building the future
How Design Firm mma Helped Transform Arlington’s Entertainment District into a Premier Destination
The Business Press Staff Writers
As a key player in the initiative to revitalize Arlington, Texas, mma, a technology-focused design firm, was commissioned to help develop the much anticipated Arlington Entertainment District. Their vision was to create a dynamic, inclusive space that caters to a diverse range of activities and events. As the civil engineer of record, mma integrated designs from multiple architects into a cohesive plan for major developments including Globe Life Park (now Choctaw Stadium), Texas Live!, Live by Loews Hotel, Loews Hotel and Convention Center, The Loop, Globe Life Field and One Ranger Way.
“The Arlington Entertainment District is a challenging yet pivotal project that promises significant economic and cultural growth for the area,” said mma CEO Rob Cronin. “We are proud to contribute to a project that enhances the vibrant cultural landscape of Arlington, creating a space that residents and visitors alike can enjoy.”
Understanding the community’s vested interest and high expectations for the Arlington Entertainment District, mma collaborated with a design team, Texas Rangers Baseball, Loews Hotels, The Cordish Company, HKS, SBL Architects, HCM, SWA, and others to design a district that embodies innovation and community pride. mma leveraged its expertise in urban planning and design to develop a project that integrates smoothly with the existing urban environment, stimulates local businesses, draws in tourism, and generates job opportunities.
The firm faced challenges during the development process, including flood hazard areas, utility infrastructure, and maintaining the operation of existing venues. Additionally, with AT&T Stadium and the existing ballpark running full schedules, the team had to implement meticulous planning to minimize disruptions. Key to mma’s strategy was studying past initiatives that either faltered after starting or never came to fruition. mma adopted a comprehensive approach to navigate around potential obstacles, paving the way for the successful launch and sustained growth of the new District.
“The Arlington Entertainment District project represents mma’s dedication to excellence, quality and innovation. Blending functionality with artistic vision, we have enriched the community and redefined what’s possible in urban development,” said Jacob Sumpter, mma President.
A COLLABORATIVE VISION
mma partnered with local authorities, businesses and residents to transform the Arlington Entertainment District into a premier sports and entertainment destination. The first major addition was Texas Live!, a $250 million hospitality district spanning 170,000 square feet, dedicated to dining, entertainment and events. Completed in 2018, Texas Live! was a collaboration between Texas Rangers Baseball, The Cordish Company, and the City of Arlington. Today, it hosts sports, concerts, culinary events, themed celebrations and private functions.
Live! by Loews Hotel and Convention Center was completed in 2019 and features more than 300 rooms, 35,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, and an outdoor event space that can accommodate up to 4,000 guests. In 2020, The Loop, featuring pedestrian trails, open spaces, and a show fountain, was added to the hotel surroundings.
Among the District’s most prominent developments is Globe Life Field, a 40,000 seat, multi-purpose stadium with a retractable roof that serves as the new home of the Texas Rangers. Globe Life Field also hosts concerts, college football, rodeos, and was the venue for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.
Arlington’s largest hotel, Loews Arlington Hotel, opened in 2024 and is a first-of-its-kind meetings and resort destination, situated between two iconic sports stadiums. The hotel is connected to Live! by Loews Hotel and the new Arlington Convention Center and features 888 rooms, 40,000+ square feet of meeting space, five restaurants and lounges, a resort-style beach club, spa and fitness center.
The District’s newest project, One Ranger Way, is a luxury multi-family development located just steps from the home fields of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, in the heart of the Arlington Entertainment District and adjacent to Texas Live!. Slated for completion in 2025, this project reflects mma’s ongoing commitment to the Arlington community.
“The Arlington Entertainment District is a challenging yet pivotal project that promises significant economic and cultural growth for the area.”
– Rob Cronin
LOOKING AHEAD
The Arlington Entertainment District’s future is bright with a dynamic slate of events and developments on the horizon. A new 735-space parking garage is under construction near the Sheraton Arlington Hotel and will support the National Medal of Honor Museum, Esports Stadium Arlington, the Arlington Museum of Art, and a new $410 million hotel. The 513-room hotel will be the third Loews hotel property for Arlington and is set to open in 2028. It will replace the 311-room Sheraton which is expected to be razed after the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, a new 145-room upscale boutique hotel will replace the old Caravan motel.
Also in the works is Anthem, a multimillion dollar redevelopment of the Lincoln Square shopping center. This transformative mixed-use development project aims to attract young professionals, provide more options for Entertainment District visitors to stay in town longer, and fill a gap in North Arlington’s housing, office space, retail and dining needs.
Perhaps one of the most exciting developments on the horizon is a first of- its-kind joint venture between Penske Entertainment, the Dallas Cowboys, and REV Entertainment that will bring INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington to the District. The 2.73-mile street circuit will weave through the District around the iconic AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. The initial race is set for March 2026.
The Arlington Entertainment District has become a landmark development that illustrates the value of a shared vision and strategic collaboration. Through innovative planning, mma has transformed complex challenges into thriving opportunities that fuel economic and cultural growth. As the District continues to evolve, it promises to deliver exceptional experiences for years to come, reflecting Arlington’s commitment to innovation, community progress, and a vibrant future.