By Richard Oliver
A new study by St. Mary’s University professor Steve Nivin shows that over its 30-year history, the Alamodome has generated almost $4 billion in economic impact for the City of San Antonio.
The Alamodome, which cost $186 million to construct, has returned nearly $628 million in revenues back to city, county, state and federal governments, along with school districts. Since its opening May 15, 1993, more than 33 million visitors have attended events ranging from concerts, sporting events, graduations, and shows.
“Simply put, the Alamodome is a valued asset that has put our community on the map, time and again, and 
improved our quality of life on so many levels,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.
Nivin’s study, commissioned by the Convention & Sports Facilities Department of the City of San Antonio, showcases a facility that has driven $130.7 million in financial impact each year for the community. That number includes $46.8 million in annual labor income and $75.5 million in yearly gross regional product tied to the stadium.
“There is little doubt that the Alamodome ranks today as one of the most diverse, popular entertainment venues in the country,” said Patricia Muzquiz Cantor, Director of Convention & Sports Facilities for the City of San Antonio. “Over three decades, it has proven an iconic destination for performers and fans alike. And there’s so much more to come.”
Nivin estimates that apart from events directly tied to San Antonio, such as high school football, graduations, and parties, just under 50 percent of all attendees traveled to the Alamodome from outside the metropolitan area. The seismic impact of that includes daily totals on average including $124 for lodging, $64 for food and beverages, $30 for entertainment and shopping, and $14 for alcohol.
In total, direct spending by visitors to events at the Dome has totaled $2.7 billion.
The Alamodome just completed one of the most successful years in its history. In the final five months of 2022 alone, the facility hosted five headline stadium concerts that drew nearly 230,000 fans and generated more than $31 million in gross receipts. The events included the Motley Crue and Def Leppard Stadium Tour, Bad Bunny, Rammstein, Grupo Firme, and Elton John.
The Bad Bunny and Elton John shows were part of the two largest tours in the world last year. The Bad Bunny concert broke the facility mark for gross ticket sales for one show when more than $11 million was recorded for the Sept. 8 performance. A crowd of 54,000 was on hand for the event.
Additionally, the Dome saw more than 150,000 spectators attend seven University of Texas at San Antonio football games, including the Conference USA championship on Dec. 2. In total, the Alamodome held 135 event days in 2022, with a similar schedule for 2023, exceeding the average of 115 event dates in previous years.
Former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, who was the driving force behind the construction of the Dome, said he always envisioned the facility as something more than a place to house competitions, musical performances, or conventions.
“I saw it as a community gathering place that would lift the quality of life for a city that was ready for the next step,” Cisneros said. “Indeed, I told the New York Times before the opening in 1993, ‘It’s the beginning of a new chapter in San Antonio’s life.’ That has certainly been the case.”
Already announced for 2023 are concerts by global superstars Red Hot Chili Peppers (May 17), P!nk (Sept. 25) and Guns ‘N Roses (Sept. 26). The stadium also hosted the debut of the new XFL spring football league co-owned by actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. More events will be unveiled in coming days.
On Jan. 13, the San Antonio Spurs set the NBA record for single-game attendance when 68,323 fans attended the team’s 50th anniversary celebration game against the Golden State Warriors. Two weeks later, WWE held its Royal Rumble there, and more than 51,000 showed up as the wrestling circuit set records for gate revenues.
The Alamodome will host its fifth Men’s Final Four in 2025 and has been selected to host the Women’s Final Four in 2029. On Dec. 29, the Valero Alamo Bowl was played at the Dome for the 30th time.
“The number of unforgettable, impactful events the Alamodome has hosted and will host in the future is staggering,” said Derrick Fox, President/CEO of the Valero Alamo Bowl. “With its proximity to downtown hotels, restaurants, and the River Walk, the Alamodome is the perfect complement to a one-of-a-kind trip for the 1.7 million fans that have experienced the Valero Alamo Bowl since our inception and generated $1 billion in economic impact for our community.”
Steve Zito, CVE, Assistant Director/Alamodome for the City of San Antonio, acknowledged the promoters who have helped make the facility so successful, including the Valero Alamo Bowl, Live Nation, Feld Entertainment, University Interscholastic League, Cheer Power, NCAA, San Antonio Home and Garden Show, San Antonio Sports, the Spurs and AEG, among others.
Richard Oliver is Communications Manager at the Alamodome.
