Construction begins on Texas Live hotel

ARLINGTON, Texas - The project to create an entertainment district around the Rangers’ stadium is marking another milestone.

For now, there’s just a whole bunch of dirt and cranes at the future site of Texas Live in Arlington. But a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday formally cleared the way for construction to begin on a 14-story glass tower Loews Hotel.

"To come together to create a big dream, that is the beginning of a $4-5 billion development our residents dreamed of, a central business district, that went from UTA to I-30. Today is a very significant step," said mayor Jeff Williams.

The $150 million hotel will have 300 rooms, 26 suites and floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the entertainment district, as well as AT&T Stadium.

The hotel is just one part of Texas Live, a $250 million entertainment district next door to the current Globe Life Park. It will feature entertainment, dining, convention space and an outdoor pavilion.

It will complement a $1 billion new retractable roof baseball which is expected to be completed in 2020.

Crews are working almost around the clock to meet the ambitious deadline. Texas Live is expected to open next year.