A major new sports destination has officially arrived just minutes from Grapevine and Southlake — and it's already drawing attention from athletes and families across North Texas.
The Children's Health StarCenter Multisport facility in Northlake celebrated its grand opening in late March, marking a significant addition to the region's rapidly expanding sports and entertainment landscape. Strategically located along Highway 114 near I-35W, the complex sits within a quick drive of Grapevine, Southlake, and Trophy Club, placing a premier venue right in the backyard of southern Denton County.
Developed through a partnership between the Town of Northlake and the Dallas Stars, the 225,000-square-foot facility has been years in the making. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in April 2024, with the project carrying a price tag of $45 million, funded through general obligation bonds approved by Northlake voters.
Inside, the complex is designed as a true all-in-one athletic hub. It features two NHL-regulation ice rinks, eight basketball courts convertible into 16 volleyball courts, and additional pickleball courts, along with a variety of training and fitness spaces. Spectator viewing decks, locker rooms, and on-site dining concepts — including the Shark Club Sports Bar and Grill, expected to open in June — round out the experience, elevating it well beyond a typical rec center.
For drivers passing by, yes, the facility is already open. Despite the March grand opening, construction crews remain active across the surrounding site, with ongoing work on parking areas, landscaping and future retail and dining components. Portions of the complex — including its restaurant and adjacent mixed-use development—are still coming online in phases throughout 2026. In other words, while the core rinks and courts are up and running, the broader vision is far from complete. For now, it’s a “soft opening” moment — one where the games have begun, even if the finishing touches are still underway.
The "why" behind the project is just as important as the "what." Northlake leaders and the Stars organization envisioned the facility as both a community asset and an economic engine. With an estimated 1.3 million annual visitors, the complex is expected to drive sports tourism, support nearby hotels and restaurants, and anchor future mixed-use development in the area.
For local families, however, the impact is more immediate. The StarCenter brings elite-level ice and court sports closer to home, reducing travel time for practices, leagues, and tournaments. And with regional competitions already booking the space, Northlake's newest addition is poised to become a central gathering place for athletes across DFW.