The American Airlines Center in Dallas holds many memories over the last 24 years of operations. Speculation is running about the current pro sports tenants of the AAC, especially the Mavericks. This multi-purpose arena, built in 2001, served both teams well over the past two decades. There are talks that the Mavericks are looking for a new arena when their lease expires several years down the road. This, alongside the Luka Dončić trade causing a raucous uproar, leaves cause for concern about the Mavericks staying in Dallas. Any of these talks would have repercussions for the Stars, who certainly don’t need a new arena over the next ten years. The state of the arena is fine, but changing circumstances mean the tenants at the American Airlines Center could change.
American Airlines Center and Changing Landscape
Longtime fans of both teams remember attending games in the early 2000s with nothing out there. The Stars played their first game in the arena on October 5, 2001. Urban development slowly took over since that time. Many apartment complexes popped up around the Victory Park area over the last several years. That neighborhood is constantly under development, so travel to the area on game days gets more tumultuous every season.
NHL Arena
Surprisingly, the American Airlines Center is the 9th newest constructed arena of the 32 NHL teams. The Flames, Flyers, and Senators are getting new arenas over the next several years. Both the Stars and Mavericks have a good relationship, sharing both the American Airlines Center and Reunion Arena. Multiple renovations and upgrades to the arena make both teams comfortable at home. The American Airlines Center is a great home for the Stars, one they could use for at least 10-20 more years.
Arena Sharing
Tax dollars are going to good use for this 9-figure cost of a stadium. At least 260 events per year keep the profits flowing. The Stars and Mavericks have a good relationship as roommates. The arena store sells both teams’ merchandise regardless of who plays that night. Unsubstantiated rumors about the Mavericks moving to Las Vegas caused lots of speculation over the last few months. These rumors started after the Luka Dončić trade sent shockwaves through the city. Reports are that the Mavericks are leaving the arena when their lease terminates, possibly leaving the Stars out of mind as a sharing tenant. The Mavericks may find a new home in a different section of Dallas.
The Stars do not need a new arena. If the Mavericks leave, then the Stars will likely remain at the American Airlines Center. Another possibility includes the Stars and Mavericks staying as roommates if that new arena is constructed. The Stars are happy with the American Airlines Center even with the possibility of their roommates moving out.
Photo Credit: Josh Bogorad / @joshbogorad
Tags: american airlines center Dallas dallas stars Jason Robertson Mikko Rantanen nhl Roope Hintz
Categorized:Stars