Cuban first pitched the idea for the venue to Live Nation's Michael Rapino during a chance encounterTHE HIFI
Live Nation is converting an empty North Dallas warehouse into a 1,000-capacity venue "called The HiFi Dallas," set to open in May just south of the Mavericks' practice facility, according to Robert Wilonsky of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban owns the space and "will basically serve as The HiFi Dallas' landlord." Cuban said, "The Design District has been waiting for an entertainment destination, and the building was the perfect place. And, of course, we have all the parking right there, and it can leverage the traffic coming from the [American Airlines Center]." Live Nation Senior VP/Marketing & Business Development Dave Fortin said that the idea came about after Cuban "had a chance encounter" with Live Nation President & CEO Michael Rapino, during which Cuban "pitched the idea." Cuban said Live Nation "made it an easy decision" because they "know how to design, build and operate as well as anyone on the planet" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 1/28).
