Dallas Stars’ Potential Move to Plano
In a significant step towards establishing a new home for the Dallas Stars, the Plano City Council took action on Monday by endorsing a letter of intent that lays the groundwork for a potential sports and entertainment district at The Shops of Willow Bend. This initiative is projected to cost approximately $1 billion, with $700 million earmarked from public funds, according to local media outlets.
Support from City Officials
Stars owner Tom Gaglardi expressed gratitude to the city officials, including Mayor John Muns, acknowledging their backing of the letter of intent and related redevelopment measures.
“We thank the council for their support and look forward to advancing our plans to make Plano our new home by 2031,”
Gaglardi stated.
Establishment of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
With the approval of this letter of intent, Plano officials announced the establishment of a tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) that encompasses The Shops at Willow Bend and nearby areas along the Dallas North Tollway. This TIRZ will facilitate the development of a dedicated sports and entertainment sector, which aims to include the new arena for the Stars, alongside a variety of retail, dining, residential spaces, and public infrastructure.
Impact on Local Sports Landscape
This movement comes shortly after the Dallas Mavericks revealed their plan to pursue a new arena approximately 10 miles north of downtown Dallas, aligning with the expiration of their lease at the American Airlines Center (AAC) in 2031. The proximity of these developments raises concerns regarding the future presence of major sports franchises in downtown Dallas and the necessary adjustments for fans across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Currently, the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Wings have venues located in Arlington—20 miles from downtown. In contrast, the Wings are constructing a new arena in downtown Dallas, set to open by the 2027 season. Meanwhile, FC Dallas plays in Frisco, nearly 29 miles from downtown, which also hosts the Stars’ training and executive facilities. The proposed relocation to Plano would significantly cut down the Stars’ commute to their new arena, reducing it to less than six miles from almost 23 miles to the AAC.
Future Outlook
The timeline for the Stars suggests they have five seasons remaining to play in the city of Dallas, following their move from Minneapolis in the early 1990s and their subsequent establishment at the AAC in 2001. As discussions progress regarding the future of both the Stars and Mavericks, the implications for the local economy and community engagement will be closely watched over the coming years.
