You may have heard recently about the new, innovative Irving Entertainment Center at Las Colinas: 2,000 local jobs, the transformation of Irving into a regional destination, and the antidote to the loss of the Cowboys. This one-of-a-kind venue promises to transform Las Colinas and the surrounding area, drawing new entertainment options and transforming Irving into an exciting regional destination.
      The success of the Venue will come from the 3 key anchors: The Big Show, the public areas, and the restaurants. The critical mass resulting from the mix of outdoor plazas, promenades and patios connected to 11 different dining concepts and 9 live music stages will draw Irving residents, convention center attendees and regional, national and international visitors. Along with the 5,200 seat (7,000 person capacity) Big Show, the public areas will allow for major festivals (much like Jazz Fest in New Orleans, or the CMA Fest in Nashville) drawing as many as 25,000 people at a time from around the country. The Venue will create approximately 1,600 jobs and 3.5 – 4.0 million visitors per year.
      The project has not only generated excitement among Irving residents, it has attracted the attention of the music industry at large for its unique business model. As characterized by Mayor Gears, “The problem the competition has with the project, is that it’s a category killer. It’s the next generation in live entertainment.”