Overview of the Development Proposal

On Thursday night, the Irving City Council approved amendments to initiate a mixed-use development plan for the site of the former Texas Stadium. This proposal will now be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The proposed project includes an arena with a seating capacity of at least 15,000 and the possibility of incorporating casino gaming, contingent on approval from the Texas Legislature.

Current Ownership and Leadership Perspectives

The land slated for development is owned by a company affiliated with Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which is headed by COO Patrick Dumont. Dumont also holds the position of governor for the Mavericks.

In recent statements, Dumont reaffirmed the team’s commitment to remain in the Dallas area, emphasizing, “The Dallas Mavericks are the Dallas Mavericks, and they will be in Dallas.” This remark was made in a recent interview with the Dallas Morning News, where he sought to dispel any rumors regarding a possible relocation of the team to Las Vegas.

Legislative and Procedural Considerations

Despite the development’s promising outlook, several hurdles must be cleared before any plans can materialize. A key factor is the uncertain trajectory of gambling legislation in Texas. For a casino component to be integrated into the project, the Texas Legislature would need to authorize casino gaming, and the electorate must approve such measures.

Next Steps in the Approval Process

The proposed amendments are set to be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 4. Should they gain approval at that level, a vote by the Irving City Council will be scheduled for March 20.