Historic Main Plaza opening day celebration plans announced
-Local residents and visitors invited to stroll new grounds at the Heart of the City downtown-

Established in 1731 as the Villa de San Fernando by Spanish settlers of the Canary Islands, Main Plaza has always been at the center of San Antonio’s municipal government. Being lauded as the Heart of the City, plans were announced today for the Main Plaza opening day celebration, scheduled for Sunday, April 13.

Last year, Mayor Phil Hardberger led efforts to revitalize the plaza and transform it into a gathering place to celebrate the city’s historic past while incorporating modern elements to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

“This plaza is truly the heart of our city,” Mayor Hardberger said. “This restoration will transform what had become an afterthought in the middle of a busy city into a peaceful, relaxing oasis where today’s generations can pay tribute to our past.”

Festivities will kick off with a mariachi mass celebrated by Archbishop José H. Gomez at San Fernando Cathedral at 5:00 p.m. The community will then be invited to enjoy the new Main Plaza grounds with activities ranging from live musical entertainment to children’s activities. At 7:30 p.m., the public will gather for a special ceremony celebrating the plaza’s past, present and future. At 8:30 p.m. Mayor Hardberger will flip a switch and light the new Tobin fountains with musical accompaniment by the San Antonio Symphony. Musical entertainment and festivities will continue until 10:00 p.m.

“The improvements to the plaza and the forthcoming lighting of the Courthouse façade will certainly enhance this part of downtown and put the spotlight on the civic center of our city,” Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said. “It will not only provide a place for our residents to enjoy the renewed historic grandeur, it also will draw more tourists to this area.”

The plans announced today are an example of what the community can expect at Main Plaza year-round. The plaza’s monthly calendar of events will be managed by the newly created Main Plaza Conservancy, which was established to preserve this community gem.

Once the plaza opens, the new modern-day hub will feature Wi-Fi service, food kiosks, lush green landscaping and five interactive fountains. Private contributions joined public investment to make the vision a reality. Local companies and foundations donated $4.7 million including a $2 million donation from the Tobin Endowment, which provided funding for the fountains which are accentuated with lighting.

Opening day festivities are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov/mainplaza.