From draft picks to development:
October 21-23, 2025
Overview
Join us for CityFest 2025—an engaging and dynamic three-day event that will bring together the brightest minds, most influential leaders and rising stars of our city. This year, we will take on the hottest topic in Bexar County — the proposed downtown San Antonio Spurs Arena and Entertainment District, or Project Marvel.
In our must-see keynote, Spurs owner Peter Holt and legendary NBA player and Spur Sean Elliot will take the main stage for our annual luncheon to talk about the Spurs’ impact on our community through the years, followed by Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, who will unpack the financial and community implications of what could be San Antonio’s deal of the century.
During the week, we will have a panel discussion with leaders who will shape what’s next for San Antonio’s East Side if the Spurs move back downtown, including the Frost Bank Center and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. We’ll also spend time with Hemisfair-area business owners to better understand the impact the proposed project will have on their businesses and the surrounding neighborhoods, followed by a fun and free happy hour.
“If you want to know what is happening in our city, you should attend the San Antonio Report’s CityFest. This year is especially interesting with discussions around Project Marvel. Don’t miss it!”
Judge Nelson Wolff
Sponsorship Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor
Lead the festival with top-tier branding, VIP perks, and the spotlight on every stage.
Changemaker Sponsor
Be a driving force for civic conversation with premium visibility and engagement.
Engagement Sponsor
Connect with San Antonio’s leaders through standout branding and prime event access.
Innovation Sponsor
Show your forward-thinking spirit with program sponsorship and targeted promotions.
City Builder Sponsor
Help shape the conversation with visible support and community presence.
In-Kind / Media Sponsor
Partner through products, services, or media to amplify CityFest’s reach.
Summary
The San Antonio Report began as the Rivard Report in 2012 and has grown into a thriving all-digital nonprofit news publication with a staff of dedicated journalists and non profit professionals. We’ve been serving the San Antonio area with high-quality, nonpartisan journalism every day for 13 years. Our work, which includes daily news reports, in-depth coverage into all facets of life in San Antonio and a year-round calendar of civic engagement events, is local and free for anyone to read and share.
As a reader-supported nonprofit newsroom we are able to publish without fear or favor and without any obligation to outside owners or interests. We commit to earning the time and trust of our community by providing useful and informative news,insights and perspectives you won’t find anywhere else,always aiming to spur interest and action in San Antonio communities.
We work with civically minded businesses,nonprofits and community groups to help them reach their marketing goals and business objectives, and offer digital advertising and sponsorship opportunities. To discuss partnership opportunities with the San Antonio Report, please contact us at business@sareport.org.
“I eagerly anticipate CityFest every year to understand what’s driving the pulse of our City.“
Mike Flores • Chancellor, Alamo Colleges District
“Still deciding how you’re going to make positive impact on San Antonio? Then you need to be in on the conversation at CityFest. It’s THE place where you discover the doors of opportunity – and the keys to unlock them.“
Andi Rodriguez • Downtowner & Six-time CityFest Attendee
CityFest Schedule of Events
Main Event (Sponsored)
From Draft Picks to Development—How the San Antonio Spurs Shape Our Community
- Tuesday, October 21
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
- Tobin Performing Arts Center
Part 1: The Legacy & Future of the Spurs
Spurs Owner
Peter Holt
NBA Legend
Sean Elliot
Part 2: What’s next for a downtown Spurs Arena Project?
Mayor Gina
Ortiz Jones
Judge Peter
Sakai
Wednesday, Oct 22
Frost Bank Center
5:30 p.m.
What’s next for the East Side? Join us for a robust discussion about future plans for San Antonio’s Eastside
Panel: James Nortey (CEO • SAGE) + Cody Davenport (CEO • SA Rodeo) + Father Jimmy Drennan (COPS/Metro)
Thursday, Oct 23
Magik Theatre
5:00 p.m. + Happy Hour
More than a game: How small businesses bring San Antonio’s sports and entertainment district to life
Panel: Erik Walsh (City Manger) + Chef Johnny Hernandez + Jody Bailey Newman + Jennifer Beckmann
Thursday, Oct 23
Magik Theatre
6:00 p.m. (Happy Hour)
Join us for Happy Hour following the panel as we wind down CityFest
Presenting Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
Changemaker Sponsors
Engagement Sponsors
Innovation Sponsors
City Builder Sponsors
Lifshutz
Foundation
Event Underwriters
October 21-23, 2025
You are the changemaker.
Prove it by joining us at San Antonio Report’s CityFest 2025 for a series of can’t-miss events!
