The National Basketball Association (NBA) team Dallas Mavericks have narrowed their search for a new arena to two sites within the Dallas City (US) limits with a decision expected by July and a planned opening in 2031.
‘yahoo!sports’ stated that the announcement made recently marks a critical step for the franchise as it seeks to leave their home arena – the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas (US) – amid ongoing litigation with co-tenant the National Hockey League team – the Dallas Stars.
The Dallas Mavericks (often referred to as the Mavs) are an American professional basketball team based in Dallas (US). The Mavericks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a Member of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.
The 19,200-capacity American Airlines Center is a multipurpose indoor arena located in the Victory Park neighborhood in downtown Dallas, Texas (US). The arena serves as the home of the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The arena is also used for concerts and other live entertainment. It opened on July 17th, 2001, at a cost of $420 million.
The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas (US). The Stars compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The American Airlines Center serves as their home venue.
‘yahoo!sports’ further stated that one potential location sits downtown though the exact spot remains undisclosed. The Dallas City Hall’s current site represents one possibility pending the City’s decision on demolishing the iconic structure.
The second option encompasses 110 acres where the Valley View Mall once stood at Preston Road and I-635. The expansive site would accommodate the entertainment district the team envisions surrounding its new home.
The Dallas Mavericks head honcho Rick Welts said the timeline has shifted from an initial March target – “But a lot of that is out of our control, out of the City’s control. I’ve been out there saying first quarter [of the year] before. We are not going to make first quarter. Another two or three months after that.”
The 2031 opening date drives urgency despite seeming distant. The Mavericks’ lease on the American Airlines Center extends through 2031.
Concluded Welts, “We want to open in 2031. That means we’re on the clock. Sounds like a long time but for a 50-acre mixed-use entertainment district, an arena, public gathering places, we’re on the clock.”
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