American Airlines Center

Dallas does everything big, and the Center Operating Company is no exception. The company owns and operates the American Airlines Center, a $420 million sports and entertainment arena, built partially with public funds, that opened in 2001. The venue is the home of the Dallas Mavericks pro basketball team, pro hockey's Dallas Stars, and AFL's Dallas Desperados. Center Operating Company charges the teams rent and gets additional revenue from sponsorships, concerts, concessions, and other events, including touring entertainment shows such as Disney on Ice and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The company is a partnership owned by Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks.