Dallas Stars choose firm to design new arena in Plano

PLANO, Texas - The Dallas Stars have taken another step towards building their future home in Plano, hiring a firm to lead the proposed arena's design.

Stars hire arena design firm

What we know:

The Dallas Stars have selected HNTB as the lead design firm for their planned new arena in Plano, the team announced on Monday.

HNTB will lead the work on the arena, which the team is planning to be the centerpiece of a mixed-use business district at the current site of the Shops at Willow Bend Mall off of the Dallas North Tollway.

The firm has previously worked with NFL and NBA teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders and Milwaukee Bucks, to build those franchises' new arenas.

What they're saying:

"We are thrilled to officially announce the selection of HNTB," said Tom Gaglardi, Dallas Stars owner, governor and chairman. "The wealth of experience and knowledge that their team brings to the table will allow us to create the best arena in the NHL. Many of the premier facilities in professional and collegiate sports were designed by HNTB, and we are excited to begin the process for our new home in Plano."

"The Dallas Stars have a clear and ambitious vision for a new home that delivers an exceptional experience for fans, players and the broader North Texas community," said Doug Mann, HNTB corporate president and project executive. "HNTB is committed to bringing the full strength of our sports design practice and our deep local presence to create an arena that is authentic to the Stars, built for Texas hockey and positioned to serve the community for generations."

Local perspective:

On Monday, Plano City Council unanimously voted to approve a November special election to let voters decide on a new venue tax to support costs for a new Stars arena.

The tax would apply to services like car rentals, hotels, and event parking, and would not affect existing property tax rates for Plano residents.

Several Plano residents expressed their concerns over the entire Stars arena project during Monday's Plano City Council meeting.

"I'm having a hard time wrapping my head… there's about 4,000 single family homes in that area," Michael Forner said.

Stars move to Plano

The backstory:

The Stars announced in June they plan on leaving Downtown Dallas to build a new arena in the Plano area.

That same month, Plano City Council approved contributing $700 million to help fund the roughly $1 billion Dallas Stars arena project at the Shops at Willow Bend Mall site.

The council unanimously approved a tax increment reinvestment zone near the mall, with tax dollars collected near Willow Bend and the Dallas North Tollway used to back bonds.

The plans call for a new 18,000-seat arena for the Stars. The city is also considering a 90-acre, year-round sports and entertainment district.

A plan to demolish The Shops at Willow Bend Mall was also approved in June, with demolition plans set to begin in 2027.

In July, Plano held multiple open house events for Plano residents to voice their opinions on the Stars' planned arena.

What's next:

The special election on the venue tax is scheduled to be held November 3. If the ballot measure fails, the City of Plano still has the right to move forward with the arena project.

The Stars plan on moving into the potential new arena by 2031.

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