Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez announced that the team will play all home games at the American Airlines Center during the 2027 season. For 2026, the Wings will primarily use the College Park Center in Arlington, which has a capacity of 7,000, as their home venue. The team is expected to move to the renovated Dallas Memorial Auditorium, seating approximately 8,400, in 2028, after delays in the construction of a new training facility that was initially set to open in 2026. Fernandez confirmed that the Wings will begin training at the new facility in spring 2027. The team will play three games at the AAC in 2026, against the Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever, and Golden State Valkyries, as a part of a 2024 agreement with the city of Dallas that permits them to compete at the AAC if the Memorial Auditorium renovations are not completed on time.
Why It Matters
The decision to play at the American Airlines Center reflects ongoing changes in the Dallas Wings’ home arrangements, emphasizing the transition from Arlington to a more central location in Dallas. The delayed renovations of the Dallas Memorial Auditorium and the increased budget for a new training facility highlight challenges in urban sports infrastructure development. Historically, the Wings have played in Arlington since their rebranding from the Tulsa Shock in 2016, and this move back to Dallas is part of a larger strategy to enhance team facilities and fan engagement. The agreement with the city ensures the team will have a backup plan while waiting for the new venue’s completion, which is critical for maintaining support and stability for the franchise.
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