You’re walking through Victory Park, the sun is dipping behind the Dallas skyline, and you see it. The massive, double-barrel vaulted roof. Locals call it "The Hangar." Officially, it’s the American Airlines Center, the heart of Mavs ManiAACs and the house that Dirk built.
But honestly? Things are getting weird.
🔗 Read more: Pictures of the Ohio State Logo: What Most People Get Wrong
If you haven't been keeping up with the news in 2026, the dallas mavericks basketball stadium situation is currently a mix of high-stakes real estate drama and a legacy battle. While the AAC is still one of the loudest buildings in the NBA, the clock is ticking.
The Reality of the American Airlines Center Today
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. The AAC opened in 2001. That makes it a veteran in the world of modern sports venues. For a long time, it was the gold standard. Brick, limestone, granite—it looks like a classic train station met a futuristic aircraft hangar.
It seats about 19,200 for basketball, though they can squeeze in over 21,000 if you count standing room. It’s intimate. The retractable seating was designed specifically so the nosebleeds don't feel like you're watching ants play from another zip code.
But here is the catch.
The lease is up in 2031.
Patrick Dumont and the Adelson family—the folks who bought the majority stake from Mark Cuban—aren't just looking to put a fresh coat of paint on the place. They have eyes on something much bigger. We're talking about a destination resort. A casino-integrated arena. Basically, a "mini-Vegas" right in the DFW metroplex.
Why a New Stadium is the Talk of the Town
You might be wondering why they'd leave Victory Park. It’s a great area! You have the Perot Museum right there and plenty of bars.
Well, the relationship between the Mavericks and the Dallas Stars (who share the building) has turned... frosty. Just recently, there’s been legal back-and-forth about arena upgrades. The Mavericks' ownership basically accused the Stars of holding the building "hostage" and blocking necessary improvements.
It’s messy.
Rick Welts, the Mavs' CEO, hasn't been shy. He’s gone on record saying the team needs to be in a new arena for the 2031-2032 season. If the state of Texas ever legalizes gambling—a big "if" that has been debated for years—expect the next dallas mavericks basketball stadium to be located in Irving or somewhere with enough land for a full-scale resort.
What most people get wrong about the current "Hangar"
People think the AAC is falling apart. It’s not. In fact, they just dropped $30 million on renovations recently. The scoreboard is a massive 1080 HD beast that was actually the first of its kind in an NBA arena back when it was installed.
The issue isn't that the stadium is "bad." The issue is the "business of basketball."
👉 See also: Robert O. Wright III: Why the $3.5 Million Man Is the Real Deal
Modern owners don't just want to sell tickets and hot dogs. They want the "lifestyle" revenue. They want the restaurants, the hotels, and—most importantly—the gaming revenue surrounding the court.
Pro Tips for Your Next Visit
If you're heading to a game this season, don't just wing it.
- Ditch the car. Seriously. Parking at the AAC is a nightmare and costs a fortune. Take the DART. The Green and Orange lines drop you right at Victory Station. It’s a two-minute walk. If you’re coming from Fort Worth, the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is your best friend, except on Sundays when it doesn't run.
- The "Dirk" Statue is a must. It’s on PNC Plaza. You can't miss it. It’s the ultimate photo op for any MFFL (Mavs Fan For Life).
- Eat outside first. The food inside is okay—standard Pizza Hut and AvoEats tacos—but the West End and Victory Park have better spots. Hit up Hero or Chops Sports before the doors open.
- The Hangar Fan Shop. If you want a jersey, go early. It gets packed about 30 minutes before tip-off and stays that way until the third quarter.
The Future of the Mavericks' Home
What happens to the Dirk Nowitzki statue if they move to Irving? That’s what fans are actually worried about. Nowitzki Way is a real street name. The history is deep.
But sports is a business of "what's next."
The current dallas mavericks basketball stadium serves its purpose as a temple of noise, but the writing is on the brick walls. Whether it's a new build in Irving or a radical transformation of the downtown landscape, the "Hangar" era is entering its final chapter.
Keep an eye on the Texas Legislature. If the gambling bills pass, that shovel will be in the ground before you can say "Luka Step-back."
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the DART schedule before you buy tickets for a Sunday game, as the TRE doesn't operate then, which might change your commute plan.
- Download the GoPass app to pay for your train fare ahead of time; it saves you from standing in the kiosk line at the station while the first quarter is starting.
- Sign up for the Mavericks' newsletter specifically to track arena updates, as season ticket holders will likely get the first word on relocation plans or new stadium seating charts.