The Stars are still planning their exodus from the AAC to a new arena in Plano, and it looks like they’ll be receiving a ton of help from Plano ISD to make that happen.
The district has committed $250 million to help the franchise fund their new arena at The Shops at Willow Bend in an agreement that would allow Plano ISD to host graduation ceremonies and other events at the arena.
Currently, Plano ISD’s three senior high school graduations are hosted at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. Plano Mayor John Muns told the Dallas Morning News, “That’s a big deal to me is to be able to see seniors get their diploma … right here.”
Dallas Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts told the News that the partnership with the school district could include internships and academies. “We’re committed to doing extensive work with the PISD,” he said. “It’s going to be way more than just having a few graduations over at the arena, and a lot of that’s going to get worked out over the next five years.”
A lot of detractors do not want public funds going to build the new arena.
Plano resident Gary Cary, who is involved in the Stop the Stars Arena group, said he’s confused by the school district’s participation. “A lot of the citizens are having a hard time understanding in a situation where we’re closing schools due to attendance … [and] the budget’s challenged,” he said. “I don’t understand why we want to spend our tax dollars that should go to our schools and our kids.”
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