The City of Fort Worth has gotten to experience the finished Dickies Arena for a few months now, having opened in late October. Fort Worthians have gained a world-class destination with virtually limitless possibilities for future events: the Stock Show & Rodeo, collegiate basketball, international gymnastics conferences, you name it. But what was it like carrying that vision into fruition?
Philanthropist and businessman Ed Bass played a large role in that. The chairman of the not-for-profit operating entity for the arena invested a sizable portion of his wealth into the facility, which was funded from more than $450 million from both taxpayers and private investors. Resulting from that kind of commitment is the new, ultra-nuanced home of the Stock Show & Rodeo that celebrates Texan culture every time eyes are laid upon the intricate details of Dickies Arena.
What motivates a man to help manifest such an idea? That’s what we asked Mr. Bass. Here’s what he answered.
FW: How would you briefly describe what Dickies Arena offers to Fort Worth that previous city venues have not?
Ed: Dickies Arena is Fort Worth’s fourth generation arena, preceded by the North Side Coliseum of 1908, the Will Rogers Coliseum of 1936, and the Convention Center Arena of 1968. But you might say it leapfrogs a generation and is a 5G arena. It is built to provide the highest quality of experience for audience and performers alike. Its spaces are generous; its detailing, rich and beautiful; it’s amenities, abundant; and its acoustics, truly superior.
FW: In what ways does Dickies Arena embody the concept of an arena for modern times?
Ed: The building is inspired by Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum and is a wonderful mix of traditional and state of the art. While it is designed to accommodate the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in every way, it is also truly multipurpose. It will bring entertainment and events to Fort Worth of a variety and quality we have not seen in several decades.
We want everyone in the city to find at least one show or event a year that is a must-see for that person — even better, many shows and events.
FW: Why, in your own words, would you commit so much effort into creating this multipurpose venue?
Ed: Almost 25 years ago, I set out to bring the citizens of Fort Worth a multipurpose arena befitting its site in the city’s very vibrant Cultural District. Its neighbors are three of the finest art museums in America, the country’s best equestrian and livestock events facility, and other institutions of unmistakable quality. From the beginning of the planning process to the last detail of the finished building, all involved have been determined to deliver the finest multipurpose venue in America. With Dickies Arena, I believe we have done just that. Dickies Arena adds yet another dimension to the quality of life we so value and enjoy in Fort Worth.
FW: Dickies Arena is full of architectural details celebrating Texan culture. What are some of your favorites?
Ed: There are many wonderful details that celebrate our Texas history and culture, some obvious and some subtle — but all fantastic.
Adding to the rich tradition of public art in our city, visitors are greeted at the north and south façades by magnificent, expansive mosaic murals reflecting the heritage and diversity of our region.
In the interior, the balustrades throughout the building incorporate beautiful representations of grasses of the tallgrass prairie, intricately sculpted in metal — Indian grass, big bluestem, and the state grass of Texas, side-oats grama.
And of course, the Reliant Club features “bug-and-wrinkle” stitching, copied from the design found on the toe of Western boots, hand stitched on leather wall panels in recognition of our incredible saddle and boot makers.
FW: Who, in your mind, specifically will find the most entertainment value in Dickies Arena?
Ed: As Dickies Arena matures and becomes better known, I think it will be recognized as having a uniquely Fort Worth character. It will not only be a game changer in the realm of entertainment and sports, it will also become a central part of our Fort Worth’s identity.
If Fort Worth were a stand-alone city out in the middle of the Great Plains, with its almost one million people, surrounded by Tarrant County with another million, it would be recognized for what it is: a major city, 13th largest in the U.S., important in business and strong in culture. Dickies Arena will help bring an awareness of who, what, and where we are, establish our identity, become a key part of our brand.