Dallas Mavericks fans and city leaders are weighing major transportation differences right now as the team seeks input on where to build its next arena.
The Mavericks sent an invite-only survey this week to season ticket holders and Club Maverick members asking for opinions on preferred locations, amenities, ticket options and examples of modern venues. The team’s lease at American Airlines Center expires in 2031, and leadership has said it hopes to select a site by summer with the new venue ready for the 2031-32 season.
The organization has narrowed its focus to two Dallas locations: the former Valley View Mall site in Far North Dallas near LBJ Freeway (I-635) and Preston Road, and a downtown site tied to the current City Hall property. Both would anchor a mixed-use entertainment district with retail, housing and public spaces.
There are 3 highways that converge at Valley View (LBJ, Tollway & SH287/Preston) & space was reserved along LBJ/635 if anyone wants to put rail in to connect with Red Line. Also, a "people mover" is funded by NCTCOG to take folks from the DART Silverline to Valley View. You can…
— Cara Mendelsohn 🟦 (@caraathome) April 7, 2026
Transportation is emerging as a central consideration. The Valley View location offers direct access to LBJ Freeway, the Dallas North Tollway and Preston Road, providing quicker drives for fans from northern suburbs such as Frisco and Plano. It also has room for large parking facilities and potential ride-share or bus loops. Downtown, near City Hall, sits at the convergence of I-30, I-35E and U.S. Highway 75 while already benefiting from DART light rail and the Trinity Railway Express, giving fans car-free options already proven at American Airlines Center.
City officials are running a separate “Open Call for Concepts” survey on the future of City Hall and surrounding properties, with input due by May 3. Mavericks CEO Rick Welts has confirmed ongoing talks with the city about keeping the team in Dallas and creating a year-round vibrant district.
The choice will shape traffic patterns, parking demand and long-term transit planning across the region while boosting economic development in either North Dallas or downtown. No final decisions have been made, and both options remain under active review.
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