Full Breakdown
Plano Council Approves Initial Steps for Dallas Stars Arena and Entertainment District
6/11/2026, 12:21:07 AM
Council Approves Initial Steps for Dallas Stars Arena
On June 8, Plano council approved a Letter of Intent with the Dallas Stars, created a 900-acre Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, and passed a venue-project resolution that must clear Texas Comptroller approval before a tax package can be placed on the ballot.
Stars Seek Standalone Venue in Plano
The Stars have shared Dallas’ American Airlines Center with the Mavericks since 1993. A Texas-court ruling gave arena control to the Mavericks, prompting the franchise to pursue a venue in Plano.
Financial Framework and Project Scope
The plan proposes a $1 billion arena within a $3 billion district. Plano will allocate up to $700 million via the TIRZ, expected to generate $1.63 billion in tax revenue over 41 years. Funding will rely on venue-specific taxes—rental, hotel, parking, admissions, and per-game use—subject to voter approval. The city will own the arena, lease it to the Stars for 30 years, and has set aside $15 million for demolition.
Official Statements
Mayor Muns noted Plano’s reputation for welcoming partners and community-focused investment. Deputy City Manager McDonald called the process a long, community-focused effort requiring feasibility studies. Stars owner Gaglardi called the arena an opportunity. Developer Levin highlighted the site’s potential as a vibrant destination blending sports, entertainment, retail, dining, office space and housing.
Criticism and Legal Context
The Mavericks’ lawsuit over arena control underscores competitive tension and fuels speculation that the Stars’ move is driven by politics and economics. Critics warn that the proposed venue taxes could raise the fiscal burden on residents, and the required special election reflects public scrutiny of the financing plan.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources describe the arena cost as “$1 billion or more” and “around $1 billion,” a minor discrepancy. The special election is tentatively set for November 3, 2026, pending Comptroller approval. Detailed traffic-impact studies and final design specifications have not yet been released.
Upcoming Milestones
Plano will host two in-person community open houses on July 8 and July 14, plus a virtual open house through July 22. Traffic-modeling and mobility studies are planned. After Comptroller sign-off, the council can schedule the special election, likely on Nov 3, 2026, for voters to decide on the venue-tax package.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is this is going to be a long process for us to work through the community, work (with) the organization, to make sure it's the right fit, make sure we have all the feasibility studies done, and that we have all the information for you all to consider,” — Doug McDonald, Deputy City Manager, City of Plano
- “Plano has built a reputation as a city that welcomes world-class partners and community-focused investment,” — John Muns, Mayor, City of Plano
- “This project would present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our franchise,” — Tom Gaglardi, Owner, Dallas Stars
- “The Shops at Willow Bend has long been in our sights as an ideal location for creating a vibrant destination that blends sports and entertainment, retail, dining, office space and housing,” — Steven Levin, Levin Holdings
