President Gerald R. Ford standing with children wearing F-O-R-D shirts at a reception in San Antonio, Texas

Hemisfair Arena

Hemisfair Arena and Hemisfair District San Antonio: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Hemisfair Arena and Hemisfair District – History and Significance

San Antonio’s Hemisfair district is a vibrant testament to the city’s rich heritage, urban renewal, and sporting history. Originally established as the centerpiece for HemisFair ’68—the 1968 World’s Fair marking San Antonio’s 250th anniversary—the site was home to the iconic Hemisfair Arena. Although the arena was demolished in the mid-1990s, its legacy continues through the dynamic Hemisfair district, now a thriving urban area blending history, recreation, culture, and modern development. Today, visitors can experience attractions such as the Tower of the Americas, the Institute of Texan Cultures, and expansive parks like Yanaguana Garden and Civic Park, all offering a family-friendly environment with interactive art and cultural programming (Texas Standard; Hemisfair).

The district has undergone a robust $340 million, multi-phase redevelopment, transforming it into one of San Antonio’s premier mixed-use neighborhoods, featuring retail, residences, dining, and entertainment options—honoring its historic roots while embracing contemporary lifestyles and tourism (Centro San Antonio).

Looking ahead, San Antonio is set for another transformation with the planned construction of a new Spurs arena and a comprehensive Sports & Entertainment District centered around Hemisfair. This ambitious project aims to energize downtown with cutting-edge sports facilities, expanded convention spaces, upgraded entertainment venues, and improved pedestrian connectivity, all while preserving nearby historic landmarks such as the Alamo and the River Walk (SATXtoday; San Antonio Report).

This comprehensive guide offers detailed insights into visiting the Hemisfair district and Hemisfair Park, covering visiting hours, tickets, amenities, dining, cultural events, accessibility, and travel tips. It also sheds light on the historic significance of Hemisfair Arena, ongoing redevelopment, and the exciting future of the Spurs arena and surrounding district. Whether you’re a history buff, family traveler, or sports fan, Hemisfair offers a uniquely engaging experience in the heart of San Antonio.

For the latest updates, ticket information, and curated tour options, explore official resources and the Audiala app to ensure a memorable visit to this Texas landmark (Visit San Antonio; Audiala).

Discovering Hemisfair Arena: History and Legacy
Visiting the Hemisfair District Today
Hemisfair District Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions
Hemisfair Park: Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide
The Future: Spurs New Arena & Sports & Entertainment District
Tips for Visitors, Accessibility, and FAQs
References

Discovering Hemisfair Arena: A Journey Through History and Legacy

Origins and Construction

Hemisfair Arena was conceived as a modern centerpiece for HemisFair ’68, celebrating San Antonio’s 250th anniversary and positioning the city as a cultural gateway between the U.S. and Latin America. Built within a revitalized 92-acre area near the Alamo, the arena was part of an ambitious urban renewal project that dramatically reshaped downtown (Texas Standard). Construction began in 1966, and the arena opened in time for the fair, offering seating for over 10,000 spectators and showcasing the city’s forward-looking spirit.

Role During HemisFair ’68

During the six-month HemisFair ’68 (April–October 1968), the arena served as a primary venue for cultural showcases, concerts, and sporting events. Its flexible design accommodated performances from international artists and athletic competitions, with proximity to the Tower of the Americas enhancing its status as a hub for visitors from around the world.

Sporting and Civic Legacy

After HemisFair ’68, Hemisfair Arena became a key part of San Antonio’s sports scene. It was home to the San Antonio Spurs, who joined the NBA in 1976, and also hosted teams like the San Antonio Force and San Antonio Iguanas, as well as concerts and civic events. The arena was beloved for its intimate setting and energetic atmosphere.

Cultural Significance and Urban Impact

Beyond sports, Hemisfair Arena symbolized San Antonio’s postwar modernization and cultural growth. It hosted graduations, concerts, and community gatherings, reinforcing the district’s role as a cultural hub (San Antonio Report). However, the urban renewal that enabled its construction also displaced residents and altered longstanding neighborhoods, a history that informs ongoing discussions about development and preservation.

Decline, Demolition, and Site Redevelopment

By the 1990s, Hemisfair Arena was outdated. The Spurs moved to the Alamodome in 1993, and the arena was demolished by 1996. Its site is now part of the evolving Hemisfair district, integrated into convention facilities and new entertainment venues (San Antonio Report). The arena’s memory is preserved through local museum exhibits and oral histories.

Visiting the Hemisfair District Today

Although the arena is gone, the Hemisfair district is now one of the city’s most dynamic cultural and recreational spaces. Visitors can enjoy:

Tower of the Americas: An iconic 750-foot tower with an observation deck and revolving restaurant.
Institute of Texan Cultures: A museum highlighting Texas’s diverse heritage, housed in a HemisFair ’68-era building.
Hemisfair Park: Landscaped public spaces, gardens, and interactive art installations.

Guided tours are available, providing context on the district’s history and nearby landmarks. Always check official attraction websites for current visiting hours and ticket details.

Hemisfair District Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions

Urban Transformation

The Hemisfair District has undergone a 20-year, three-phase redevelopment, featuring three expansive parks, residential units, retail, a hotel, and ample parking (Centro San Antonio). The goal: to create an accessible public space that welcomes all.

Visiting Hours & Ticket Information

Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM to midnight (Hemisfair).
Admission: Free entry to parks and public spaces. Some events or venues (e.g., Magik Theatre) require tickets, available online or on-site.

Parks and Green Spaces

Yanaguana Garden: A family-friendly park with play areas, splash pads, and public art, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility (Visit San Antonio).
Civic Park: Features a Great Lawn, promenades, water features, and a plaza for events (Hemisfair).
Tower of the Americas: Offers panoramic city views and is surrounded by landscaped grounds (The San Antonio Things).

Dining & Culinary Experiences

Explore diverse dining in Hemisfair:

Box Street All Day: Modern American brunch/lunch.
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana: Authentic Neapolitan pizza.
CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bakery: Artisanal coffee and pastries.
Paleteria San Antonio: Mexican-style popsicles.
Bombay Bicycle Club: Classic American fare with live music.
Re:Rooted 210 Urban Winery: Texas wines on tap.

Many venues offer outdoor seating with park views (Visit San Antonio).

Arts, Culture, and Family Attractions

Magik Theatre: Children’s theater productions (tickets required) (The San Antonio Things).
Mexican Cultural Institute: Rotating exhibitions and cultural programming, admission generally free (Visit San Antonio).
Public Art: Murals, sculptures, and interactive installations throughout the district.

Events and Festivals

Hemisfair hosts numerous events:

Disco Alfresco: Free outdoor dance parties (Sound Cream Airstream).
Live Music Thursdays: Weekly music at Bombay Bicycle Club.
Jazz’SAlive Music Festival: Annual jazz celebration.
Seasonal Markets & Cultural Festivals: Regular arts, crafts, and food events.

See the Hemisfair events calendar for current schedules.

Accessibility & Visitor Amenities

Wide, paved paths for wheelchairs and strollers
Accessible restrooms
Clear signage and wayfinding
Over 1,100 parking spaces; public transit and bike routes available

Guided Tours & Photographic Spots

Take guided walking tours to learn about Hemisfair’s history and art. Photographers will find great views at Yanaguana Garden, Civic Park, and especially from the Tower of the Americas at sunrise or sunset.

Nearby Historical Sites

The Alamo: Iconic Texas mission, a short walk away
San Antonio River Walk: Lively riverside promenade
La Villita Historic Arts Village: Artisan shops and galleries

Hemisfair Park: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions

Location and Access

Address: 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Alternate Access: 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way, San Antonio, TX 78202
Parking: Multiple nearby garages; served by VIA Metropolitan Transit

Hours and Ticket Information

Open: Daily, 5:00 AM to midnight
Admission: Free; some events/tours may require tickets (Hemisfair)

Amenities

Accessible restrooms
Shaded picnic areas and open lawns
Yanaguana Garden playground and splash pads
Wheelchair-accessible paths
Water features and fountains
On-site dining options
Event spaces for concerts, markets, and community gatherings

Special Features and Guided Tours

Seasonal guided tours are available, delving into Hemisfair’s history and redevelopment. The park is also a favorite location for photography, especially with the city skyline as a backdrop.

Annual Events & Activities

Movies by Moonlight: Summer outdoor family movies
Disco Alfresco: Weekly dance events
Sunday Brunch Market: Local food and goods
Community Fitness: Free yoga and special fitness events
Super Fun Saturdays: Monthly themed children’s activities

For a full schedule, visit the Hemisfair events calendar.

Accessibility

The park offers wheelchair-accessible paths, ramps, and restrooms, ensuring everyone can enjoy the space.

Visitor Tips

Check event calendars for special happenings.
Dress for the weather and bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.
Parking is available, with free options on Downtown Tuesdays after 5 PM.
Pets are welcome on leashes; pet waste stations are provided.
Security is present; lost and found available through park offices.

The Future: Spurs New Arena and Sports & Entertainment District

Overview

San Antonio is planning a new Spurs arena and a comprehensive Sports & Entertainment District in the Hemisfair area—a transformative project connecting Hemisfair Park, the expanded convention center, Alamodome, and River Walk (SATXtoday; San Antonio Report; KSAT).

Key Points

Location: Proposed on 40–50 acres at the Institute of Texan Cultures site, integrating into downtown’s cultural and sports hub.
Timeline: Construction may begin in 2026, with phased development over the next decade.
Features: New arena, major convention center expansion, hotel, new entertainment venues, and mixed-use development (Sports Business Journal).
Infrastructure: The “Eastside Connector” land bridge will improve pedestrian access across I-37, with expanded parking and transit.
Economic Impact: Designed to attract major events and conventions, boosting downtown’s economy and community engagement.
Accessibility: The arena will meet ADA requirements, with wheelchair seating, assistive devices, and accessible parking.

Visitor Information

Tickets: Spurs arena tickets will be available via official channels when announced.
Visiting Hours: Will align with event schedules; details to come.
Nearby Attractions: The Alamo, River Walk, and Hemisfair Park are all within walking distance.
Guided Tours: Planned for the district and arena, including behind-the-scenes experiences and photo opportunities.

FAQs

When will the new arena open? Construction could start in 2026; opening date TBA.
How do I buy tickets? Via the official Spurs website and box office.
Is the area accessible? Yes; all new facilities will be ADA compliant.
What else is nearby? The Alamo, River Walk, and other San Antonio landmarks.

Key Takeaways and Call to Action

The Hemisfair district exemplifies San Antonio’s blend of historic legacy, cultural vibrancy, and forward-thinking urban development. From its roots as the site of HemisFair ’68 and the legendary arena to its current role as a lively hub of parks, museums, dining, and events, Hemisfair remains central to the city’s identity. Free access to green spaces, a wealth of cultural programming, and an exciting future with the Spurs’ new arena make this a must-visit destination (Hemisfair; Visit San Antonio).

To plan your visit, check official websites for updated hours and tickets, use guided tours or the Audiala app for insider insights, and explore everything the district and surrounding downtown have to offer.

Stay informed and connected:

Visit the official Hemisfair website
Follow the San Antonio Spurs
Download the Audiala app for exclusive tours, real-time updates, and event notifications