reshape the city’s future. With plans for a new sports and entertainment district, an expanded convention center, and infrastructure upgrades throughout key corridors like Broadway, downtown is entering a new era of revitalization. Here's what locals need to know.

A New Sports & Entertainment District Could Anchor the Downtown Core

At the center of the city's long-term vision is a proposed sports and entertainment district—nicknamed Project Marvel—that could bring a brand-new arena for the San Antonio Spurs to the Hemisfair area. City officials and developers have discussed the idea of replacing the Institute of Texan Cultures site with a state-of-the-art arena and building a land bridge over I-37 to reconnect the area with the Alamodome.

Other key elements of the plan include:

• A multi-purpose venue in the historic federal courthouse building

• New hospitality spaces and public areas

• Modernized infrastructure to support large-scale events

This ambitious plan is projected to cost $2.75 billion or more, funded through a mix of public and private investment, and could become a magnet for national tourism, sports fans, and conventions.

Convention Center Expansion in the Works

To stay competitive with cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas, San Antonio is also moving forward with a major expansion of the Henry B. González Convention Center. Plans call for up to 200,000 additional square feet of exhibit space, giving San Antonio the capacity to host larger events and trade shows.

The proposed expansion ties into broader downtown development, including:

• A new convention center hotel

• Street-level enhancements for better walkability

• Stronger connectivity between venues and nearby attractions

This would reinforce the downtown area as a go-to destination for national conferences and boost the local economy.

Why It Matters for Residents and Local Business Owners

If you live, work, or run a business in or near Downtown San Antonio, these developments could have a major impact on your daily life and bottom line. Expect more foot traffic, increased property values, and an influx of visitors drawn to new amenities and venues.

The city is betting big on revitalizing downtown—not just for tourism, but to create a more connected, livable, and economically vibrant core for all San Antonians.