The Dallas Cowboys NFL franchise is set to open its new mixed-use event centre and global HQ in Frisco, Texas in August (2016).

Described as the first of its kind for a professional sports team, the US$350m (€323m, £240m) Ford Center at The Star will include a multipurpose 12,000-capacity indoor stadium, new headquarters for all Cowboys operations, practice fields and pitches, a sports science and medicine centre, a 300-room luxury hotel and a wide range of restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces.

Dallas-based O'Brien Architects is the architect for the master plan of the development, with Gensler the project architect for the Cowboys HQ and practice facility.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones describes the project as the first destination-type development of its kind which will “bring the Cowboys brand to life for fans”.

While having commercial ties to the franchise, the 91-acre development facility will be publicly owned by City of Frisco and the Frisco Independent School District (FISD).


The complex will include indoor and outdoor pitches and a hotel

The indoor stadium will be used by the Cowboys, City of Frisco and FISD football and soccer games and other sports, athletic, academic, fine arts and entertainment events.

Frisco mayor Maher Maso said: “When we committed to the public-private partnership, we were confident the best was yet to come.

“The Ford Center at The Star will create jobs, boost tourism, plus enhance entertainment and economic development benefiting our residents. But perhaps most importantly, it will showcase Frisco students, giving them opportunities of a lifetime. We can’t wait.”