The Dallas Stars Plano arena proposal moved forward after the Plano City Council voted 8-0 at a Monday meeting to advance several measures tied to a proposed sports and entertainment district at The Shops at Willow Bend.
The vote does not finalize the move, but it marks the most significant step so far toward making Plano the future home of the Dallas Stars in 2031.
Dallas Stars Plano Arena Plan Moves Into Next Phase
Council members approved a nonbinding letter of intent with the Dallas Stars, an incentive agreement with development partners, the creation of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and a resolution that could eventually lead to a public vote on venue taxes.
The proposed development would be anchored by a new multipurpose arena that would serve as the Stars’ future home ice. Plans also include sports and entertainment venues, retail, restaurants, residential development, public spaces and infrastructure improvements around The Shops at Willow Bend.
The broader mixed-use project is estimated at $3 billion, while the arena itself is estimated at $1 billion. City documents also point to about $700 million in public funds for public infrastructure, though officials said project cost estimates remain preliminary and subject to change.
Public Funding and Possible Venue Tax Vote
The newly created Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone includes The Shops at Willow Bend and surrounding nonresidential property along the Dallas North Tollway. City officials said the zone would help support future infrastructure and development needs tied to the project.
Under state law, the venue project resolution must be submitted to the Texas Comptroller before Plano can call an election. If approved, the city could hold a venue tax election as early as Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Possible ballot measures could include taxes on hotel stays, short-term vehicle rentals, event parking, event admissions and venue use by professional team members. City officials said those revenues would help support construction of the arena and related infrastructure.
Residents Raise Traffic and Infrastructure Concerns
Residents packed the meeting, with some supporting the project and others urging city leaders to move carefully.
Resident Drew Nickerson said he did not oppose the Stars arena but believed “there’s an infrastructure gap” that had not been addressed. Resident Rene Elgersma said Plano residents deserve clear answers before Willow Bend is transformed from a retail destination into a regional entertainment district.
Plano City Council member Bob Kehr said the process is still in its early stages and residents will have more chances to provide input.
Mayor John Muns said Plano is evaluating the opportunity and described the votes as “a significant first step” toward a district that reflects community priorities.
City officials said traffic modeling and mobility studies will be among the next steps as planners review roads, parking, pedestrian access and traffic flow.
Community open houses are scheduled inside The Shops at Willow Bend near the Equinox and Crate & Barrel entrance on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A self-guided virtual open house will be available from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at plano.gov/WillowBendDistrict.
Dallas Stars owner and chairman Tom Gaglardi thanked Mayor Muns and the council for supporting the letter of intent and related redevelopment measures. He said the team looks forward to the next steps toward making Plano its new home in 2031.
The proposal now moves into a more detailed phase where funding, traffic, public input and voter approval could determine whether the Dallas Stars’ long-term future shifts to Plano.
