Plano could become the new home of the Dallas Stars, as the city confirmed that it has been in “earnest discussions” with the hockey team.
The full story
The National Hockey League team is eyeing The Shops at Willow Bend, at 6121 W. Park Blvd. in Plano, as a potential site for a "new arena district," according to a statement from the city. The Stars lease at the American Airlines Center in Dallas is expiring in 2031.
“The city of Plano is known for attracting national and international brands because of our strong economy, highly educated workforce and commitment to strategic growth," a city spokesperson said in the statement. "For the past year, the city has been in earnest discussions with the Dallas Stars regarding a potential arena district at The Shops at Willow Bend."
The city has not yet made a formal offer to the team, according to the statement.
"We respect that any decision about the team’s future rests with the organization, and we will continue to approach these conversations responsibly and deliberately,” the city spokesperson said.
A Dallas Stars team spokesperson previously said in a statement the franchise is “continually evaluating all options for the home of our franchise in North Texas.”
The background
A plan to redevelop The Shops at Willow Bend into a mixed-use development was approved in February 2024, before needing to be reworked in February 2025 due to the closure of Macy’s within the mall.
Since property owners Centennial adjusted the redevelopment plan last February, Dillard’s closed its Willow Bend location, and The Crayola Experience temporarily closed Feb. 7. Neiman Marcus has also announced it will close its Willow Bend store, but the location remains open until January 2027.
Editor’s note: The original post has been edited to correct an error. The Neiman Marcus location in The Shops at Willow Bend is open until January 2027.
