The Dallas Stars NHL franchise is pursuing a potential relocation from its current downtown arena to a new site in Plano, centered on a ground-up arena and surrounding sports and entertainment district. The team has identified The Shops at Willow Bend as the preferred location and is exploring a comprehensive redevelopment that would replace portions of the existing mall with a new mixed-use destination.
The organization has executed a non-binding Letter of Intent that outlines its vision for the project and has submitted the document to the City of Plano. The Letter of Intent is scheduled for discussion at a Plano City Council meeting on Monday, June 8, where city officials are expected to consider the proposed framework. While non-binding, the LOI establishes the basis for planning a new arena along with broader mixed-use components.
The proposed development is described as a sports and entertainment district integrated into a larger mixed-use environment on the Willow Bend site. Plans referenced in the Letter of Intent include both the design and construction of a new arena for the Dallas Stars and the creation of a surrounding district intended to host a variety of uses. Those contemplated program elements include sports and entertainment venues, retail space, dining concepts and public gathering areas organized around the future arena.
The project is being advanced in partnership with parties associated with the existing property, with Levin Holdings & Cawley Partners and Centennial named alongside the Stars organization in the proposal. These groups are working jointly on the mixed-use redevelopment concept, which would reposition the Willow Bend site from its current mall format toward a modern, arena-anchored destination with a range of commercial and entertainment offerings.
As part of the transition, demolition at The Shops at Willow Bend Mall is scheduled to begin in the fall, according to the information released with the proposal. Clearing portions of the existing retail property would make way for the new arena and its associated entertainment venue, as well as the broader mixed-use elements contemplated for the site. The demolition timeline underscores that the redevelopment is being planned as a significant reconfiguration of the former mall property rather than a light renovation.
The Dallas Stars’ interest in relocating to Plano and anchoring a new district at Willow Bend would represent a notable shift in how the site is utilized, with professional sports and large-scale events becoming a central driver of activity. The project’s advancement remains subject to the City of Plano’s review of the non-binding Letter of Intent and any subsequent agreements or approvals that may be required before design and construction of the arena and mixed-use components can proceed.
