Dallas Stars present plan for multi-sport complex in Anna; city staff to prepare bond election materials

Representatives of the Dallas Stars on March 11 presented a proposal to the Anna City Council for a privately operated, public-partnership multi-sport complex that would include two ice sheets, roughly 16 volleyball courts, eight basketball courts, pickleball courts and a restaurant, and said the organization would shoulder operations and capital needs under a long-term lease.

The presentation, led by Brad Alberts, president and CEO of the Dallas Stars, laid out the firms’ experience operating similar “Star Center” facilities across the Dallas–Fort Worth area and said the centers are generally profitable. Alberts said, “Not 1 of our facilities operates at a loss,” and described a model in which the Stars handle capital expenditures and day-to-day operations so the city does not carry those responsibilities.

City Manager Henderson told the council that staff will continue working with the Dallas Stars and “prepare to move forward with a bond election for this item in November” and will provide information to neighbors to aid public decision-making. That statement was…