The Ballpark in Arlington opened in 1994. Part of the sales pitch to voters funding its construction was the fantastic new developments that would spring up around it — restaurants, retail, hotels. We know how that story has turned out.
When the same voters approved $325 million for The Colossus at Arlington next door, a similar vision was presented. But, so far, nothing. Is Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck at all concerned that 15 years from now we’ll be talking about the development around Cowboys Stadium just as we talk about the Ballpark’s failed plans? Of course not, he told me this afternoon. Why not? “Because it’s the Cowboys.”
We (North Texas) don’t love the Texas Rangers the way we love the Cowboys. That’s an indisputable fact. (I say that as someone who much prefers the national pastime to “violence punctuated by committee meetings.”) But do we hold America’s Team in such high esteem that developers — and the retail, restaurants, and hotels they hope to accommodate –will rush to be associated with the big blue star in a way that they’ve never been compelled to join with the Rangers’ grand ambitions?
If the near-reverence in Cluck’s voice is any indication, the answer is yes. I’m hearing echoes of James Earl Jones: People will come, Jerry. People will most definitely come.
8 comments
Sure we love the Cowboys, just take a look at all the great development around Texas Stadium on Loop 12. Carmax and a bunch of warehouse/ light industrial.
Clearly the location of Cowboys stadium in Arlington is a little different but I don’t see a ton of development potential.
Yeah, it’s ridiculous to think that development wouldn’t pop up around Cowboys Stadium, look at Texas stadium. Oh, wait, well, look at American Airlines area, two teams play there, just like Arlington, oh, wait…
The plans for Glorypark look incredible.
It’s not if. It’s when.
Unfortunately, Glorypark has been scrapped. The last plan that was talked about was scaled back to just a collection of restaurants and the Starwood hotels.
Doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now either.
Arlington has a shot though to get it right and learn from Victory Park’s mistakes. If the tenants at a future Glorypark (or whatever) are geared towards the event goers (not a boutique chocolate shop) they will go. It’s much easier to show up 3 hours early, get a good parking spot and then eat dinner/lunch instead of eating, then waiting…
I’m actually finishing up plans for permitting in Arlington. An awesome new venue on Collins, right across from the stadium; or is it “stajum”? 80% covered patio dining, party pavillion, indoor/outdoor bar, and a VERY recognizable Dallas restaurant name. We’ll see you in late October.
I’m skeptical of restaurants succeeding around the stadium, with the exception of those that promenently feature the words “All Nude” on their marquee.
Can a restaurant right across from the stadium charge for parking on gameday too? 2 cheeseburgers, 4 beers, 1 parking space = $120. Don’t forget to tip.
The only business that will thrive is the Wal-Mart across the street (booting cars). Even the construction did not bring that much impact to Arlington businesses, unless you count the negative impact of disorganized road construction, tractor trailers taking shortcuts through side streets and detours.
It sure is interesting that Arlington says their roads do not support buses due to turning radius issues; but they have no problen with dump trucks and extra wide load extended flatbed trailers rolling all over town.