Residents hold signs against the proposed Dallas Stars arena during a Plano City Council meeting in Plano, Texas, Monday, November 9, 2026.
Anja Schlein/The Dallas Morning News
PLANO — A week after Plano voters denied funding for a proposed Dallas Stars arena, residents brought both criticism and support of the project to council members Monday as city leaders consider the path forward for the venue.
By nearly 55%, Plano voters turned down a slate of venue taxes to help fund the proposed arena in last week’s election. Proposition A asked for permission to levy up to five taxes — fees on tickets, parking, car rentals, hotel rooms and professional sports teams.
Voters against the ballot measure cited concerns over using public money for private benefit. The city would own the arena planned for the site of The Shops at Willow Bend mall and the team would lease it. Others had broader concerns about the arena, like traffic and crime. The vote was on the taxes, not on allowing the arena itself.
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The Stop the Stars Arena committee organized against Proposition A and brought the campaign to Monday night’s council meeting, urging leaders to halt the project. They were countered by residents who asked the council to find a way forward, a sign the 45% of voters who favored Proposition A are ready to secure the suburb its first major league sports team.
Related: Plano voters rejected Dallas Stars arena funding under Proposition A. What happens now?
“The project is a chance to keep our dollars here, our dining here and our weekends here in Plano,” Matt Digges said to the council. “It’s a chance to give our kids a reason to stay and commit to this city. … Don’t let this opportunity pass us.”
The Stars’ representatives have said the NHL franchise is committed to the project and city officials have said there are other funding options to pursue, such as a project financing zone through the state Legislature.
Some residents saw the election results as proof that Plano is no home for the Stars.
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“I would like the council to take the result of this proposition as a sign that the city … should not lobby the state Legislature,” Sean McKenna said to council members.
Mayor John B. Muns listens during a Plano City Council meeting in Plano, Texas, Monday, November 9, 2026.
Anja Schlein/The Dallas Morning News
Stop the Stars committee members and other Plano residents brandished signs, printed on copy paper, that read “Puck No” under a splash of green and a hockey puck.
“The landowner and Stars owner could come up with the funds like any legitimate business investor would and the city should not provide a financial bailout for property developers,” said Ramesh Shastri.
Mary Gray has concerns about added traffic. The city is commissioning traffic studies to review potential impacts and improvements.
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“These are not simply lines on a traffic map. They’re the roads I have to take in and out of my neighborhood,” she said. “Residents should not have to check an arena event calendar before they leave their home.”
Plano leaders have said the project can go forward without Proposition A.
Related: Do Plano election results re-open door to Dallas for Stars? City leaders, team chime in
Ian Driscoll hopes it does, but not because he’s a hockey fan.
“[The Stars] view Plano as the new economic belly button of the Metroplex, which, as a property owner in Plano, is extremely exciting,” he told the council. “This is a possibility for further strengthening Plano as a destination of choice for businesses, families and investment.”
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He urged the council to consider other ways to fund the project.
As the meeting ended, residents chanted “Puck No,” waving their paper signs.
Council members did not respond to public comments Monday night.
In a statement last week, Plano Mayor John Muns said the proposed redevelopment “remains an important opportunity for our community.” The city is “committed to thoughtful reinvestment and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars as we consider what comes next,” he said.
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