The Dallas Stars' quest for a new arena is picking up momentum with reports of a formal offer to move the team northward. According to Dallas City Councilmember Chad West, there's buzz in the real estate circles about a letter of intent for the Stars to relocate to Willowbend Mall in Plano.
The Shops at Willow Bend are on the brink of a major overhaul, transitioning from an enclosed mall to a vibrant, open-air, mixed-use district. However, all parties involved are staying mum about any offers on the table. The real estate firm owning the Shops at Willow Bend has opted not to comment, and the City of Plano is similarly tight-lipped.
In a statement, the City of Plano highlighted its appeal to both national and international corporations, emphasizing that they don't discuss economic development projects publicly until they reach the council for formal approval.
The Dallas Stars, too, have chosen not to comment on the matter. Councilmember West, however, pointedly remarked, “They are called the Dallas Stars for a reason,” underscoring the team's strong ties to the city.
Negotiations are actively underway between the City of Dallas and the Stars to ensure the team remains in Dallas beyond the expiration of their lease at the American Airlines Center in 2031. West mentioned that discussions are ongoing about potentially converting the American Airlines Center into a hockey-specific arena, a priority for the city council.
As of now, the duration of the potential offer remains uncertain, and no definitive decisions have been made.