\n Plano Approves Non-Binding LOI For Dallas Stars Arena | Dallas Stars @DallasStars <\/p>\n
The Plano City Council made a significant decision on Monday night, approving several measures that could bring the NHL\u2019s Dallas Stars and a new sports and entertainment district to the city.<\/p>\n
At its June 8 city council meeting<\/a>, the council approved<\/a> a non-binding Letter of Intent with the Stars, laying the groundwork for a potential multipurpose arena along the Dallas North Tollway. If the project advances, the arena would officially become the franchise\u2019s new home ice.<\/p>\n A statement from Owner, Governor and Chairman Tom Gaglardi: pic.twitter.com\/mdfF67uzKZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) June 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The council also approved an incentive agreement with developers Levin Holdings and Cawley Partners, established a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) tied to the Willow Bend area, and passed a Venue Project Resolution that must now go to the State Comptroller before any public vote can be called.<\/p>\n City documents describe a sports and entertainment district built around the proposed arena, with retail and dining spots, residential development, and other \u201cpublic gathering spaces.\u201d The TIRZ \u2013 which covers only non-residential properties in the surrounding area \u2013 is designed to help finance the infrastructure required by a development and construction project of this size and scale.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Shops at Willow Bend has long been in our sights as an ideal location for creating a vibrant destination that blends sports and entertainment, retail, dining, office space, and housing,\u201d said Steven Levin of Levin Holdings. \u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity to reimagine this property as a place where the community can come together and where Plano can continue to grow and thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n Before visions turn into concrete, residents will get another say.<\/p>\n The city is tentatively eyeing a November 3, 2026, special election that would ask voters to approve several venue-specific taxes. On the table: a short-term vehicle rental tax, a hotel occupancy tax, an event parking tax, an event admissions tax, and a venue use tax. Revenue from those taxes would fund planning, construction, and related infrastructure improvements for the arena and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n However, the election cannot be formally called until the State Comptroller reviews and approves the Venue Project Resolution the council passed on June 8, per state law. Only after that clearance would the council vote on an ordinance officially putting the measure before Plano voters.<\/p>\n Plano Mayor John Muns referred to this week\u2019s votes as a starting point rather than a done deal for the Stars.<\/p>\n \u201cPlano has built a reputation as a city that welcomes world-class partners and community-focused investment,\u201d Muns said. \u201cThese actions are a significant first step as we evaluate the potential for a thoughtfully designed sports and entertainment district that reflects the priorities and values of our community.\u201d<\/p>\n City officials say community engagement will be crucial to bringing the NHL team to town. Two in-person open houses have also been scheduled inside The Shops at Willow Bend for public input:<\/p>\n Wednesday, July 8 \u2014 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For those who can\u2019t attend in person, a self-guided virtual open house will be available from July 8 through July 22 at plano.gov\/WillowBendDistrict<\/a>, where the city is also launching a dedicated project page with continued updates.<\/p>\n The city has also announced plans to conduct \u201ctraffic modeling and mobility analysis\u201d to assess how a large-scale entertainment district might affect roadways, intersections, parking, and pedestrian access in the area.<\/p>\n The Stars currently play at American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas, an arena they have shared with the NBA\u2019s Mavericks. A dedicated arena in Plano would be a big move for the franchise, to say the least.<\/p>\n Regardless, the deal between Plano and the team is far from finalized. The Letter of Intent is explicitly non-binding, the election hasn\u2019t been called, and the Comptroller hasn\u2019t yet signed off.<\/p>\n \u201cThe stars are leaving Dallas. It was probably because of politics, but it was also probably because of economics\u2026We hope you love the stars. We hope that they bring a championship to Plano,\u201d Murs added on Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
\nTuesday, July 14 \u2014 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n