The longtime Sheraton Arlington Hotel is on the clock. The familiar tower in the Entertainment District is set for a controlled implosion at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, clearing the site for a new Loews-branded hotel project that city leaders say will transform the block. To pull it off, officials plan to shut down nearby streets for several hours and use rolling traffic controls around the blast zone.
According to the City of Arlington, TX - City Hall, AT&T Way, East Copeland Road, and Convention Center Drive will be closed from 6 to 10 a.m., and a rolling stop will be in effect on Ballpark Way between roughly 8:20 and 8:40 a.m. City Hall also says a video of the demolition will be shared after the implosion for anyone who wants to watch the hotel come down from a safe distance.
Road closures and viewing guidance
City officials are urging drivers to steer clear of the Entertainment District during the early-morning operation and to stick to alternate routes to avoid clogging traffic near AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. As reported by the City of Arlington, the implosion will make way for Americana by Loews, a 507-room hotel the city and developer unveiled in January.
What to expect near the site
The city says safety barricades and secure perimeters will be in place around the hotel, and on-site viewing will be restricted to authorized personnel only. Spectators are warned not to try to watch from inside the closure zone. Per the City of Arlington, TX - City Hall, anyone curious about the big boom can catch the demolition afterward when the video is posted to the city’s Facebook page.
Loews' planned project is a major redo for the Entertainment District. The Dallas Morning News reported that the company will invest more than $500 million, with the city expected to contribute roughly $40 million toward the project, opening up about 13 acres for construction. For background on earlier coverage, see Hoodline's report on how Loews aims to usher in a new era of hospitality in Arlington.
