Cedar Park’s New Room

There’s a new room in town in Cedar Park, Texas, where the $55 million Cedar Park Center made its debut Sept. 25 with a George Strait concert.

The 8,700-capacity arena, which includes 24 suites, is set to host the American Hockey League’s Texas Stars games as well as concerts and family events.

Officials told the Austin American-Statesman that after seven years in the making, they hope the venue will help transform the image of the city, which lies a little more than 20 miles northwest of Austin.

“We’re not just a bedroom community,” Mayor Bob Lemon said. “I think that perception’s going to change.”

The city-owned arena was financed with $43 million in sales taxes, the paper reported, as well as funding from Hicks Cedar Park LLC, which will operate the building.

Upcoming shows include Wilco, Kelly Clarkson and Walking With Dinosaurs.