The fresh appointment gives a major North Texas arena and mixed-use district a confirmed design lead just as Plano advances a public vote on venue-related taxes. The transit, financing, suburban-development, and hockey-specific design questions merit an early interview.
The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, Texas, United States
About this story
The Dallas Stars have selected HNTB to lead design of their proposed new home in Plano. The project is envisioned as a hockey-focused, multipurpose arena and year-round community destination within a mixed-use redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend. Earlier city actions established a non-binding framework involving the Stars, Plano, and private development partners.
Status and timeline
HNTB was selected as lead designer on August 10, 2026. The proposed arena is intended to anchor a broader sports and entertainment district and become the Dallas Stars' home around 2031, subject to agreements, approvals, financing, and a November 3, 2026 venue-tax election.
Design highlights
Purpose-built hockey sightlines and atmosphere; multipurpose event capability; year-round public realm; integration with a mixed-use retail, dining, residential, and entertainment district; mobility and traffic planning for a largely automobile-oriented site.
Important dates
· Plano venue tax election · Details
