SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo City Council has unanimously approved placing a $41.6 million bond proposition on the May 3, 2025, ballot to fund renovations at the Coliseum.
The measure will allow voters to decide whether to approve funding for extensive improvements to the aging venue, which has served as a key site for the city’s rodeo and other major events.
The proposed upgrades include expanding seating capacity from approximately 5,000 to 10,000, adding club-level seating, skyboxes, and improved accessibility features. The project will also increase the number of restrooms, showers, concessions, and large outdoor video screens.
Additionally, the renovations aim to attract more events beyond the annual San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo, which has a reported $78 million economic impact on the city, according to Justin Jonas with the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association.
Jonas spoke about the importance of modernizing the 66-year-old facility to meet growing demand. Last year, rodeo tickets sold out within hours, with over 80,000 online purchase attempts recorded, he said.
“The coliseum has great bones but needs significant updates to continue serving San Angelo,” Jonas told the council. “This investment will ensure our rodeo remains a premier event while also bringing in new opportunities for entertainment and tourism.”
If voters approve the bond, the average homeowner in San Angelo with a property valued at $150,000 would see an estimated $4 monthly increase in property taxes.
City Finance Director Tina Dierschke explained that the bond would be issued as taxable debt since the coliseum will not be operated by the City. She also noted that the bond includes a three-year moratorium on issuing additional debt for coliseum-related projects.
It was said at the meeting that the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association will cover any project cost overruns beyond the $41.6 million bond amount. Jonas also proposed implementing a $2 per ticket facility fee, which would generate additional revenue for the city.
Council members voiced support for allowing voters to decide but acknowledged concerns about timing, as the San Angelo Independent School District is also expected to call a $397 million bond election for school facility improvements in the same election.
SAISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran spoke during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s City Council meeting, providing an update on the district’s facility plans.
Moran informed the council that the SAISD Board of Trustees is expected to call for a $397 million bond election on Feb. 10, with the measure likely appearing on the May 3 ballot. He said that if approved, the bond would address aging and deteriorating facilities across the district, with an estimated tax impact of $32 more per month for the average homeowner. Moran encouraged the council to consider the school bond’s significance when planning future initiatives.
Councilwoman Karen Hesse-Smith spoke over concerns about asking taxpayers to approve two major bond measures simultaneously.
“This is a lot to ask of the citizens at once,” Hesse-Smith said. “But I also recognize the importance of allowing voters to decide.”
Councilman Larry Miller echoed that sentiment but spoke about the distinction between the two bonds.
“Education and quality of life are both crucial for our city’s future,” Miller said. “These are separate projects, and I believe the citizens of San Angelo will make informed decisions.”
With the bond measure now officially on the ballot, city officials and the rodeo association are restricted from using public funds or city-owned property to promote the election.
San Angelo voters will have the final say on May 3 regarding the future of the coliseum and its role in the city’s economic and cultural landscape.
The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association announced plans to hold future meetings in March and April to provide additional details about the proposed $41.6 million Coliseum renovation project.
The bond election will coincide with the city’s general election for mayor and single-member districts 2, 4, and 6. Candidates filed so far include:
Mayor of San Angelo:
- Gary Jenkins (filed Jan. 15)
- Tom Thompson (filed Jan. 17)
- Joshua Burleson (filed Jan. 29)
- Juan Acevedo (filed Feb. 3)
Single-Member District 2:
- John Bariou (filed Jan. 29)
Single-Member District 4:
- (No candidates filed as of Feb. 3)
Single-Member District 6:
- Larry Miller (filed Jan. 30)
The candidate filing period remains open until Feb. 14, 2025.
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