Irving's newly elected mayor, Al Zapanta, identified the 80-acre former Texas Stadium property as his top priority, calling the site a "dead asset" that has sat vacant for 14 years and produced no city revenue. The comment came during a recent interview with CBS News Texas as Zapanta laid out his initial agenda for the city's economic future.
Site seen as prime economic opportunity
Zapanta, 85, said he wants to transform the former stadium parcel — located near State Highway 114 and Loop 12 — into an active source of employment and municipal tax receipts. He said the property's location and size make it a valuable piece of real estate that should not remain unused.
"Number one, we have what I call a dead asset. And that's the 80 acres of the former Dallas Cowboys site, Stadium site," Zapanta said during the interview.
The parcel has remained empty since the Dallas Cowboys relocated their stadium 14 years ago. Zapanta emphasized that redevelopment could deliver jobs, economic development and new amenities for residents.
Transit and team discussions underway
Zapanta said officials from Dallas Area Rapid Transit have signaled interest in participating in future plans because a DART line passes through the property. He described DART's potential involvement as a factor that strengthens the site's redevelopment prospects.
The mayor also disclosed preliminary conversations with several professional sports organizations about ideas for the location. He said Irving city staff and the leader of the Irving Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce met with representatives from the Dallas Stars to hear concepts for the site. While the Stars have already announced plans for a new arena in Plano, Zapanta said the conversations were about a possible project at the former stadium, not a team relocation.
He added that there have been talks with the Dallas Mavericks as well, although the Mavericks have been publicly linked to development at the former Valley View Mall site along LBJ Freeway.
- Site size: 80 acres
- Vacant since: 14 years
- Noted partners: DART, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks (conversations ongoing)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Acreage | 80 acres |
| Years vacant | 14 years |
| Nearby corridors | State Highway 114 and Loop 12 |
Revenue, jobs and amenities at stake
Zapanta framed the redevelopment push as fiscal and practical: the city continues to carry tax responsibilities for the property while earning no corresponding revenue. Turning the land into an income-generating use, he said, would create jobs and pay for public amenities that benefit residents.
He declined to provide further specifics about any agreements or proposals, saying a letter of interest had not been signed and details remain preliminary. Zapanta described his initial contacts as exploratory conversations that could evolve into concrete proposals.
What next for Irving
Any redevelopment of the former stadium site will involve coordination among the city, potential private developers and regional transportation partners. DART's interest, as noted by the mayor, suggests transit-oriented opportunities, but the mayor's office will need to navigate planning, financing, and negotiations with parties that have expressed interest.
For Irving residents, the outcome could mean new employment opportunities, expanded amenities and an expanded tax base. It could also reshape a visible stretch of land along major roadways that has been largely dormant for more than a decade. The mayor's prioritization of the site signals that the city will be actively pursuing proposals and engaging stakeholders in the months ahead.
Mayor Zapanta's remarks mark the start of his administration's agenda-setting. As discussions progress, city officials have indicated they will provide updates when agreements move beyond the exploratory stage.
