Business owners in Downtown Dallas are grappling with uncertainty as both the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars have declared their intentions to depart the American Airlines Center for new arenas in the northern suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Mavericks plan to establish their new home at the site of the former Valley View Mall in Far North Dallas, while the Stars are set to build at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano.
The Mavericks have committed to acquiring 104 acres of land, investing over $50 million in the project. This marks a significant shift, as the team has been a fixture in Downtown Dallas since its establishment in 1980, initially at Reunion Arena and later at the American Airlines Center. The new location, near Preston Road and the Dallas North Tollway, represents the first time the franchise will operate outside the downtown area.
Following closely behind, the Dallas Stars announced their own plans, signing a nonbinding agreement with the City of Plano to create a new arena and entertainment district at The Shops at Willow Bend, located approximately 17 miles north of their current home. This move is contingent upon approval from the Plano City Council.
Local business owners are concerned about the potential impact of these departures. Cary Thompson, owner of Velour in Victory Park, expressed doubts about the future, stating that the absence of the Mavericks and Stars could harm local businesses. However, he remains optimistic, suggesting that the area could adapt and pivot toward more profitable ventures.
Despite the challenges posed by the teams’ exits, some local entrepreneurs, including Thompson, believe that Downtown Dallas retains its allure. He remarked, “It’s Dallas, it’s a lot of fun things to do and attractive things to do, so it didn’t really give us cause and concern. I think we’re a great space to be at, and I think you’re gonna come either way.”
Real estate expert Candy Evans also weighed in, urging the city to leverage the unique character of Downtown Dallas to continue attracting residents and visitors alike. “If we would draw on the authenticity of downtown Dallas, I think that’s what we need to do,” she stated. “It’s wonderful, but Dallas is not just about downtown. Dallas is about the whole big sprawling city.”
In the midst of these developments, the future of Dallas City Hall is also under scrutiny. The Mavericks had previously been linked to the idea of constructing their new arena at the current City Hall site, a proposal discussed by team CEO Rick Welts and City Manager Kim Tolbert over a year ago. With the Mavericks now moving out of downtown, the City Council is set to evaluate the costs associated with repairing the iconic I.M. Pei-designed building.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks aim to launch their new arena and entertainment district by 2031, coinciding with the expiration of their lease at the American Airlines Center. Meanwhile, the Plano City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing regarding the Stars’ arena plans on June 8.
