PLANO, Texas — The NHL’s Dallas Stars have revealed their intention to relocate from downtown to the suburban community of Plano within the next five years, coinciding with the expiration of their current arena lease.
Team representatives announced Tuesday they have signed a preliminary letter of intent for constructing a hockey-focused arena and entertainment complex approximately 20 miles north of their current downtown venue, the American Airlines Center, which has housed both the Stars and the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks since opening in 2001.
Both franchises face lease expirations at the AAC in 2031. The organizations have been engaged in legal battles regarding their partnership arrangement and facility management responsibilities.
The Stars revealed their relocation plans just one day following the Mavericks’ announcement of a tentative agreement for their own new facility roughly 10 miles north of downtown, remaining within Dallas city boundaries. The basketball team’s proposal involves 104 acres where Valley View Mall previously stood before demolition three years ago.
The proposed Stars venue would be integrated into an extensive redevelopment initiative at The Shops at Willow Bend, where Texas’s final enclosed shopping mall faces upcoming demolition.
The Stars have submitted their preliminary agreement to Plano city officials, who have scheduled the proposal for City Council review during Monday’s upcoming session. The document outlines plans for both the mixed-use development and arena design and construction phases.
“This project would present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our franchise,” Stars owner Tom Gaglardi said in a statement. “We eagerly await the vote by the Plano City Council and look forward to continuing the conversation to be part of the redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend.”
The shopping center, spanning roughly 90 acres, opened in 2001 and currently features operating restaurants and parking structures. The proposed arena would serve as the centerpiece for redevelopment potentially incorporating sports facilities, entertainment venues, retail establishments, restaurants and community gathering areas.
The hockey franchise operated as the North Stars before relocating from Minnesota and commencing Dallas operations during the 1993-94 season. In 1999, the Stars became the inaugural Sun Belt hockey organization to capture a Stanley Cup championship.
The team secured that title while competing at Reunion Arena, another facility they shared with the Mavericks following their Dallas arrival. That downtown venue, located approximately one mile from the AAC, underwent complete demolition in 2009.
