The Dallas Stars are moving toward a massive $3 billion arena and entertainment complex at the Willow Bend mall site in Plano, Texas. According to Plano City Council records and The Dallas Morning News, the project features a 20,000-seat arena, high-rise hotels, and residential spaces, with demolition of current mall structures slated to begin in 2027.
What can we expect from the new arena’s design?
The first public rendering, presented during a recent Plano City Council meeting, offers an eagle-eye view of the proposed development. The arena will occupy a prime spot near the back left portion of the site. To make it a landmark, the design includes neon green illumination and a massive Dallas Stars logo topping the roof.
The site is designed to be highly accessible, situated near the Dallas North Tollway. A large, multilevel parking garage will sit in front of the arena, nearly reaching the road. To the right of the site, bordering the tollway, the plans call for tall, high-rise buildings intended for hotels and apartments. On the left side, the development will feature smaller, mid-rise buildings that resemble apartments, alongside open walking spaces for visitors.
How will the $3 billion project be financed?
Financing a development of this scale requires a significant commitment from both private and public sectors. City officials estimate the total value of the arena and the surrounding district at $3 billion.
The cost to construct the arena itself is estimated at $1 billion or more. According to city documents, the City of Plano plans to contribute $700 million toward the project. This funding will be provided through bonds that are backed by revenue from a tax increment reinvestment zone.
Why is the Willow Bend mall site being transformed?
The roughly 90-acre property at 6121 W. Park Blvd. has recently faced economic challenges. The mall has seen several closures, including Macy’s and Dillard’s, with the latter shuttering around January of this year. This instability paved the way for the Stars to explore options outside of Dallas.
The transition from a traditional shopping center to an entertainment hub will be significant. Owners Steven Levin, the outgoing Centennial CEO, and Bill Cawley of Cawley Partners told The Dallas Morning News that the plans for the site remain flexible. While the Stars have signed a nonbinding letter of intent for the arena, the development can adapt to market needs.
Demolition is scheduled to begin in 2027. Documents filed with the city council indicate that the owners plan to demolish the theater, the Dillard’s and Crayola buildings, and the inline spaces of the mall to clear the way for the new district.
What is the long-term vision for the district?
While the arena is the centerpiece, the scale of the project suggests a massive mixed-use ecosystem. Initial rezoning approved by the Plano City Council in 2025 focused on 800,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space, along with up to 965 residential units.
However, the vision is expanding. Bill Cawley noted that entertainment is expected to take up a larger portion of the development. Depending on market demand, the site could also include up to 2 million square feet of office space, creating a dense urban environment of high-rise hotels, apartments, and professional workspaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the new Dallas Stars arena be located?
The arena will be located at the site of The Shops at Willow Bend, at 6121 W. Park Blvd. in Plano, Texas.
When will demolition of the current mall begin?
According to owners, demolition of the Willow Bend mall structures is expected to begin in 2027.
How much is the City of Plano contributing to the project?
City documents show that Plano plans to contribute $700 million in funding through bonds backed by a tax increment reinvestment zone.
How many seats will the new arena have?
The planned arena is expected to be a 20,000-seat venue.
What do you think about the Stars moving to Plano? Will this transform the local economy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on North Texas development.
