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More major investments will add dramatic new cultural assets to San Antonio

San Antonio has more big plans in addition to the recent $40 million Convention Center renovation, which is just one of a long list of investments here that will dramatically change the visitor/delegate experience for the better.

Projects -- some completed, others in the works -- include the $384.5 million River Walk Expansion, the $33 million McNay Art Museum wing, the $10 million Witte South Texas Heritage Center, a $200 million airport expansion, $30 million for the Briscoe Western Art Museum scheduled for 2013 and $180 million in updates to the downtown Houston Street corridor. Dozens more projects are in the pipeline including improving the area around the Alamo and a makeover for HemisFair Park, adjacent to the Convention Center.

The city has a vigorous strategic vision for its visitor industry documented in Destination SA, produced first in 2006 and recently updated. "Destination SA is a road map for the tourism industry in San Antonio," said Ronnie Price, SACVB Assistant Executive Director. "These recommendations will enhance the visitor experience for both the convention and leisure guest."

Destination SA folds into the city's long-term plan, SA2020, an effort spearheaded by Mayor Julian Castro to ensure San Antonio's future as a world-class city.

San Antonio Takes Center Stage on Top Chef: Texas

The spotlight shines on San Antonio as a culinary destination with the November premier of Top Chef: Texas, set in the Alamo City. Just as these chefs build teamwork skills to meet some of their challenges, your group can do the same whether you reserve space in one of our renowned cooking schools or schedule a meeting around a fabulous meal at one of our more than 15,000 restaurants.

San Antonio’s Holiday Magic Grows Even Brighter

The San Antonio River Walk will be brighter than ever this holiday season with 20 times more decorative lights. As part of the city’s conversion from incandescent to more eco-friendly LED lighting, the River Walk will be illuminated by 1.8 million holiday lights, including almost 200 trees wrapped with 10,000 lights each. To complement the River Walk’s new lighting scheme, the city is holding an inaugural Light Up Downtown Holiday Contest, which encourages downtown business owners to compete for the most decorative and creative use of LED lights.

Bicyclists Find It Easier to Get Around and Enjoy City

Texas’ first bike-share program, called B-cycle, launched in the spring and by August had logged more than 47,000 miles. Bicyclists take advantage of this green alternative to public transit by renting bikes at one of 14 convenient downtown stations, and then returning them to any station. The program, which offers overnight passes or memberships, may soon add four more stations to meet popular demand. Cycling is an easy way to get around while enjoying the city’s natural beauty, warm weather and historic attractions.

Marriott Opens Two More Downtown Hotels

Meeting planners and attendees now have more downtown accommodations to choose from with the opening of two six-story Marriott San Antonio Downtown/Alamo Plaza hotels, each next to the Alamo and no more than a block from the famous San Antonio River Walk. Springhill Suites, 411 Bowie Street, offers 118 suites. Fairfield Inn & Suites, 422 Bonham, has 99 rooms and suites. Both offer complimentary breakfasts, Wi-Fi, fitness centers and pools. San Antonio has more than 43,000 hotel rooms, including 13,500 downtown.

River Walk Now Offers Even More Miles of Surprises

The world-renowned San Antonio River Walk in June grew to a stunning eight miles. But the two newest miles are unlike any other part of this riverine park, which recently expanded with the Museum Reach to the north. The newer section, on downtown’s southern edge, is the start of the Mission Reach project to restore eight miles of the river to meandering riparian woodland. This national model for urban ecosystem restoration will include picnic areas and hiking and biking trails that join downtown to four Spanish colonial missions.

Smartphone Tour Highlights Historic River Walk

Use state-of-the-art technology to take a guided tour of the internationally famous San Antonio River Walk. All you need is a smartphone or pad device as you wander the two miles of the River Walk’s historic horseshoe bend. First, download a QR code reader such as ScanLife (most apps are free). Then look for the QR codes on wayfinding and interpretive signs along the River Walk and snap them with your camera to access images and narratives. There are 12 of them. Also, see www.HugmanTour.com.

Alamodome Debuts Farm-to-Table Dining

San Antonio’s Alamodome teamed up with ARAMARK to launch “Green Fork,” a farm-to-table dining concept, in March to offer delegates healthy options. This new approach, only available in San Antonio, provides fresh, tossed-to-order salads with ingredients from local growers. While meeting-goers get fresh meals, San Antonio’s local economy gets an extra boost.

New River Walk Amphitheatre Opens to Visitors

The Park at Pearl, an amphitheatre built along a northern bank of the recently extended River Walk, opened in January. The seating, both limestone and lawn spaces, can accommodate 1,000 people for events and meetings. For a great way to enjoy a day with music, food, and family-friendly activities, join us for Sundays in the Park from 1-5 p.m. every Sunday. Park at the Pearl is the River Walk’s second amphitheatre and it takes advantage of a highly coveted location in the Pearl Brewery redevelopment, alongside the Culinary Institute of America’s new campus, top local restaurants and the Pearl Stable event venue.

Newly Renovated Lila Cockrell Theatre Makes Debut

Nestled on the River Walk, in the heart of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, and surrounded by thousands of hotel rooms, the 2,300-seat Lila Cockrell Theatre opened in January following a $26 million refurbishment. Perfect for general assemblies, corporate presentations, performing arts events and concerts, the theater offers three levels of seating and the latest in technical support. Wide rows and plush seating create a comfortable and enjoyable setting. A grand entryway lit by contemporary crystal chandeliers, interior finishes designed in rich red and gold, mosaic tile inlays and creative works of art make the theater a unique and memorable setting for any occasion.

Theater-Style Venue Opens at the Alamodome

Located at the Alamodome, San Antonio’s new theater-style and live entertainment venue is within easy walking distance of downtown and the world-famous River Walk. The Illusions Theater, which opened in February, has a state-of-the-art curtain and LED lighting system to create an exciting setting while offering the benefits of tremendous versatility. Comfortable new seating and wide aisles make it unlike any other facility in South Texas. Perfect for concerts, performances, corporate presentations and general assemblies, it offers a unique experience for groups from 3,900 to 11,500.

Briscoe Western Art Museum to Open

The upcoming Briscoe Western Art Museum, scheduled to open in 2013, will add a new dimension to San Antonio’s art scene along with upscale meeting space. This one-of-a-kind museum will be devoted to celebrating the art, people and history of the great American West, with an emphasis on the Western art of San Antonio and the South Texas region. Included will be an arts and education center as well as an artist in residence program. As a renovation of the former San Antonio Library and Hertzberg Circus Museum, at a cost of about $24 million, the museum will provide almost 50,000 square feet of gallery and exhibition areas.

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