Construction starts on McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter

For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
afolmnsb@mckinneytexas.org
972-547-7525

Construction starts on McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter
New agreement costs no additional taxpayer funds, provides same benefits

McKINNEY, TEXAS (Feb. 3, 2009) – Work will start as early as today on the McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter after the final contract was signed yesterday. The new agreement dictates the facility will open in October and uses no additional taxpayer funding. Some improvements from the initial design include a better layout and more environmentally friendly features like energy-efficient lighting.

“The Dr. Pepper StarCenter will greatly benefit the citizens of McKinney. People in McKinney have been asking for this new public recreation facility, and we are extremely pleased to come through on this promise to bring it to them,” said City Manager Frank Ragan.

The final agreement between the Dallas Stars and the City of McKinney includes previously negotiated features, like a minimum commitment for public skating, scholarships for McKinney youth and other benefits for McKinney residents.

When completed, the Dr. Pepper StarCenter will be approximately 85,000 square feet with two sheets of ice fit for both regulation hockey play and competition figure skating. Locker rooms, a concession area, at least two party rooms and a Dallas Stars retail store make up the rest of the space. The more than six-acre site in Craig Ranch, building and equipment in the facility will be owned by the City of McKinney, and the Dallas Stars will provide all scheduling and programming with some exceptions.

McKinney residents will have a three-day priority period before non-residents in which to register for major programs at the facility like hockey or ice skating leagues, clinics and camps. Public skating will be allowed for at least 520 hours, and adult and youth drop-in hockey is guaranteed at least 364 hours annually.

The agreement also provides up to 25 scholarships for economically disadvantaged McKinney youth. The funds will pay for the registration fee and the free rental of basic equipment for 15 hockey players and 10 ice skaters.

Dallas Stars will promote City programs through advertising at the facility. The organization agreed to provide donated Dallas Stars or Texas Rangers tickets at local charity auctions in McKinney as well as discounted tickets for certain events. During each calendar year, the Dallas Stars will host several events at the facility, like a practice by the Dallas Stars and an appearance by a Dallas Stars player or coach selected by the City.

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