Allen has been selected as the future home of a 15,000-seat cricket stadium and 80-acre mixed-use development.
Texas-based Thakkar Developers will build the stadium as part of a larger development called Allen Sports Village. The project includes more than 500,000 square feet of Class A office space, 1,000 residential units, 165,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, a training center, an events center, and two hotels.
"Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world," said Sam Thakkar, CEO of the Perfect Group of Business, which includes Thakkar Developers. "There are an estimated 20 million cricket fans in the United States. Plus, the growing Indian American population and increasing international community in North Texas makes the Allen Sports Village a perfect location for professional cricket."
In addition to professional cricket, the multi-use stadium will also be suitable for other global sports, concerts and special events.
"We're thrilled to enter into this private-public partnership with the developers to bring this unique project to Allen," said Allen Mayor Stephen Terrell. "With a new international visitor base, we look forward to a big boost in tourism spending—which benefits businesses and residents alike."
Construction on the site is expected to begin in 2019, with the first phase, including the stadium, expected to be completed 2021.