Local
Mavericks’ proposed Valley View district draws hope from nearby North Dallas businesses
The team is pursuing a new arena and entertainment district at the former Valley View Mall site, with a potential move beginning in 2031. Nearby business owners say the development could bring customers to an area still recovering from the pandemic, though the project remains years from reality.
NORTH DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks’ plan for a new arena and entertainment district at the former Valley View Mall site is drawing support from nearby businesses that hope the development will bring more customers to the area.
The team announced in June that it intends to focus on building at the 112-acre property near Preston Road and LBJ Freeway. A move could begin with the 2031 season, but the project is still in its early stages: the Mavericks began a rezoning request in September, and the sale of the property is not expected to close for more than a year.
Anthony Blaylock, owner of Big Tony’s Cheesesteaks in Preston Village shopping center across from the site, said the development could help revive an area that suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has run the restaurant for 12 years, building a regular clientele around sandwiches and conversations about sports.
“This is going to be a nice rebound,” Blaylock said, describing the potential arena as a boost for the neighborhood. He said having the team nearby could bring basketball fans into the restaurant before and after games.
Customer Robert Stowell also hopes the plans move forward, while recognizing that there are still steps to come. The proposed development would shift the Mavericks out of Dallas’ downtown corridor for the first time in franchise history and is expected to cost billions of dollars.
The team has said it wants to work with the community as the process continues. For nearby businesses, the prospect of an NBA venue across the street is promising, but any economic benefit remains contingent on the project advancing and being built.