Introduction
The Hertz Arena is a multi-purpose indoor sports and entertainment facility located in Dallas, Texas, United States. The arena opened its doors in 2025 after a decade of planning, design, and construction, and it has quickly become a centerpiece of the city’s cultural and economic landscape. With a seating capacity of 20,000 for basketball and hockey configurations and a maximum capacity of 23,500 for concerts, the arena is designed to accommodate a wide variety of events. The naming rights agreement with the car rental company Hertz, a Texas‑based multinational corporation, was announced in 2018 and took effect upon the arena’s opening. The facility is situated on a 25‑acre parcel of land adjacent to the historic downtown district, near major transportation arteries and public transit hubs, making it highly accessible for residents and visitors alike.
History and Planning
Initial Proposals
The concept for a new arena in Dallas originated in the early 2010s, when city planners and business leaders identified a growing demand for a modern, state‑of‑the‑art venue to host professional sports teams, concerts, and other large events. The existing American Airlines Center, home to the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars, was experiencing congestion during overlapping event schedules, prompting discussions about a supplemental arena. Early feasibility studies suggested that a dedicated facility could boost the city’s competitive edge in attracting high‑profile events, stimulate tourism, and support regional economic development.
Site Selection
By 2014, the city’s planning commission had shortlisted several potential sites, including an underutilized industrial zone near the Union Station transit hub, a former warehouse district in the Deep Ellum neighborhood, and a vacant lot on the east side of downtown. In 2015, the city government announced a bid process that invited developers to submit proposals encompassing design concepts, financing plans, and community impact assessments. After reviewing proposals from multiple firms, the city awarded a development contract to the firm Horizon Development Partners, which presented a design for a 25‑acre site at 1800‑South Lamar Street. The selected site offered proximity to public transportation, ample parking capacity, and room for ancillary retail and dining amenities.
Political and Community Support
The announcement of the Hertz Arena plan received strong support from local officials, including the mayor and city council members, who highlighted the potential for job creation and revenue generation. A joint city‑state task force was formed in 2016 to streamline permitting, zoning, and infrastructure upgrades. Public meetings were held throughout 2016 and 2017 to address concerns related to traffic congestion, noise, and environmental impact. A series of surveys and town hall discussions were conducted, and the overall response indicated a favorable public opinion, with over 60 percent of surveyed residents expressing support for the project. The city also secured a grant from the Texas Economic Development Office to fund initial infrastructure improvements, further facilitating the project’s progression.
Design and Architecture
Architectural Firm
Horizon Development Partners collaborated with the award‑winning architectural firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), to design the arena. SOM’s experience in large‑scale sports venues, such as the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in St. Louis, provided a strong foundation for the project. The design team focused on creating an adaptable, multifunctional space that could seamlessly transition between sporting events, concerts, and community gatherings. Key design goals included maximizing sightlines, integrating advanced acoustics, and providing a flexible seating arrangement that could be reconfigured based on event requirements.
Design Concepts
The arena’s exterior is characterized by a glass‑clad façade that allows natural light to permeate the interior while providing a dynamic visual presence within the downtown skyline. The façade incorporates a responsive shading system that mitigates solar gain and reduces energy consumption. The interior features a retractable roof system that allows the arena to host open‑air events, such as concerts with a stage on a central platform. The seating bowl is designed with a tiered configuration, ensuring that no seat is more than 12 feet from the action. The arena also incorporates a “living room” concept, with a series of lounge areas that combine seating, premium food and beverage services, and interactive gaming zones.
Sustainability Features
The Hertz Arena was designed with sustainability in mind, achieving a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. The project includes a rooftop photovoltaic array that generates up to 2 megawatts of renewable energy, offsetting approximately 25 percent of the arena’s electricity consumption. Water‑efficient fixtures, a greywater recycling system, and a green roof on the main concourse reduce stormwater runoff and enhance insulation. Energy monitoring systems provide real‑time data on consumption patterns, allowing facility managers to adjust HVAC and lighting settings to maintain optimal efficiency. The arena’s design also integrates a dedicated bike‑parking area and electric vehicle charging stations, encouraging sustainable transportation options for visitors.
Construction and Financing
Budget and Funding Sources
The total cost of the Hertz Arena was projected at $850 million, with contributions from multiple sources. Approximately 30 percent of the budget was financed through a municipal bond issued by the Dallas City Council, which was approved in a 2018 referendum. The remaining funds were secured through private investment, including equity from Horizon Development Partners, an investment partnership from the Hertz Corporation, and a series of sponsorship agreements with local businesses. The naming rights deal with Hertz accounted for an estimated $120 million over 20 years, providing a substantial portion of the arena’s operating budget. Additionally, the city secured a federal grant for transportation infrastructure improvements to accommodate the increased traffic volume associated with the new arena.
Construction Timeline
Groundbreaking for the Hertz Arena took place on March 15, 2019, marking the official start of construction. The project was executed in two primary phases: Phase I involved site preparation, foundation work, and installation of the arena’s core structural components; Phase II focused on interior finishes, systems integration, and final testing. Construction milestones were carefully monitored by the city’s construction oversight committee to ensure adherence to the 18‑month schedule. The arena’s roof was completed by October 2020, and the interior seating and acoustic treatments were finalized by March 2021. The facility was officially opened on September 10, 2025, after a series of soft‑opening events and a grand opening concert featuring a major international pop star.
Key Contractors
The primary general contractor for the Hertz Arena was Turner Construction, a leading firm with a strong track record in large‑scale sports venues. Turner oversaw all aspects of construction, including coordination with sub‑contractors, material procurement, and site safety management. The structural steel components were fabricated by Jindal Steel & Power, while the glass façade was installed by Schüco International. The arena’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems were designed and installed by Johnson Controls, a company specializing in sustainable building solutions. The project also incorporated a collaboration with the local university’s civil engineering department, which provided research support for seismic retrofitting and sustainability modeling.
Facilities and Features
Seating Capacity and Layout
The Hertz Arena’s primary seating configuration offers a capacity of 20,000 for basketball and hockey events. The seating is divided into three tiers: lower bowl, mid‑level, and upper tier, each providing unobstructed views of the playing surface. The arena also features 1,200 premium suites, each with a private lounge, catering services, and a dedicated parking spot. For concerts, the arena’s flexible layout allows the addition of a central stage and floor seating, raising the total capacity to 23,500. The venue includes a dedicated children’s area, an arcade, and a “kids zone” with interactive exhibits to engage younger attendees.
Playing Surface and Equipment
The arena’s main court is equipped with an NHL‑standard ice‑making system, featuring a modular refrigeration unit that can be quickly installed or removed to convert the space between hockey and basketball configurations. The court surface is a composite hardwood floor that meets NBA specifications and incorporates shock‑absorption technology to reduce athlete injury risk. The arena also hosts a state‑of‑the‑art scoreboard system, including a high‑definition LED display that spans the entire backboard and additional LED ribbon displays around the perimeter. Integrated audio‑visual systems support multiple concurrent events, such as live broadcasts and corporate presentations.
Concessions and Amenities
Food and beverage service throughout the arena offers a mix of local and international cuisine, with a focus on regional Texas specialties. The arena partners with 15 local restaurants and food trucks to provide diverse options, including a vegan menu and a dedicated alcohol bar. Concession stands are strategically located along the concourse to minimize crowding. In addition to food and beverage, the arena hosts a range of merchandise outlets, including a branded team apparel store, a souvenir shop, and a ticketing kiosk for last‑minute sales.
Technology and Media Infrastructure
The Hertz Arena is equipped with a high‑speed fiber‑optic network that supports up to 1 gigabit per second data throughput for both internal operations and public internet access. The venue’s Wi‑Fi coverage spans the entire arena, including all seating tiers, the concourse, and event spaces. The facility features an advanced broadcast production suite, complete with 3D camera rigs, real‑time analytics, and multi‑platform streaming capabilities. The arena’s lighting system is programmable and can be customized for event themes, with LED fixtures that reduce power consumption by 30 percent compared to conventional lighting.
Tenants and Events
Sports Teams
The primary tenants of the Hertz Arena are the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). In 2026, the Mavericks announced a 10‑year lease that includes provisions for shared revenue streams, community outreach programs, and joint marketing initiatives. The Stars’ lease includes an option to expand seating capacity for high‑profile exhibition matches. The arena also hosts collegiate tournaments, including the Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders’ basketball and the University of Texas‑Pan American’s volleyball championships.
Concerts and Entertainment
The Hertz Arena quickly established itself as a premier concert venue, drawing internationally renowned artists and touring groups. In its first year, the arena hosted 35 concerts, featuring performers such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and the Rolling Stones. In addition to music events, the arena supports theatrical productions, dance performances, and large-scale corporate events. The arena’s stage configuration can accommodate productions requiring elaborate set pieces, providing a versatile backdrop for Broadway touring companies.
Other Events
Beyond sports and concerts, the Hertz Arena serves as a venue for a variety of events, including esports tournaments, community festivals, and trade shows. In 2027, the arena hosted the Dallas Esports Invitational, a multi‑disciplinary gaming competition that attracted over 40,000 visitors. The venue also serves as a staging area for the Dallas International Film Festival, providing a screening room and an event space for premieres. The arena’s flexible layout and advanced infrastructure make it an attractive choice for conventions, corporate retreats, and charity fundraisers.
Economic Impact
Job Creation
Construction of the Hertz Arena generated over 5,000 temporary jobs, ranging from site laborers to engineering specialists. The arena’s ongoing operations sustain approximately 1,200 full‑time positions, including administrative staff, maintenance crews, security personnel, and event coordinators. Additionally, the arena’s tenant teams and event organizers contribute to ancillary employment opportunities in the hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors. A study by the Dallas Economic Development Office in 2026 estimated that the arena’s presence increased employment in the Greater Dallas–Fort Worth area by 3.5 percent over the preceding decade.
Local Business Growth
The arena’s proximity to downtown Dallas has spurred a wave of development in the surrounding area, including boutique hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments. In 2028, the average occupancy rate for hotels within a 1‑mile radius of the arena exceeded 85 percent during major events, compared to 60 percent during non‑event periods. The arena’s presence also encouraged the creation of an incubator program for tech startups, which partnered with local universities to provide mentorship and funding opportunities.
Tax Revenue
City officials report that the Hertz Arena has contributed approximately $15 million annually in sales tax revenue, derived from ticket sales, concessions, and merchandise purchases. Property tax assessments for the arena and adjacent developments have increased the city’s revenue base by an estimated $8 million per year. The arena’s naming rights agreement with Hertz also includes a charitable contribution component that funds community scholarships and youth sports programs.
Community Outreach
Youth Programs
The arena’s “Mavericks Youth Academy” provides coaching clinics and community outreach programs for children aged 6 to 12. The program, funded by the Dallas Mavericks’ community foundation, offers 120 hours of free coaching per year, featuring local coaches and former players. The program also includes educational workshops on nutrition, teamwork, and leadership, aligning with the city’s educational goals.
Charitable Initiatives
The Hertz Arena’s management team partnered with the Stars’ charitable foundation to launch the “Stars for the Future” initiative, which donates 5 percent of ticket revenue from all home games to local pediatric hospitals. The initiative has donated over $1.2 million to the pediatric oncology department of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center since its inception. The arena also supports a “Community Night” event that allows local non‑profits to host fundraising galas and benefit concerts.
Future Developments
Expansion Plans
In 2029, the Dallas City Council approved a redevelopment plan to convert a former parking lot adjacent to the Hertz Arena into a mixed‑use residential community, featuring 500 new homes and a public park. The plan includes the addition of a pedestrian plaza that connects the arena to the nearby Klyde Warren Park. The arena’s management also announced plans to incorporate a “sports museum” within the concourse, featuring interactive exhibits that chronicle the history of the Mavericks and Stars.
Technological Innovations
Looking ahead, the Hertz Arena’s management is exploring the integration of augmented reality (AR) experiences for fans. In 2029, the arena launched a pilot program that allows attendees to access AR overlays through their smartphones, providing real‑time player statistics and interactive content during games. The arena also plans to host a “virtual reality” gaming experience in the “kids zone,” using haptic feedback to create immersive sports simulations.
Conclusion
The Hertz Arena stands as a beacon of modern architecture, sustainability, and community engagement within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Its adaptable design, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships have positioned it as a hub for sports, entertainment, and cultural events. The arena’s economic contributions and community outreach programs continue to strengthen the region’s social fabric, while its sustainability initiatives set a benchmark for future large‑scale venues. As the Hertz Arena evolves, it remains a symbol of innovation and resilience, embodying Dallas’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous future.
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