What Dallas Stars fans have to say about Plano arena tax election

The view from section 332 as the Dallas Stars face off against the Colorado Avalanche at American Airlines Center, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 in Dallas.

Chris Swann/The Dallas Morning News

In Section 332 of American Airlines Center, a sea of green united fans who drove from Fort Worth, took the train from Coppell or walked from Uptown to make the 7:30 p.m. Tusday puck drop as the Dallas Stars took on the Colorado Avalanche. 

Five years from now, their commutes could look different.

The NHL franchise is planning a move from the AAC to Plano after over two decades sharing the Victory Park arena with the Dallas Mavericks. 

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Plano is committing $700 million toward an estimated $1 billion arena that the Stars are interested in leasing for 30 years when the team’s lease is up in Dallas in 2031. 

Plano officials have asked voters to consider five venue taxes — on tickets, event parking, car rentals, hotel rooms and major league teams using the venue — to help cover the cost. 

Here’s what Dallas Stars fans in Section 332 had to say about the arena plans and Nov. 3 tax election. 

A rendering for the proposed new development for the planned Dallas Stars arena and entertainment complex. 

Courtesy of Centennial

Follow the money

David Enriquez, 45, lives in Fort Worth and attends a few Stars games a year.

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“The Stars can make more money in that part of town than any other part of town,” he said. “That’s more where the wealth is in this area.”

Don’t tax the fans

Todd St. Clair, 55, lives in Coppell and attended the game with his brother, David, 58, who lives in Fort Worth. 

“They don’t need to tax the fans if they want them,” Todd said of Plano. “Tax your residents.”

“Plano will be reaping the rewards of increased tourism,” David said. “I don’t think they should tax the fans or the tickets or even the team.”

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Either city works

Katie Gallant, 30, of Dallas, said the arena’s location makes little difference to her.

“I’m happy if it’s here or Plano,” she said. “I don’t care. I’ll be there.”

Related: Plano residents rally against arena tax as Dallas Stars fund competing campaign

Willow Bend revival

Ellie Aguilar, 52, came to the AAC from Plano Tuesday night.

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“I would vote for it,” Aguilar said.

He hopes the project could revitalize The Shops at Willow Bend site.

“It’s very desolate … that area should be thriving. And if the Stars go there, it’s all easier, all the better.”

Closer to home

Nash Lowry, 22, grew up in Plano.

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“I’ll go to games even more now because the commute will be less,” he said. “If we’re going to host the Dallas Stars and they get to be 20 minutes away from my childhood home, I would gladly pay those taxes.”

Keep the Stars in Dallas

Jeff Smalley, 55, lives in Arlington and is hoping voters reject the proposal. 

“I want this thing to fail,” he said. “I don’t understand why this city of Dallas and the Stars can’t come to some agreement and sort this out.”

Mixed views on costs 

Richland Hills resident Nicole Fegett was holding her baby at the back of Section 332. 

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“I don’t know how I feel about the increase in our prices because we’re also having to make the commute,” she said. “But I also understand it from Plano voters’ [perspective] too. Residents don’t want to have to pay for it if they’re not the ones always enjoying it.”

With a potential move to Plano on the horizon, we took to the ice to ask Dallas Stars fans how they felt about the move.

Chris Swann, The Dallas Morning News

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