Yet again, the UT system puts athletic development over everything else. After the disheartening announcement about the demolition of one of Austin’s most historic buildings, the thought of it getting worse did not seem possible. 

On Feb. 29, the University of Texas board of regents approved plans to lease or sell the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) property to the city of San Antonio. The ITC is a place that promotes interactive education through art exhibits and community events, ensuring that San Antonio’s rich history does not get lost.  

The San Antonio Spurs have been on a mad hunt for a new arena, so it is not surprising that the board decided to sell or lease the ITC with this in mind. While talk of this change began in November 2023, not much has been said since, leaving citizens to believe it was just a mere rumor. Unfortunately, the board’s decision means this is something to be afraid of. 

City spokesperson Laura Mayes detailed development opportunities to the San Antonio Express-News, seeming to advocate for the Spurs’ relocation.

“This option from the UT System provides the city with further development flexibility for this area,” Mayes said. “The city is also pursuing acquiring property, which is currently owned by the federal government that is in close proximity to Hemisfair.”

Unsurprisingly, Joe Izbrand, UTSA vice president for Strategic Communications and External Affairs, refused to comment to the Express-News on the subject. 

Currently, the Spurs play in the Frost Bank Center, formerly known as the AT&T Center. While the arena is over two decades old, it has seemingly been well-maintained, leaving it in great condition for the team to continue playing. There is no reason to uproot a culturally significant building just so the Spurs can have a shiny new toy. This continued lack of respect for anything but sports is concerning and alarmingly out-of-touch with reality.