The arena will host the Stars home games, practices and camps, along with “other indoor sports, entertainment, cultural and civic events,” according to the letter. Also planned is a surrounding “mixed-use entertainment district,” developed by current property owners Centennial.
The $3 billion development will attempt to create a power play for the mall that some say has been skating on thin ice.
“If you look at Willow Bend Mall now, it’s basically dead,” council member Rick Horne said. “Now we have this opportunity to bring a top notch sports entity here, and it will continue to make the city vibrant.”
Council also approved a $15 million economic incentive agreement with Centennial that will assist with demolition of the mall and establish a new visitor’s center at the development.