Downtown Dallas supporters expressed disappointment Monday after the Dallas Mavericks selected the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas for their new arena and entertainment district, ending hopes of anchoring a major redevelopment around City Hall.
The Mavericks announced option agreements for roughly 104 acres near LBJ Freeway and Preston Road, with plans targeting a 2031 opening as their lease at American Airlines Center expires. For months, business leaders, civic groups and some city officials had pushed for a downtown location, arguing it could catalyze revitalization of the urban core by redeveloping the aging City Hall complex and surrounding properties.
Proponents of the City Hall site, including members of the “Say Yes to Downtown” coalition, viewed the arena project as a once-in-a-generation chance to transform underutilized land, boost property values similar to the area around American Airlines Center, and address long-term needs for the municipal building. Repair estimates for City Hall have ranged into the hundreds of millions, fueling debate over renovation versus relocation.
The Mavericks’ decision shifts the focus northward, leaving downtown advocates to reassess strategies for City Hall’s future without the marquee sports anchor. While city leaders including Mayor Eric Johnson and City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert welcomed the team’s commitment to stay in Dallas, some downtown voices called it a setback for broader urban revitalization efforts.
Community reactions remain mixed, with north Dallas residents largely pleased while downtown stakeholders emphasize the continued need to invest in the city’s core. The Mavericks stated the Valley View location best met their timeline and development goals after more than a year of evaluation.
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