Bring South by Southwest to San Antonio? One columnist (and one city council rep) thinks it's time to try. (Houston: store, moving van)

[Quattro72]

Originally Posted by L210

How would San Antonians feel if Austin decided it was going to try to steal Fiesta?

LOL. Why would Austin want to steal Fiesta?

[L210]

Originally Posted by Quattro72

LOL. Why would Austin want to steal Fiesta?

It's a hypothetical question, but Fiesta is a moneymaker. In 2007, Fiesta brought in $254 million and the city made $4 million in taxes.

Economic Impact « Fiesta San Antonio

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by Bo

A San Antonio Business Journal columnist suggests that the city should try to lure the South by Southwest Music and Interactive Festival from Austin, since it appears to be outgrowing that city.

Read more: South by Southwest may have overstayed its welcome in Austin | San Antonio Business Journal

San Antonio is not hip enough.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by Quattro72

LOL. Why would Austin want to steal Fiesta?

It goes without saying. They don't. Even as a money maker, it's what makes San Antonio, San Antonio. It's a defining part. SXSW *is* Austin. That SA could think it could take it on really does show they don't know what it's all about. As a non-native, I'm proud of SA for many things, and their recent commitment to arts is one of them. However, they need to focus on that commitment and build our own festivals. Not take others'.

[SAguy]

There's nothing wrong with SA pursuing an event that's too large for another city to handle. Props to SA!!!
kens5.com | San Antonio News, Weather, Sports, Traffic, Entertainment, Video and Photos

[kevcrawford]

Originally Posted by SAguy

There's nothing wrong with SA pursuing an event that's too large for another city to handle. Props to SA!!!
kens5.com | San Antonio News, Weather, Sports, Traffic, Entertainment, Video and Photos

They can pursue it, but half of the reason the event is so huge is BECAUSE it's in Austin. They bring this to SA, it'll be a colossal failure, and Austin will just create another one that'll take its place.

It's got nothing to do with the worthiness of SA. I'd love to see more events. But certain events take on the personality of the city it's in, and SXSW is a "Austin" event. Won't work here.

Fiesta won't work outside SA. Mardi Gras won't work outside New Orleans. Etc.

[migol84]

Originally Posted by SAguy

There's nothing wrong with SA pursuing an event that's too large for another city to handle. Props to SA!!!
kens5.com | San Antonio News, Weather, Sports, Traffic, Entertainment, Video and Photos

You shouldn't be proud of this greedy attempt. Listen to your fellow San Antonioans.

[cBach]

Originally Posted by kevcrawford

Mardi Gras won't work outside New Orleans. Etc.

Ain't that the truth. Remember when Seattle attempted Mardi Gras and there were riots in the street and businesses had their windows smashed in. They then banned Mardi Gras for the next year. It seems walking around on a cold rainy night in Seattle only agitates you to violence, versus sauntering on a mild humid night in New Orleans listening to jazz causes people to imbibe and disrobe, albeit in a peaceful setting (there's never riots or anything like that, the only breaking of the law seen is public nudity).

Beyond the fact that SxSW would be a failure in SA, it's also not nice to steal someone's event from them. We've always been respecting of SA and its traditions and would never try to steal Fiesta or your other traditions. We recognize you have better amusement parks and Mexican food and we'll never be able to match up in that regard. However, we are the live music capital and want to remain that way. I think your leaders are doing a disservice to your city and will only cause animosity between Austonites and San Antonians.

[migol84]

Originally Posted by cBach

I think your leaders are doing a disservice to your city and will only cause animosity between Austonites and San Antonians.

Biiiingo. Imagine if Austin had a basketball team.... boy the Spurs would really laugh at the idea that the Lakers and Mavericks are their biggest rivals.

[skeet09]

I'd like to see the city focus on making a well done Luminaria event. The first year was a good layout and concept but this past year was not the same. I hope it's done again, just like the first year...maybe something that is longer (more hours).