Bexar County Community Venues

In July 2007, Citizen Committees were formed to research, develop, and recommend to Commissioners Court projects that met a community need, appealed to visitors, and improved our local economy. In May 2008, Bexar County citizens approved extending the visitor tax, a financing tool combining a 1.75% hotel/motel occupancy tax, a 5% short-term rental tax, and private funds to develop new community venue projects.

  •   Proposition 1: $125 Million - San Antonio River Improvements
  •   Proposition 2: $80 Million - Amateur Sports Facilities
  •   Proposition 3: $100 Million - Community Arenas and Grounds
  •   Proposition 4: $110 Million - Cultural Arts  
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San Antonio River Improvements - $125 Million

Museum Reach - 12.5 Million dollars

Museum Reach, $12.5 Million

The Museum Reach Urban Segment is a 13-mile linear park through the heart of San Antonio from Lexington Avenue to Josephine Street. A newly landscaped river channel, with several amenities that include:

  • Lock and dam near Brooklyn Avenue
  • Overlooks
  • Boat landings
  • Walkways
  • Stairs
  • Accessible ramps
  • Lighting
  • Signage
  • Overlooks
  • Water features
  • Benches
  • Trash cans
  • Pocket parks

Please contact the San Antonio River Authority if you are interested in learning how to hold an event along the Museum Reach or Mission Reach.

Photo courtesy of San Antonio River Improvements Project.

Eagleland Reach - 2.8 Million dollars

Eagleland Reach, $2.8 Million

The Eagleland Reach project was a collaborative effort between the US Army Corps of Engineers, SARA, Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio River Oversight committee, San Antonio River Foundation, and the King William Neighborhood Association. The project is located along the river just south of downtown San Antonio, and major components of the project include restoring ecological functions and values to the riparian corridor as well as improving recreational features.

The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department has a policy allowing citizens to engage in non-motorized water recreation activities in specified bodies of water within the city limits. As of August 1, 2011, no permit is required for this activity. Please note that boundaries for non-motorized water recreation activity within the city limits are subject to change by the City of San Antonio.

For more information about other areas within the city limits open for non-motorized water recreation and for a list of City rules and regulations, please visit the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department online.

The San Antonio River Authority operates and maintains the Eagleland Segment in perpetuity.

Artist rendering courtesy of Rialto Studios.

Mission Reach

Mission Reach, $109.7 Million

A major component of the Mission Reach project was increased recreation opportunities on the river. Over 15 miles of trails stretch along the river for pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy. Paddle recreation is encouraged in designated areas of the Mission Reach. Barge traffic will not be present on this stretch of river, so paddlers can safely navigate the river without interference of motorized boats. This project also makes the river more accessible to area neighborhoods with eight street connections.

Please contact the San Antonio River Authority if you are interested in learning how to hold an event along the Museum Reach or Mission Reach.


Mission Reach

Youth & Amateur Sport Facilities

Mission Concepcion Sports Park in Precinct 1 worth $16.1 Million

Mission Concepcion Sports Park
$16.1 Million - Precinct 1

The Mission Concepcion Sports Park is a multi-sports complex that provides opportunities for physical fitness activities for youth and young adults through multiple sports programs while promoting the City of San Antonio as the premier destination for amateur sports in Texas.

The new complex includes a gymnasium with 6 basketball courts that can convert to 12 volleyball courts, new and improved softball and baseball fields, and a fully lit multi-purpose field. This spectacular facility is located near the historic Mission Concepcion and along the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration Project on the San Antonio River.

Managing Organization: Mission Concepcion Sports Park

St Marys Complex in Precinct 2 worth $6 million St. Mary's Sports Complex

$6 Million - Precinct 2

Bexar County partnered with St. Mary's University Sports Complex to develop an NCAA Division II complex hosting a 2,500-seat baseball stadium with training facilities, a softball stadium with amenities, and new soccer fields and tennis courts.

St. Mary's University is becoming a magnet for national and regional sporting events, including NCAA Division II championships and tournaments that both showcase and benefit Bexar County. St. Mary's is committed to hosting events that draw visitors, but also provide opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents living in San Antonio's Westside and throughout Bexar County. 

Managing Organization: St. Mary's University

Classics Elite Soccer in Precinct 3 worth $1.2 Million

Classics Elite Soccer Academy
$1.2 Million - Precinct 3

Before Bexar County’s Community Venues Program, San Antonio only had 57 soccer fields as compared to Dallas with 310, Houston with 356, and Austin with over 230 and growing. 

With the addition of these fields at Classics Elite, and all the added locations for youth sports, the citizens of Bexar County have more opportunities to participate in amateur sports competition. The Classics Elite Soccer Academy is an organization dedicated to promoting sports and improving access to sports and recreational activities for our youth. We now have over 646 families that represent every district of San Antonio helping us build a better and stronger soccer program for San Antonio.

Managing Organization: Classics Elite Soccer Academy

Missions Baseball Academy in Precinct 2 worth $4 millionMissions Baseball Academy$4 Million - Precinct 2

The Missions Baseball Academy provides Bexar County and the City of San Antonio with four full-sized baseball fields; with three being fully lit.  These are the premier fields in the San Antonio area for all ages, but are especially designed to accommodate baseball for 14-year-olds and up.  The facility also includes concessions, restrooms, bleachers and a press box all in one place.

Managing Organization: San Antonio Missions CARE Foundation

STAR Soccer Complex in Precinct 4 worth $5 million

S.T.A.R. Soccer Complex
$5 Million - Precinct 4

The interest in youth soccer is growing all over the U.S. Youth soccer in San Antonio attracts nearly 20,000 children aged 5 - 18 at various levels of play. With adequate facilities, youth soccer tournaments can attract significant tourism dollars.

Managing Organization: S.T.A.R. Soccer Complex

UTSA Complex in precinct 3 worth $15 millionUTSA Athletic Complex

$15 Million - Precinct 4

The University of Texas at San Antonio is developing an $84 million competitive athletic complex on the 125-acre Park West Campus near the intersection of Highway 1604 and Kyle Seale Parkway. The first phase of the complex was funded by $15 million from the 2008 Bexar County venue tax election and includes soccer and track stadiums. When all phases of the complex are completed, the 60-acre venue will be the most versatile and visited athletic complex in San Antonio.

The complex is also slated to include practice facilities for UTSA's new football program and eventually a new 12,000 seat, $120 million Convocation Center. In addition to serving as the home of the Roadrunners, the University works with the community to host tourist destination athletic events. UTSA has a well-established history of co-hosting premier athletic events, both on campus and throughout San Antonio, including 12 NCAA championship events during the past 12 years.

Amenities

  • Track and Field Stadium w/ 1,000 bleacher seats
  • Soccer Stadium w/ 1,000 bleacher seats
  • Shared Press box
  • Paved parking lot with 500 spaces
  • Fan Amenities Building, Ticket Booth, and Restrooms

McAllister Little League in Precinct 3 worth $2.67 million

McAllister Little League
$2.67 Million - Precinct 3

With this upgrade to their Little League (12 and under) and Big League (13 through 18) fields, McAllister Park Little League will enhance their ability to host tournaments at the Sectional, State, and Regional levels for Little League baseball and softball. A Regional Tournament will bring teams from around the state of Texas and 6 surrounding states. This tournament could bring the possibility of National TV coverage as part of Little League Baseball Incorporated's partnership with ESPN and their broadcasting of Regional and World Series Championships. It will also bring added revenue and positive exposure to San Antonio and Bexar County.

Managing Organization: McAllister Park Little League

Mission City Youth Complex in Precinct 1 worth $5 Million

Mission City Youth Complex

$5 Million - Precinct 1


Southeast Skyline

$3.3 Million - Precinct 4

Northside Swim Center in precinct 3 worth $7 million

Northside Swim Center
$7 Million - Precinct 3

The development of the Swim Center was the result of a unique partnership between Northside ISD and Bexar County. In May 2008, Bexar County voters approved a tax referendum to contribute $7 million in funding, that was combined with $13.8 million provided by NISD.

Construction of a 50-meter, Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool and 25-meter diving and warm-up pool began at the Farris Athletic Complex by May 2011 and was completed by the summer of 2013. Both swimming pools were built adjacent to the existing Northside Natatorium at Loop 1604 and Hausman Road, creating a mega swim center that will be the only one of its kind in the central United States.

The Northside Swim Center now plays host to several large regional and national meets per year.

The outdoor swim center features shaded seating for 2,400 spectators as well as high-tech timing, lighting, sound, and video scoreboard systems. Locker room facilities accommodate as many as 1,200 athletes. The diving/warm-up pool is 25 meters in length and provides NISD and the community a fantastic facility to develop divers.

NISD is responsible for the maintenance and operations of the facilities. The facility meets both international and national standards set by USA Swimming.

Managing Organization: Northside ISD Aquatics

Culebra Creek Soccer in precinct 2 worth $5.23 million

Culebra Creek Soccer
$5.23 Million - Precinct 2

Culebra Creek Soccer park, managed by Alamo City Youth Soccer Organization (ACYSO) was developed through $5.23 million in Visitor Tax funds, along with the City of San Antonio's donation of land and contribution of more than $1 million.  This investment in far west Bexar County provides the organization with an opportunity to host tournaments and grow the ranks of young children playing soccer in Northwest Bexar County.

The AYSCO's objectives are to provide quality coaching, officiating and playing fields; to stimulate competition through competitive league and to maintain a recreational and developmental program.

The Culebra Creek Soccer Complex, adjacent to the existing fields on FM 1560, added 7 new fields to the 5 fields located on the complex. This not only enables more practice space for the organization's growing membership, it also provides many opportunities for growth of tournaments attracting players from all of San Antonio, the entire state, and throughout the country. The addition of Culebra Creek Soccer Park provides more green space for youth soccer players in one of the most rapidly growing areas of San Antonio. This soccer venue also enables the potential to bring both select college showcase tournaments and U.S. Youth Regional Soccer games to San Antonio, a region not currently viewed as offering ideal soccer venues.

Managing Organization: Alamo City Soccer Club 

Wheatley Heights Complex

$7.5 Million - Precinct 4

The Wheatley Heights Sports Complex (WHSC) is a project developed through $7.5 Million from the Bexar County Community Venues Program. The Eastside Christian Action Group manages this regional multi-use facility on approximately 66 acres of land in Central East Bexar County, an area that was devastated by the flood of 1998. WHSC offers sports facilities for youth and amateur athletes that include the following: a turf football field, bleacher seating, an 8 lane all-weather track and separate field event areas, soccer fields, concession stands, lavatory facilities, and parking.

WHSC strives to provide opportunities for young people to engage in sports in their local neighborhood, in facilities that, up until now, were not available in this area. They seek to attract local, state, and national competitions and bring life back to an area that once was a thriving community in San Antonio and Bexar County. WHSC can host local, regional and statewide sporting events and is located conveniently close to downtown San Antonio, the AT&T Center, and Interstate 10.

Managing Organization: Wheatley Heights Sports Complex

UIW Fencing Center

$2 Million - Precinct 2

The University of Incarnate Word (UIW) operates a unique competitive fencing facility, through a partnership with Bexar County, that provides opportunities for local citizens to learn and compete in fencing.  The Fencing Center is also home to a high-quality Fencing Club and also plays host to regional, national, and local US Fencing competitions annually.

Through the UIW Fencing Center, San Antonio is able to launch young people from every background into an Olympic sport that instills self-confidence and personal discipline, and provides access to, and scholarships from, many of the best universities in the U.S. This 18,000 square foot facility includes 8 competitive fencing strips, practice strips and training rooms, a spectator area, and men's and women's lockers. The University utilizes the Fencing Center to teach a variety of year-round classes to the University's students as well as house its NCAA fencing team. 

Managing Organization: UIW Sports and Wellness


Community Arenas & Grounds - $100 million

Freeman Coliseum worth $10 million

Freeman Coliseum, $10 Million

732 AT&T Center Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78219

The Freeman Coliseum is a County-owned facility built in 1949 that is managed by the Community Arenas Board (CAB).  Through the 2008 Visitor Tax extension, the CAB was granted $10,000,000 to renovate and modernize this decades-old facility to become a state of the art event venue.  Bexar County partnered with CAB to manage several phases of facility renovations to the Freeman Coliseum, including restoration of the historic facade and main entry; updated concourse finishes and floor topping; concession stand improvements; HVAC systems upgrades; and new bowl seating and riser platform system, and new restroom and office finishes.  

The facility now holds concerts, shows, and performances for a variety of tastes and for all ages.  The Freeman Coliseum has quickly become the premier place for entertainment in Bexar County alongside the Freeman Expo Hall and the world-famous AT&T Center, which are all located on the grounds of Bexar County’s Community Arenas.

Managing Organization: Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum

AT&T Center- $75 million


AT&T Center, $75 Million

1 AT&T Center Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78218

The AT&T Center is a Bexar County-owned sports arena and entertainment venue that was built in November of 2002 and is operated by Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E).  Through a public-private partnership between Bexar County, the Community Arenas Board, the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, and SS&E, the arena is home to the San Antonio Spurs, San Antonio Rampage, and plays host to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo each year; in addition to holding a variety of concerts, live shows, and community events that entertain and delight visitors throughout the year.  As part of the Visitor Tax Extension that was approved by voters in 2008, the AT&T Center was awarded $75 million in Venue Funds to undergo a renovation to enhance the fan experience throughout the arena.  Combined with project funds from SS&E, the $110 million project to renovate the AT&T Center provides patrons with all new seating arena-wide, and technology improvements to include the installation of high definition televisions and LED signage and an amazing new video board that is state-of-the-art and provides a high-definition display.  In addition, a new audio system and Wi-Fi throughout the facility gives fans an experience that is unrivaled by any arena in the country.  The project that was completed in 2016 also expanded the concourses, improved entrance points to the arena, and updated the look and feel in all the suites.

Managing Organization: AT&T Center

Exhibition Barns worth $15 million

Exhibition Barns, $15 Million

This new 315,900 sq. ft. climate controlled facility will host the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo 2010 Horse Show. 

Features include:

  • A competition arena measuring 125 feet wide by 300 feet long
  • 126 prime commercial exhibit spaces
  • Climate controlled warm-up arena and show arena
  • 1,500 spectator seats
  • Approximately 750 new stalls
  • Indoor wash racks
  • Improved unloading areas for trailers

The first Annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo was held on February 17, 1950 and attended by nearly 250,000 visitors, an incredible record for an opening show. Now, the Stock Show & Rodeo hosts nearly 2 million visitors and has been voted the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's (PRCA) Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year for over 13 years in a row.

Managing Organization: San Antonio Rodeo Association

Performing & Cultural Arts Venues

Alameda Theatre

Alameda Theater, $6 Million

318 W Houston St.
San Antonio, Texas 78205

The Alameda Theater complex was built in 1949 as a Mexican-American entertainment venue.  Located in downtown San Antonio, the theater once featured performances by major artists from throughout the United States, Spain, Mexico, and other Latin American countries and was the most prominent performing arts venue dedicated to Spanish language performances in the country.  For many generations of San Antonians, the historic Alameda contains countless heart-felt memories dating back decades. In 2012, Bexar County led the effort to revitalize and restore this iconic jewel of the community through a $6,000,000 grant from the County’s Venue Tax that funded a Stage House behind the historic theater.  Soon this recently constructed area will be home to the new Texas Public Radio Headquarters and, through a partnership between Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, the Alameda Theater Conservancy, and Texas Public Radio (TPR), the Alameda Theater will be brought back to its original grandeur.

A design team comprised of OTJ Architects (formerly Martinez + Johnson Architecture) and San Antonio based, Overland Partners have begun envisioning how this iconic building will be restored and revitalized to be able to provide a whole new entertainment experience for existing and future generations to come. Design is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of 2019. Guido Construction has been brought on board to serve as the Construction Manager-at-Risk and will begin planning the work.  It is anticipated that the entire Alameda Theater Project will be completed by the end of 2020 and will function as a multi-media live performing arts and film center featuring the American Latino-Multicultural Story.  

The mission of the Alameda Theater Conservancy is to be a vital presenter of Latino arts and cultures and to manage and program the Alameda Complex. In recognition of the role of the arts to unite people, the ATC aims to serve everyone in San Antonio and those who visit with programming that entertains, educates and inspires.

Managing Organization: Alameda Theater Conservancy


Briscoe Museum - $4 million

Briscoe Western Art Museum, $4 Million

210 W. Market Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205 

A partnership between the national Western Art Foundation, City of San Antonio, and Bexar County created the Dolph and Janey Briscoe Western Art Museum. Opened in 2010, The Briscoe Museum is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and creation of the art of the American West. It tells the story of San Antonio, the Southwest, and the great American West through art and artifacts with a multicultural and multifaceted focus. The Briscoe Museum is a leader in the field of American Western Art and history through innovative exhibitions, educational programs, and other services for the general public, artists, collectors, and museums.

It strengthens visitors' understanding and appreciation of the history of San Antonio and the great American West by viewing Western Art and complementary historical artifacts. Patrons, especially children, will be able to incorporate that knowledge into a better appreciation of their community and an understanding of the art world as a whole. In addition to the museum, there is an adjacent pavilion, of which 5,000 square feet is dedicated as a special event space surrounded by one of a kind original paintings and sculptures created by world renowned Western artists. The Briscoe Museum's Pavilion an sculpture Garden is a truly one-of-a-kind unique presence on the Riverwalk.

Managing Organization: Briscoe Western Art Museum

Tobin Center - $100 Million

Performing Arts Center, $100 Million

100 Auditorium Circle
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210-223-8624

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts will shine on all forms of music, dance, theater, and performance art. Visitors will experience symphony, country, jazz, contemporary, and mariachi - virtually every style of music. Performances from world-renowned operas, theater, and ballets, even children's shows, will take place on this grand stage. This will be the community's gathering place where generations can experience the power of the arts.

Every single aspect of this building is designed to enhance the sounds and sights of the performance. The outstanding acoustics and exceptional sightlines will make the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts the best place in south Texas to see, hear and experience a live performance.

The building design will create the River Walk Plaza, an exciting outdoor space located at the river's edge. It will be a grand extension of the city's most romantic attraction and serve as a portal to the Tobin Center and the nearby Veteran's Memorial Plaza.

Managing Organization: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts