Dallas Mavs to close AAC entrances to 'maintain building temperature' during Saturday's game against LA Lakers

Mavs game still on, other sports affected by storm

The winter storm is impacting multiple sporting events in North Texas. The University of North Texas moved up its Saturday games to Friday. DeSoto postponed its football championship parade. But other events are still happening.

DALLAS - With ice and sleet expected on Saturday, the Mavericks are making a few adjustments ahead of Luka Dončić's return to Dallas.

If you lose power, you can still stream FOX LOCAL on our mobile app

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

What we know:

As of Friday afternoon, the Mavs and Lakers game will continue as scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

In a statement, the Mavericks say they are closely monitoring weather conditions and will take "all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for fans, staff, and players." The team says it is encouraging fans to plan ahead and leave for the American Airlines Center early.

Former Mavs star Luka Dončić is expected to be in Dallas for the game with his new team.

• LIVE UPDATES: Winter Storm Warning in effect; North Texas braces for record cold
• Dallas weather: Tracking school cancellations, early dismissals
• Dallas weather: DFW Airport leads nation in flight cancellations ahead of major winter storm

Entrances to AAC closed

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 8: An overall view of the arena before the game between the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks on February 8, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 

Dig deeper:

The North and North Platinum entrances to the American Airlines Center will be closed for Saturday's game. The Mavs say the change is needed to "help maintain building temperatures."

All other entrances to the AAC will be open.

Dallas Stars vs. St. Louis Blues

The puck will also drop on schedule for the Dallas Stars game on Friday night at the AAC.

Temperatures have been above freezing all day in Dallas, and only rain has fallen. There shouldn't be problems with icy roads for the game.

UNT Basketball

University of North Texas men's and women's basketball games were originally scheduled for Saturday evening, when the forecast calls for freezing rain and sleet. So, the university moved those games to Friday.

Fans said they were grateful as they continue preparing for the storm.

"I cooked all day yesterday because we got caught with no electricity for four days last time. So dinners are ready to go," Janet Carter said.

"I am ready for it. I've got groceries in the refrigerator. I get home today and I am done until Monday," Chuck Remley said.

Dallas weather forecast

Sleet is expected to be the predominant form of precipitation this weekend, though freezing rain and snow will also occur. Current projections for DFW include 0.25-0.50 inches of ice and 1-2 inches of sleet/snow.

Once temperatures drop below freezing, they are expected to stay there for 60 to 72 hours. Single-digit lows and wind chills as low as -10° are possible before the region finally climbs back above 32° on Tuesday afternoon.