Richardson | March 2026

Government

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Stars, Plano talk Willow Bend move

The background

A plan to redevelop The Shops at Willow Bend into a mixed-use development was approved in February 2024, before needing to be reworked in February 2025 due to the closure of Macy’s within the mall. Since property owners Centennial adjusted the redevelopment plan last February, Dillard’s closed its Willow Bend location and Neiman Marcus announced its impending closure for January 2027. The Crayola Experience also temporarily closed Feb. 7.

Plano could become the new home of the Dallas Stars, as the city conirmed that it has been in “earnest discussions” with the hockey team. The National Hockey League team is eyeing The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, as a potential site for a “new arena district,” according to a statement from the city. The Stars lease at the American Airlines Center is expiring in 2031. The city has not yet made a formal offer to the team, according to the statement. “The city of Plano is known for attracting national and international brands because of our strong economy, highly educated workforce and commitment to strategic growth,” a city spokesperson said in the statement. “For the past year, the city has been in earnest discussions with the Dallas Stars regarding a potential arena district at The Shops at Willow Bend.” “We respect that any decision about the team’s future rests with the organization, and we will

The Dallas Stars could move their new stadium to The Shops in Willow Bend in Plano.

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continue to approach these conversations responsibly and deliberately,” the city spokesperson said. The Stars are reviewing options for their North Texas home, a spokesperson said.

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