In a stunning and tragic turn of events, part of the American Airlines Center — home of the Dallas Mavericks — collapsed during a team training session early Wednesday morning, resulting in multiple injuries, including to the Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd and several staff members.
Incident Details
The collapse reportedly occurred around 9:15 a.m. local time, while the Mavericks were holding a closed-door preseason training session. Witnesses described hearing a deep rumble followed by a deafening crash as a portion of the arena’s upper structure gave way, sending steel beams, debris, and concrete crashing down onto the court.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes. According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, at least 12 individuals were injured, including players, coaching staff, and arena personnel. Three were transported to local hospitals in critical condition.
Head Coach Among the Injured
Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd was reportedly on the court when the collapse occurred. Sources within the organization confirmed that Kidd sustained injuries but is currently in stable condition. His representative released a brief statement:
“Coach Kidd is receiving medical attention and is conscious. We appreciate the outpouring of concern and will provide updates as available.”
Investigation Underway
City officials and structural engineers are currently investigating the cause of the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest the failure may have originated in a section of the ceiling undergoing routine maintenance. However, no official cause has been determined as of this writing.
Mayor Eric Johnson addressed the public in a press briefing:
“This is a heartbreaking day for Dallas. Our immediate focus is on the well-being of those injured and ensuring the safety of the structure moving forward. A full investigation is already underway.”
Mavericks Release Statement
The Dallas Mavericks organization issued a formal statement on social media and their website:
“We are devastated by the incident that occurred at American Airlines Center this morning. Our thoughts are with those injured, and we are cooperating fully with emergency services and investigators. The safety of our team and community is our top priority.”
Games and Events Postponed
All team activities and scheduled events at American Airlines Center have been suspended indefinitely. The NBA has also been notified, and league officials are coordinating with the team and city to assess next steps.
