Dallas Park and Recreation Board Approves New Practice Facility for Dallas Wings
The Dallas Park and Recreation Board approved on Thursday the usage of land in Far West Oak Cliff for a new Dallas Wings practice facility. Board members specifically authorized using a portion of Joey Georgusis Park at 1200 North Cockrell Hill Road for the WNBA team’s facility, which will cost $55 million.
Support for the Facility
While some board members had questions about other options considered for the facility and why this location was chosen, support for the item was generally widespread. “I just appreciate that southern Dallas is on the table,” Council District 3 representative Vana Hammond said. “And we appreciate the Wings for considering southern Dallas.”
Council District 8 representative Bo Slaughter said he’s “sick and tired of teams saying that they’re Dallas teams, but they’re in Fort Worth or in Mesquite or something … so I’m supportive of this.”
Background and Timeline
The park board’s action comes a week after the City Council approved a proposal 12-3 to design the facility at the park that would open before next season. The Wings’ offices would also be based in that area of southwest Dallas.
Some council members at the May 28 meeting wanted to delay the vote to learn more about how public dollars will be spent and were confused about why they weren’t briefed about the new site before the meeting.
But the maneuvers are the result of delays to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center redevelopment that pushed back the Wings’ move-in date, The Dallas Morning News reported May 23.
The team expected to move to Memorial Auditorium in 2026 under a 15-year, $19 million use agreement that also included the construction of a practice facility.
The April 2024 agreement with the Wings binds the city to its duty to provide the facility on time. The Dallas City Council will vote June 11 to adjust its contract with the Wings, who practice and play home games at UT-Arlington’s College Park Center.
Concerns and Next Steps
For the park board, approving the land was “a no brainer,” board president Arun Agarwal said.
Council members Paul Ridley, Kathy Stewart and Jesse Moreno recently wrote in a signed memo to the city manager that spending $55 million on the practice facility “raises significant concerns.”
They asked the city manager to reconsider support for the project and to refer it to the appropriate committee for further review and discussion. The council members said the Wings “may utilize interim practice venues until the permanent facility is constructed.”
Related News and Coverage
Find more Wings coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
The approval of the new practice facility for the Dallas Wings is a significant step forward for the team and the city. Despite some concerns and questions, the support for the facility is widespread, and the city is committed to providing the necessary resources for the team’s success.
FAQs
Q: Where will the new practice facility be located?
A: The new practice facility will be located at Joey Georgusis Park at 1200 North Cockrell Hill Road in Far West Oak Cliff.
Q: How much will the facility cost?
A: The facility will cost $55 million.
Q: What is the timeline for the facility’s construction and opening?
A: The facility is expected to open before next season, and the city will vote on June 11 to adjust its contract with the Wings.
Q: What are the concerns about the facility’s construction and cost?
A: Some council members have raised concerns about the cost of the facility and the use of public dollars, and have asked the city manager to reconsider support for the project and refer it to the appropriate committee for further review and discussion.
