Downtown Parking Plan Favors Shared Lots Over Garages

Businesses near the planned Hemisfair arena should expect visitor parking to rely on shared agreements and digital tools.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Remote Work

Bold vector editorial illustration of a concrete parking ramp beside a shared lot, linked by a thin walkway, in coral, teal, and mustard. — Walker Consultants recommends shared parking agreements and parking-technology upgrades costing $13.1 million over new downtown garages as San Antonio plans for the Hemisfair arena district. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you find parking downtown easy to find and affordable when attending events?

Walker Consultants, an Illinois-based firm hired by the city, found San Antonio does not have a downtown parking supply problem for Project Marvel, and city officials canceled a planned parking garage on an Alamodome lot. The firm's final report is due in early 2027, so the downtown parking picture for businesses near the planned sports district remains open.

Why it matters

The city hired the consultants to test whether it needs more parking for its planned sports and entertainment district and how visitors can reach downtown more efficiently. The preliminary conclusion shifts the planning emphasis toward shared parking and better information rather than new garages, which affects businesses that depend on downtown visitor traffic.

The preliminary study counts 38,680 public and private parking spaces downtown against a projected worst-case shortage of 6,671 near the sports district during simultaneous events. Only 10% of downtown visitors currently arrive by transit, ride-hailing, or carpooling, and the consultants suggest raising that share to 15%.

The players

Walker Consultants

An Illinois-based consulting firm that conducts transportation and parking studies for municipal clients.

Spurs Sports & Entertainment

The operator of the San Antonio Spurs that is developing a $1.3 billion arena at Hemisfair.

The details

Walker Consultants recommends shared parking agreements instead of building new garages, and improving public information about parking availability, location, cost, and walking distance. The consultants estimate parking technology upgrades that show space availability and allow online reservations would cost $13.1 million. The city plans to consider a solicitation for that technology. Spurs Sports & Entertainment separately plans to add parking for the $1.3 billion arena at Hemisfair.

November 2, 2026: Initial Walker Consultants parking findings were reported publicly.
January: A separate Walker Consultants downtown parking study was finished.
Early 2027: The firm's final parking report is due.

Market Landscape

The city's decision to cancel a garage and favor shared parking and information tools mirrors how cities plan around large event venues to avoid overbuilding. The outcome will shape how downtown businesses compete for visitors as the arena and ballpark projects move forward.

Businesses near the Hemisfair and Alamodome areas should plan for visitor parking to rely more on shared agreements and digital availability tools than on new public garages. Owners who depend on event traffic should track the early 2027 final report before committing to changes in customer access or staffing schedules.

The takeaway

Preliminary findings suggest that planning for downtown events may favor shared parking and better information over new garages. Operators should watch the early 2027 final report and the city's decision on a parking technology solicitation before adjusting customer access plans.

What happens next

The Walker Consultants final parking report is due in early 2027, when the city will have complete findings to weigh before deciding on parking technology and shared agreements.