This past Monday August 10th, the Dallas Stars took to social media with an AI generated showing of their future home that’ll be located in Plano. It’ll be a 20 minute drive from the American Airlines Center. While the move to their new arena is still a few years off, all preparations are underway.
While the path to relocate 20 miles north of downtown Dallas is currently murky, it’s going to happen come 2031. It comes down to either tax usage in the area, or possibly the parties involved resorting to private means to fund the upcoming arena. One way or another, the target opening for the Stars to be playing in Plano will be in the fall of 2031.
Mall demolition
Plano is giving way their mall district as they’re tearing it all down. On January 2027, the demolition of the current complex is going to begin. Making way for the Stars to start playing there come summer training camp of the 2031/2032 season.
The Stars already showed what the upcoming arena is expected to look like when it’s finished in about five years. Fans were quick to point out the logo looking a bit off. But it was put out to give everyone an idea of what it’ll look like. Also AI can make mistakes, and it even says that before you use it.
Pros and cons
A move like this is going to create division in the public. As any big decision, and big change does. Over some time, people will be settled into the change after the start of the 2031/2032 Stars seasons. You will also have those talking about the ‘good old days’ of when the Stars played in the city where their team is technically located. Now they’re like the Dallas Cowboys (Irving) and the Texas Rangers (Arlington). Dallas pro teams playing in the suburbs of Big D.
The Stars franchise can point to growth in fandom north of Dallas. There’s been an uptick in the Plano area for not only ice rinks, but players and families of players who play the game.
Loyal fans in Dallas are going to feel the sting of seeing the Stars moving out of downtown Dallas. While it’s not like a relocation to another state, alot of memories were formed with the Stars playing at the AAC (kind of like the old Reunion arena). Plus it’s going to be harder for fans in Dallas Fort Worth to buy season tickets, and go to more games since unlike the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL, there’s multiple Stars games in a week and not just one game. Often times the Stars play at home more than once a week.
There also isn’t likely going to be a public transit in Plano like there is in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex.
Either way, traffic in Dallas Fort Worth, or Plano/Collin County is always tough to navigate. It is what it is, and has always been that way. Even if it takes longer currently for fans north of Dallas, and in the future fans in Dallas, to get to the game the road congestion tacks on at least 20 minutes of waiting in a traffic jam.
There should be a couple things that could be a lot better at the upcoming Plano rink. Such as the ice. American Airlines Arena isn’t known for having the best ice in the NHL, and Plano should improve on it. The new rink should be a better experience for fans all around. From viewing no matter where your seat is to facilities, even to things such as game cups at the concession stand. Everything about the arena, and fan experience will be looked to be improved upon.
Money talks
Stars owner Tom Gaglardi made the best move he could make for the Stars. Especially since there was no shot they were staying at the AAC with the problems they were having with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks (both clubs have since settled their differences, despite both exiting the AAC), and their newer ownership. The city of Plano is willing to foot $700 million of the $1 billion in expenses for the Stars home in five years.
Photo credit: X app @DallasStars
While the salary cap that keeps going up by the year, players demanding for more and more money on their contracts that can go up to seven years. It being a business, Gaglardi and his front office will be better off having more money to their franchise’s name. To better strengthen the team’s chances at being competitive, and to hopefully win Stanley Cup number two soon.
Featured photo: @DallasStars
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Categorized:Stars