The Wings, who currently practice and play games at UT-Arlington’s College Park Center, signed an April 2024 agreement with the city of Dallas to make a move into a new practice facility and a renovated Memorial Auditorium downtown by the start of the 2026 season.
“It was disappointing that some things did not happen with the city of Dallas,” Fernandez said. “But there were investments made in regards to the facilities here at College Park Center.”
The Wings recently took over as the developer of the new 70,000-square-foot practice facility, giving them control over the construction timeline, schedule and budget. But Memorial Auditorium won’t be ready by 2027 and isn’t expected to open until 2028.
The city’s 2024 resident use and incentive agreement guaranteed the Wings use of the AAC if the city couldn’t deliver a renovated Memorial Auditorium in time for the start of the 2026 season, which kicks off Saturday on the road against the Indiana Fever.
The Wings could have utilized the AAC as their full-time arena as early as the 2026 season but will play nearly all their home games at College Park Center, where they’ll host the Atlanta Dream for their home opener May 12.
City representatives did not respond to further questions from The Dallas Morning News in early April about why the AAC clause isn’t being exercised now or speak to any hurdles that could be preventing its use. Wings CEO and managing partner Greg Bibb declined to comment through a spokesperson.
“We’ll be ready to go to a new home for practice and games after this year,” Fernandez said.