ARLINGTON -- The long-awaited construction of Texas Live! is scheduled to begin this week outside Globe Life Park in Arlington, the Rangers announced on Thursday.
Texas Live! is a major entertainment complex being built between Globe Life Park and AT&T Stadium, home of the Cowboys. The first phase of the project will include 200,000 square feet of premier dining and entertainment space; a 5,000-capacity outdoor event pavilion; a full-service 300-room convention hotel; and a 35,000-square foot meeting/convention facility.
It is expected to be open by Opening Day 2018. The Cordish Companies of Baltimore have been selected to oversee the construction.
"We were obviously hoping that a few more October games would delay this for a little longer," said Rob Matwick, the Rangers' executive vice president for business operations. "However, the Rangers had a great season with a second consecutive division title and now the excitement grows as we will begin site work for this long-awaited development in the Arlington Entertainment District. We can't wait to get started."
The Rangers are also hoping to build a $1 billion climate-controlled stadium next to Texas Live! The next step in the process is an election for Arlington voters to approve the city's $500 million share of the construction costs on Nov. 8. If approved, the new stadium could be ready by 2020 just north of Globe Life Park.