The City has pulled back the curtain on the first official design renderings for the spectacular transformation of the historic Memorial Auditorium, and let’s just say, the ’60s dome is getting a world-class facelift fit for champions.
This isn’t just a minor repair job—it’s a massive, strategic revival of one of Dallas’s most important, and often forgotten, venues. And the star of the show? Our very own Dallas Wings!
The Wings Are Finally Flying Home
The Memorial Auditorium, the arena portion of the greater Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (KBHCCD) complex, has seen everything from Elvis and The Beatles to major political conventions. Now, its next chapter is a thrilling one: becoming the permanent, dedicated home court for the WNBA’s Dallas Wings.
The city recently dropped a memo to the Mayor and City Council, giving us a first glimpse at the reimagined 9,000+-seat arena. The designs, led by architecture firm Gensler, focus on blending the building’s preserved history with modern functionality.
The arena features a cohesive design that honors the building’s legacy brick exterior while introducing new, dynamic materials in an effort to balance preservation and modernization.
Capacity-wise, the remodeled venue is designed to seat more than 9,000 fans in total, with approximately 8,400 seats configured perfectly for WNBA games.
While it’s the official home of the Wings, the redesign ensures the arena remains flexible, capable of hosting concerts, esports, comedy tours, and other large gatherings, breathing year-round life back into the downtown district.
A Major Score for Downtown Dallas
City officials are rightly hyping this as a significant step in the broader KBHCCD redevelopment—a multi-billion-dollar project central to downtown’s revitalization. The arrival of the Dallas Wings is viewed as the ultimate anchor for activating the area.
No more suburban commute to Arlington for games! Starting in 2027, the Wings will soar into their new downtown location under a major 15-year use agreement. The project has seen a few delays (it was initially slated for 2026), but city officials confirm the renovation is “on target” for a 2027 delivery.
The newly planned interiors show streamlined entry points, enhanced fan experience areas, and upgraded, world-class performance spaces for the athletes themselves. It’s a fitting venue for one of the region’s fastest-rising sports properties.