Stars sign letter of intent for proposed arena in Plano

The Dallas Stars are in the beginning stages of a new arena, as the team announced on Tuesday that they signed a letter of intent for a potential new facility in Plano, Texas.

The plan for the new arena is a part of a proposed sports and entertainment district at The Shops at Willow Bend.

“Located west of the Dallas North Tollway, the proposed mixed-use development, being advanced jointly with Levin Holdings & Cawley Partners and Centennial, could include sports, entertainment, retail, dining and public gathering spaces anchored by a future Dallas Stars arena,” the Stars said in a statement announcing the letter of intent. “The project is envisioned as a year-round destination for the community while strengthening the team’s connection to its North Texas fan base.”

The letter of intent has been submitted to the City of Plano, and was placed on the agenda for consideration at the Plano City Council’s meeting set for Monday, June 8.

“This project would present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our franchise,” Stars owner, governor and chairman Tom Gaglardi said in the 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.”

“Plano has built a reputation as a city that welcomes world-class partners and community-focused investment,” Plano mayor John Muns said in the statement. “The Dallas Stars are an iconic North Texas organization, and we are encouraged by their interest as conversations move forward.”

The proposed arena will mark the first time the Stars have played outside of the downtown area of Dallas, with Plano being a suburb north of it. The Stars spent the first eight years after their relocation to Dallas at Reunion Arena before moving to American Airlines Center in 2001. At this point in time, their NBA co-tenants at American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks, do not appear to be joining them to this new location.