The Dallas Stars, a professional ice hockey team located in Dallas, Texas, have significantly contributed to the growth of hockey in the southern United States since their relocation in 1993. Their efforts include grassroots programs, community involvement, and fostering fan support.
The Dallas Stars and the City of Farmers Branch have a long-standing relationship, which has recently been strengthened with the opening of the RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport Farmers Branch.
Farmers Branch Mayor Terry Lynne noted, “We have had a relationship with the Dallas Stars for almost 25 years now, and this just takes that another step.”
The Dallas Stars oversee management and operation of eight public community ice rinks located throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex - the Children’s Health StarCenters.
“We have had a relationship with the Dallas Stars for almost 25 years now, and this just takes that another step,” said Farmers Branch Mayor Terry Lynne.
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The new facility, adjacent to Children’s Health StarCenter Farmers Branch, is a testament to this partnership.
The Stars have a similar hope and vision for the City of Northlake next year.
The organizational pursuit of championship-level results on and off the ice, with a focus on entertainment, community service, and growth of the game from grassroots to the National Hockey League.
American Airlines Center in Dallas
Expansion into Multi-Sport Facilities
The Dallas Stars recently added two multisport facilities to their ventures.
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Combined, these sites house 12 NBA regulation basketball courts and 24 USA Volleyball regulation courts with pickleball and throwball court adaptability.
StarCenter Multi-Sport Farmers Branch
The Dallas Stars and the City of Farmers Branch officially opened RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport Farmers Branch, a multi-purpose athletic facility adjacent to Children’s Health StarCenter Farmers Branch, one of the Stars’ suburban ice rinks.
It serves as the home to Texas Advantage Volleyball (TAV).
The RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport Farmers Branch boasts 16 volleyball courts and eight basketball courts.
StarCenter Multi-Sport Farmers Branch
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Dubbed the StarCenter Multi-Sport Farmers Branch, the venue will cost more than $20 million to build, according to Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts.
Construction on the Farmers Branch project will be led by Lee Lewis Construction.
The city will utilize already approved and issued bonds to build the complex.
The Stars have a 25-year lease on the facility, which will accommodate up to eight basketball courts or 16 volleyball courts, with pickleball court adaptability.
The Vision for Youth Sports
“We’re trying to make youth sports a first-class operation,” said Alberts.
“The reality is it’s a business, but you can make it a first-class business, and that’s been our thinking the whole time.
We want to give these kids the best facilities and the best experience they can have.
Lynne said it was a no-brainer for the City of Farmers Branch to be on board.
The fact the ice rink is right there and the fact the Stars know how to run youth sports was key.
“It’s a huge commitment, not just for the athlete, but for the family,” Lynne said.
“Club sports are big business.
If your kid is playing a club sport, as a parent you are paying a lot of money, so there are high expectations.
The City of Farmers Branch finances the building and the Stars will pay rent and run the facility.
“We have had some parking issues at times, but we’re working toward solving that,” Lynne said.
Economic Impact and Future Expansion
“Economic impact is important,” Alberts said.
“Cities need revenue and this is a good way to help provide it.
When you bring people to your city to eat in restaurants or stay in hotels, that’s a good thing.
And for the residents of your city, having facilities like this, that’s a good thing.
Sports has proven it can be a positive for cities both at the highest level, and then also at a grassroots level like this with youth sports.
The Stars are also looking to add to its portfolio of youth sports facility outside of the North Texas region.
“Our group led by Damon Boettcher is having a number of discussions throughout Texas about facilities like these,” Alberts said.
“I strongly believe in scaling appropriately-and we see a need.
We feel that we’re a company that is uniquely positioned to be able to operate these facilities, not only in DFW but throughout the state.”
“It’s been a process, so it’s so good to see it open,” Lynne said.
“It’s a wonderful facility, really welcoming.
Alberts said of the 81,780 square-foot facility that will be a part of three multi-sport builds including the MAC in Lewisville and the Northlake center that will be opening next year in Denton County.
“So we are complementing our ice rink business with these gyms, and we think it’s going to be a great marriage.
Lynne said it was a no-brainer for the City of Farmers Branch to be on board.
The fact the ice rink is right there and the fact the Stars know how to run youth sports was key.