The Dallas StarCenter in Frisco is certainly going through a growth-spurt, adding parking, luxury suites, and over 2,500 seats to the arena.
And in the truest sign of growing up, the StarCenter is getting a new moniker -- Dr. Pepper Arena. The press release (included below) explains the arena portion -- formerly known as the Deja Blue Arena and the ice-based StarCenter itself will now be combined under the Dr. Pepper Arena name.
The newly updated complex is set to open on June 1, 2009 with premiere events like MMA cage matches, a performance from Bill Cosby, and a boxing match with Olympian (and North Texan) Luis Yanez.
FULL PRESS RELEASE
The Dallas Stars announced today that the new Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, Tex., will open on June 1, 2009. Dr Pepper Arena will be the premier entertainment venue in Collin County, located at the corner of the North Dallas Tollway and Gaylord Ave.
Formerly known as the Deja Blue Arena at the Dr Pepper StarCenter, the facility is currently undergoing a major renovation through a partnership between the Dallas Stars, the City of Frisco and the Frisco ISD. The original facility opened in 2003; Dr Pepper Arena will now serve as the name of the entire complex.
Most of the renovation has taken place on the arena side of the complex, which began last summer. Dr Pepper Arena’s capacity will go from 3,500 to just over 6,000. Additions to the arena include a 1,000-space parking garage, extensive kitchen/catering capabilities, 12 luxury suites and a VIP club.
Dr Pepper Arena has booked several great events for the arena’s opening month of June:
·Steele Cage Mixed Martial Arts – Thursday, June 11, 7:30 pm
·An Evening with Bill Cosby – Friday, June 12, 8 pm
·Harlem Globetrotters – Saturday, June 13, 7 pm
·Frisco Fun Festival-Barney, Bob the Builder & Angelina the Ballerina – Sunday, June 14, 9 am-6 pm
·Championship Boxing with Olympian Luis Yanez – Friday, June 19, 7:30 pm
All of the above events will go on-sale on Sunday, May 3, at 11 a.m. at DrPepperArena.com or by calling 866-337-1312. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Dr Pepper Arena Box Office (2601 Ave., Frisco). Dr Pepper Arena will host various other events, including basketball games, hockey and gymnastics.
Dr Pepper Arena is also the home of the Texas Tornado hockey team of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The Tornado returns to the ice this fall, celebrating its 10th year. The team has won three national titles in its history.
“We are thrilled to present Dr Pepper Arena as the premier entertainment venue in Collin County and the Frisco area,” said Randy Locey, executive vice president of business operations for the Dallas Stars. “The arena will have the capability to host a myriad of events, and we are very excited to have five great shows for the opening month of June.”
Dr Pepper has been a strong partner of the Dallas Stars since the hockey club came to North Texas in 1993.
“We are very proud our longstanding relationship with the Dallas Stars through our sponsorship of the team and our continued involvement with Dr Pepper StarCenters throughout the Metroplex,” said Jim Trebilcock, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Dr Pepper Snapple Group, based in Plano. “Dr Pepper Arena brings that relationship to a new level, provides a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue for the Frisco community and in the process gives the Dr Pepper brand even more visibility here in our home market.”
Dr Pepper Arena will continue to be home to the Dallas Stars Corporate Offices and the team’s official practice facility.
“We’re really looking forward to the opening of the Dr Pepper Arena,” said Frisco Mayor Maher Maso. “The expansion project has transformed the arena into a well-balanced venue with greater capabilities to host events for everyone! Our residents and visitors will enjoy more entertainment opportunities and our city will benefit economically from the arena’s enhanced ability to host a wide variety of events.”
