Plano City Council has approved initial measures for a proposed sports and entertainment district, including plans for a new multipurpose arena for the NHL’s Dallas Stars. Initial renderings have also been released.
Plano City Council has approved several measures related to a potential sports and entertainment district at The Shops at Willow Bend, anchored by a new multipurpose arena intended to serve as the future home ice for the Dallas Stars. The approvals were made during the council meeting on June 8, 2026, and mark the start of a further review and public engagement process. Initial renderings have also been released.
A new NHL arena as an anchor for an entertainment district in Plano, TX. Image: Dallas Stars / Centennial
The measures include a non-binding Letter of Intent with the Dallas Stars, an incentive agreement with Levin Holdings and Cawley Partners, the establishment of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) for The Shops at Willow Bend and surrounding development area along the Dallas North Tollway, and a Venue Project Resolution. The resolution must be submitted to and approved by the State Comptroller before the City can proceed with calling a special Venue Tax Election.
According to the City, the proposed TIRZ would apply only to the sports, entertainment and mixed-use area surrounding The Shops at Willow Bend. The boundary incorporates only non-residential properties along the Dallas North Tollway. The district is planned to include the arena, further sports and entertainment venues, retail, restaurants, residential development, public spaces and related infrastructure improvements.
The project is to be developed in partnership with Levin Holdings, Cawley Partners and Centennial. Centennial, powered by Lincoln, is a national retail real estate owner and operator overseeing more than 25 million square feet of retail and mixed-use destinations across 18 states.
While there are no details regarding financing yet, the city will apparently contribute more than 700 million USD. Image: Dallas Stars / Centennial
Arena Financing and Venue Taxes
The City’s press release states that the proposed venue taxes would support the planning, acquisition, establishment, development and construction of the arena, as well as related infrastructure and supporting improvements. The potential tax measures listed by the City include a short-term motor vehicle rental tax, a hotel occupancy tax on hotel room bookings, an event parking tax, an event admissions tax and a venue use tax on major league team members playing a professional game in the arena.
Image: Dallas Stars / Centennial
Financially, the project has been reported as a proposed arena development of around 1 billion US-dollar. Experts described the TIRZ as a mechanism estimated to provide 700 million US-dollar over 41 years to help pay off bonds for the arena. Additional venue taxes, subject to voter approval, could provide further funding, and lease terms remain to be negotiated.
A special election is tentatively scheduled for November 3, 2026. If the State Comptroller approves the resolution, Plano City Council would consider an ordinance formally calling the venue tax election.
Further steps announced by the City include traffic modeling and mobility analysis. These studies are intended to assess potential impacts on surrounding roadways, intersections, parking, pedestrian access and overall traffic flow in the area. The City also plans to maintain a dedicated project webpage with updates, frequently asked questions and further opportunities for residents to stay informed. (stadiaworld, 11.06.2026)