Dallas Stars Explore potential Move to Arlington Entertainment District
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The Dallas Stars are weighing their options for a new home, with initial discussions underway with city leaders in Arlington, Texas. The Stanley Cup-winning hockey team is currently evaluating potential locations as their lease at the American Airlines Center nears its expiration in 2031.
The possibility of a move to Arlington was revealed by local officials, who emphasized the early stage of negotiations. “Anytime a team is looking to move or looking for a new area, I mean, this is what Arlington does,” said Mayor Jim Ross on Tuesday. “We’re the entertainment capital.”
Current Home and Future Considerations
Since 2001, the Stars have shared the American Airlines Center with the Dallas Mavericks. However, with the lease agreement set to expire in eight years, the team has begun exploring alternative venues. A team spokesperson confirmed that the Stars are “continually evaluating all options for the home of our franchise in North Texas,” in a statement released October 7, 2025, to KERA.
Arlington’s Appeal: A Sports and Entertainment Hub
Arlington is already a major sports destination, boasting the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and the Esports Stadium Arlington. The city also hosts the Dallas Wings of the WNBA, who play at College Park Center. Council member Rebecca Boxall believes the Stars would be a natural fit within the Arlington Entertainment District.
“The Stars make sense as another staple in the Arlington Entertainment District,” Boxall stated. “There’s a facility that doesn’t have to be built, you know, ground up, coudl be renovated.”
Choctaw Stadium as a Potential Venue
One intriguing possibility being considered is the renovation of Choctaw Stadium, currently home to other sporting events, to accommodate the Stars.This approach could offer notable cost and time savings compared to constructing a new arena.the potential for synergy with the Cowboys and Rangers, already established in the district, is also seen as a benefit.
Competition from Other North Texas Cities
While arlington appears to be a frontrunner, the Stars are also reportedly considering other cities in the region. According to reports from Front Office Sports on October 3, Plano is also in the running. The Dallas Morning News further indicated that Frisco, The Colony, and Fort Worth are also potential locations.
Both Mayor Ross and Council member Boxall stressed that discussions with the Stars are preliminary and that the team is actively evaluating multiple options. The future home of the Dallas Stars remains uncertain, but the competition among North Texas cities is heating up.
why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: The Dallas Stars are exploring a potential move as their lease at the American Airlines Center expires in 2031. They are seeking a long-term home for the franchise.
Who: The key players are the Dallas Stars organization, Arlington city leaders (Mayor Jim Ross and Council member Rebecca Boxall), and representatives from other North Texas cities (Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Fort Worth).
What: The Dallas Stars are considering a move from the American Airlines Center to a new location within North Texas, with Arlington’s Choctaw Stadium emerging as a potential frontrunner due to renovation possibilities and existing sports infrastructure.
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