Dallas Stars fans stand for the national anthem as the lighted star retracts to the rafters at the American Airlines Center.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
ARLINGTON – As Dallas fought to keep the Stars and Plano worked to lure them north, Arlington also made a bid for the NHL franchise.
Mayor Jim Ross said Arlington pitched a plan to convert the former Texas Rangers ballpark into a hockey arena and held discussions with Stars officials before the team ultimately chose Plano for a proposed new arena and entertainment district.
Asked where Arlington envisioned the team playing, Ross answered: “Choctaw Stadium.”
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Ross said Arlington viewed that as a ready-made option because of its existing infrastructure and central location in the region.
His comments, made during a joint interview this week with KXAS-TV (NBC5) and The Dallas Morning News, provide a glimpse into the competition among North Texas cities as the Stars weighed alternatives to remaining in Dallas.
Ross said Dallas is facing a rough stretch but remains well positioned to compete as growth and development spread across the region.
“Dallas has had an influx of things that haven’t gone their way right now,” he said. “But don’t count them down and out. Dallas is a strong city. They’re going to do just fine.”
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Arlington Mayor Jim Ross.
Chitose Suzuki/Staff Photographer
The Stars last week unveiled plans for a new arena and mixed-use development at the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, a move that would take the franchise out of Dallas when its lease at the American Airlines Center expires.
The announcement came as the Mavericks revealed plans for a new arena at the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas and Neiman Marcus confirmed it would close its longtime downtown flagship store.
Regional rivalry
Ross said Arlington was not alone in pursuing the hockey team. Dallas sought to retain the Stars, Plano aggressively pursued them and other cities also entered the conversation.
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He said Arlington was one of several North Texas cities trying to land the Stars, who were searching for a larger entertainment district than was available at their Victory Park home or other potential downtown Dallas spots.
“Let me tell you, Dallas wanted to keep them, Plano wanted them,” Ross said. “There were other cities that went in there and put their name in the hat as well.”
Ross said Plano ultimately gained the upper hand “because they were in there early and they were working on that thing.”
He praised Plano’s effort and said he was happy for both the city and the franchise.
A rendering shows the proposed Dallas Stars arena and entertainment district planned for Plano.
Courtesy of Centennial
Don’t count Dallas out
As for Dallas’ losses, Ross rejected the idea that those signal a long-term decline for Dallas, saying it remains a strong city and will continue attracting businesses and investment.
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Still, growth across North Texas has created more competition among cities than existed decades ago.
He said Dallas, like Arlington, is largely built out geographically, while cities such as Plano, Frisco and Fort Worth have more room for development.
Ross also said Arlington’s goal is not to defeat neighboring cities but to continue positioning itself for major opportunities when they arise.
“We are always looking for the next great thing to really make us stand out and make a difference in our community,” Ross said. “We’re not trying to beat anybody, we’re trying to be the best we can be.”
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Highlights of Ross’ interview will be aired on NBC5’s Lone Star Politics at 8:30 a.m. Sunday.