Plano unanimously passes Dallas Stars arena and entertainment district proposal

Plano leaders unanimously voted 8-0 to pass a plan to bring one of the area's biggest pro sports franchises to the city.

The proposal includes a new Dallas Stars arena and entertainment district. It is a big vote — but not the final buzzer.

Council members unanimously approved the Letter of Intent on Monday night, keeping Plano in the running as a future home for the Dallas Stars. It does not guarantee that an arena will be built, but it moves negotiations and planning into the next phase.

According to city documents, the proposal would transform The Shops at Willow Bend into a massive sports and entertainment destination.

Plans call for retail, restaurants, public gathering spaces and a new arena that would serve as the centerpiece of the development.

The project carries an estimated price tag of roughly $1 billion for the arena, but the entire complex and district would cost an estimated $3 billion.

Under the proposed agreement, the City of Plano could contribute up to $700 million through a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and other available funding sources.

Mayor John Muns called the vote a historic moment for Plano.

"This is a major step towards making this a reality," said Muns.

"Plano has built a reputation as a city that welcomes world-class partners and community-focused investment," said Muns. "These actions are a significant first step as we evaluate the potential for a thoughtfully designed sports and entertainment district that reflects the priorities and values of our community."  

The proposal comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise.

The Stars' lease at American Airlines Center expires in 2031 and both the Stars and the Dallas Mavericks have confirmed that they are exploring new long-term homes.

If this project ultimately becomes reality, it would mark a historic shift: the first time the Dallas Stars would play their home games outside the city of Dallas.

"I'd like to thank Mayor Muns and the entire Plano City Council for their support, and their approval of our letter of intent and several other items connected to the redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend," Tom Gaglardi, the Stars' owner, governor and chairman, said in a statement. We look forward to taking the next steps in the journey toward making Plano our new home in 2031.

Monday night's vote is not a final approval of the arena itself, but it could be a major milestone in determining where the Stars call home for decades to come.