Groundbreaking on Expanded First Phase of Texas Live! Scheduled for November
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ARLINGTON, TX - Construction will begin in November on an expanded first phase of Texas Live!, a new dining and entertainment district between Globe Life Park and AT&T Stadium.
The Texas Rangers say three major venues will anchor the district: Rangers Republic, Live! Arena and Arlington Backyard.
The mixed-use destination said to feature world-class dining, entertainment, hotel and convention facilities, will bring more than 3,000 new jobs and three million new visitors to Arlington upon its opening in 2018 according to a news release by the Texas Rangers, City of Arlington and developer, The Cordish Companies.
The $250-million project “is envisioned to set a new standard in sports-anchored developments and will cement Arlington as the premier sports, entertainment and hospitality destination in the country for decades to come,” according the news release.
New plans for Texas Live! include doubling the square footage of premier dining and entertainment space, as well as developing an upscale, full-service 300-room convention hotel and a 35,000 square foot meeting/convention facility in the first phase, expanding the total square footage to more than 500,000 square feet of development.
The hotel/convention facility will feature a leading brand and management team that will be announced at a later date.
The City of Arlington says the expanded vision of Texas Live! will allow Arlington to host more and larger major events and conventions.
“Arlington is incredibly fortunate to have world-class partners in the Texas Rangers and The Cordish Companies who are committed to improving our community,” said Mayor Jeff Williams at the formal announcement Tuesday. “We are thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of Texas Live! exactly as promised and share details about three amazing anchor venues. The expanded vision and investment by the Rangers and Cordish in Texas Live! is nothing short of spectacular and, coupled with the new jobs and economic benefits, will be a game changer for Arlington and its residents.”
Here are additional details from the City of Arlington, Texas Rangers and The Cordish Companies on the three venues that will anchor Texas Live!:
Rangers Republic will be the “ultimate fan clubhouse” for Rangers fans during home games, away games and all year-round. A celebration of the Rangers heritage past, present and future, Rangers Republic will be a two-level, 30,000 square foot, family-friendly dining and entertainment venue that will allow fans unprecedented access to the Texas Rangers. Rangers Republic will feature:
• One-of-a-kind fan experiences
• Live broadcasts and media events
• Manager pep talks and player visits
• Unparalleled sports viewing
• Real time team and player statistics and data
• Authentic memorabilia and history
• Commissioned pieces of art from local artists that celebrate great moments in Rangers history
• Variety of authentic dining options
• Interactive games for the entire family
Live! Arena, the heartbeat of Texas Live!, is a multi-level, central gathering place comprised of over 35,000 square feet of best-in-class dining and entertainment options. Designed by internationally-acclaimed Jeffrey Beers International, Live! Arena will be the “living room” of Texas Live!, providing fans with one of the best sports viewing experiences imaginable and will be the ultimate place to celebrate the Rangers and all Texas sports. Live! Arena will feature:
• A state-of-the-art, interactive AV presentation that includes a 100’ LED screen as the centerpiece
• A two-story, retractable glass façade that flows into a 10,000 square foot outdoor beer garden
• Market-style food vendors celebrating the best of Texas cuisine
• A performance stage for concerts
• An LED ribbon board that surrounds the venue
Arlington Backyard, a 5,000-capacity outdoor event pavilion will become the “backyard” of Texas Live! An embodiment of the Rangers spirit, Arlington Backyard will be covered by a permanent roof and will be a fun, casual place to gather for all different types of events throughout the year. Arlington Backyard will host over 250 annual events including cultural activities, art shows, regional and national concerts, charitable functions and community events. Arlington Backyard will also serve as the launching point for major festivals throughout the entire district. With the ability to expand to accommodate up to 7,000 guests, Arlington Backyard will be an incredible amenity and gathering place for the community, fans and visitors.