The iconic Sheraton Arlington hotel, a 19-story structure that has been a part of Arlington’s Entertainment District since 1984, is set to be demolished this Saturday. The controlled implosion is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., marking the end of an era for the hotel that once supported visitors to the Texas Rangers, Six Flags Over Texas, and Wet ‘n Wild.
Located north of the stadiums along Interstate 30, the Sheraton Arlington was originally built as the Sheraton Centre Park Hotel on the site of the former Seven Seas Marine Park. It played a significant role in the Centre Park development of the 1980s, which also saw the construction of the city’s convention center, now known as the Esports Stadium.
The demolition will lead to the construction of a new 507-room hotel, Americana by Loews, which is expected to open between late 2028 and early 2029. This new development will feature 83,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including a 10,000-square-foot ‘Event Barn’ for large-scale gatherings.
Local Impact and Road Closures
Residents and visitors should be aware of several road closures in the area due to the implosion. East Copeland Road, AT&T Way, and Convention Center Drive will be closed from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with a rolling stop on Ballpark Way from 8:20 to 8:40 a.m. The Texas Sky Ranger will provide aerial coverage of the event, and a live stream will be available for those interested in witnessing the demolition from afar.
The Arlington City Council approved the plan for the new hotel in 2023, in partnership with Loews Hotels. The project aims to bolster the local economy by attracting more tourists and providing enhanced facilities for events and gatherings.
The Sheraton Arlington closed its doors permanently in February to prepare for the demolition. As the city looks forward to the new Americana by Loews, this development is expected to further solidify Arlington’s status as a premier destination for entertainment and tourism in Texas.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.