NHL6 hours ago2 minute read

Plano Voters Reject Tax Plan for Proposed Dallas Stars Arena

Plano voters rejected a tax proposal to help fund a new arena for the Dallas Stars as part of a $3 billion development project.

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Voters Say No to Arena Tax Proposal

Voters in Plano, Texas, have turned down a ballot measure meant to help pay for a new arena for the Dallas Stars. Unofficial results from Tuesday show that 54.6% of the more than 102,000 votes cast were against the single tax proposal.

The plan involved taxes on tickets, parking, car rentals, hotel rooms, and professional teams using the venue. Those taxes were intended to help the city pay back up to $700 million in bonds committed to a planned $3 billion mixed use development.

Plans for The Shops at Willow Bend

The vote focused strictly on the proposed taxes rather than whether the $1 billion arena could be built. The venue is planned as part of a larger redevelopment at The Shops at Willow Bend, where the last enclosed mall built in Texas is being demolished. The site is expected to feature sports, entertainment, retail, dining, and public spaces.

Plano Mayor John Muns addressed the situation in a statement. "The proposed redevelopment at The Shops at Willow Bend remains an important opportunity for our community," Muns said. He added, "We are committed to thoughtful reinvestment and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars as we consider what comes next."

Future Lease Details for the Stars

Under the proposal, the city would own the hockey arena, and the Stars would lease it for 30 years. The team hopes to move to the new venue in 2031. That location is about 20 miles north of the American Airlines Center, where the Stars have played alongside the NBA's Dallas Mavericks since it opened in 2001.

Leases at the American Airlines Center for both teams expire in 2031. The Mavericks also have plans for a similar project about 10 miles north of downtown on the site of a former Dallas mall.

What it means for the next game

Dallas Stars at Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL, Fri, 06 Nov): Columbus Blue Jackets win 43%, Dallas Stars win 57%; projected score Columbus Blue Jackets 3, Dallas Stars 3. Our safest pick: Blue Jackets +1.5.

San Jose Sharks at Dallas Stars (NHL, Sun, 08 Nov): Dallas Stars win 58%, San Jose Sharks win 42%; projected score Dallas Stars 3, San Jose Sharks 3. Our safest pick: Under 8 goals.