One of the first reminders of Dirk Nowitzki’s legacy is about to become reality as Dallas city council members prepare to rename a portion of Olive Street that runs in front of American Airlines Center, turning it into Nowitzki Way.
A street name change request has been proposed and will be submitted to the City Plan Commission on June 6. Assuming it is approved there – and it’s widely anticipated that the proposal will sail through – the city council would have a hearing to make it official, perhaps as soon as Sept. 25.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Medrano and Council members Scott Griggs and Omar Narvaez are named on the memorandum requesting the name change.
Nowitzki Way would be the new name of Olive Street between N. Field Street and Victory Avenue. That part of the thoroughfare runs directly in front of Victory Plaza in front of the AAC and extends another block east to N. Field Street.
“If they rename the street after me, that would be a great honor,” Nowitzki said. “Many great athletes have played in that arena, so I’m not sure I deserve all that.”
Humble, as always.
The street name change is one of many ways that Nowitzki likely will be honored for his 21-year career, all of which were with the Mavericks. He retired after the 2018-19 season as the No. 6 all-time scorer in NBA history. He sits atop nearly every meaningful statistical category in the Mavericks’ record book.
It is expected that a statue and other tributes will grace the property around AAC and perhaps on the inside as well.
Twitter: @ESefko
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