San Antonio Considers Bucks‘ Deer District as Model for Downtown Revitalization
San Antonio, TX – November 16, 2023 - As San Antonio voters weigh the future of Project Marvel, a downtown redevelopment plan tied to retaining the San Antonio Spurs, city leaders are looking to Milwaukee‘s Deer District as a case study in how a professional sports and entertainment district can drive economic growth and civic pride. The debate centers on whether the potential economic benefits justify the public investment required to keep the Spurs in San Antonio.
The success of Milwaukee’s Deer District, anchored by the Fiserv Forum-home of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks-demonstrates the potential for a similar model in San Antonio. According to Milwaukee Alderwoman JoAnna Kooyenga, the Deer District’s impact extends far beyond basketball. “Had the Deer District not happened, there is no way that Milwaukee would have hosted the RNC,” she stated, highlighting the district’s role in attracting major events. Beyond the Republican National Convention, the district hosts concerts, comedy shows, and Marquette University basketball games.
Project Marvel, currently under voter consideration, aims to revitalize downtown San Antonio, mirroring the Deer District’s approach. Kooyenga emphasizes that proactive public investment is crucial for retaining professional sports teams. “If you want to be in professional sports, then the model is that governments have to put up some creative ways to retain these teams. If you don’t, you may lose your team to Nashville or another city that is growing and looking for an additional sports venue.”
The economic impact of the Deer District is already visible in Milwaukee, wiht a $100-million mixed-use project, including 269 apartments, developed across the street from the Fiserv Forum.The Bucks’ 2021 NBA championship win, celebrated within the Deer District, further solidified the area’s status as a vibrant city hub.
san Antonio faces a similar crossroads as the Spurs undergo a rebuilding phase and the city re-imagines it’s downtown space. voters are currently evaluating the economic projections of Project marvel, questioning whether the city will receive sufficient return on its investment.Kooyenga’s perspective underscores the importance of a proactive approach, arguing that the first step in economic growth is ensuring existing teams aren’t lured away by more attractive offers from other cities.
