The list of potential sites for a new Dallas sports arena
could be narrowed to the Reunion Arena and West End areas by
today, when the city council is expected to discuss "preferred
locations behind closed doors." Although council members will be
briefed on 13 proposed sites in and around downtown, some said
they expect the city staff to recommend three "preferred sites."
All three are likely to be near Reunion Arena or the West End,
areas favored by the Mavericks and Stars. After several suburban
cities made overtures toward the Mavs and Stars earlier this
year, the city council hired consultants to work with the staff
on a $421,000 feasibility study on a new arena. Even as council
members prepare to discuss where to build a $184M arena, "some
are talking about taking drastic measures against" the Stars for
not signing a long-term lease at Reunion Arena. Stars President
Jim Lites said that no lease will be signed until the city
assures the team that they will have a new home. The council is
not expected to "formally approve a site or sites until next
Wednesday." City officials then plan to begin talks with owners
of the chosen sites (Sylvia Martinez, DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/21).
