Arlington has been selected as the site for the National Medal of Honor Museum.
The museum is planned for construction near Globe Life Park and AT&T Stadium and is scheduled to open in 2024, the museum foundation announced Wednesday.
Arlington beat out Denver in the race to host the museum. The cities were judged by their size, location, number of visitors, support for the project, and patriotism, according to a written statement from the museum foundation. The National Medal of Honor Foundation expects roughly 5 million visitors each year.
“There’s a deep, historic support for those who have served that we found all throughout Texas,” Joe Daniels, president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, told the Star-Telegram. “It was really special to us seeing everything that has been done in the past and what is part of the DNA in the state.”
North Texas is home to 70 Medal of Honor recipients, according to the foundation, with nearly 1.8 million veterans and active duty military across the state. The U.S. has awarded 3,500 Medals of Honor.
The museum, expected to be between 120,000 and 150,000 square feet, will be home to permanent exhibits as well as rotating exhibitions. Once the site is selected, organizers will need to raise $150 million for the building.
In its proposal, Arlington would place the museum in the entertainment district near Globe Life Park and AT&T Stadium, on vacant land or parking lots on city-owned property under the control of the Texas Rangers.
Ownership of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys played a role in selecting Arlington, Daniels said.
“Their support of the military is a huge factor,” he said. “They’re going to be our geographic neighbors, and it’s important to be able to look ownership in the eyes and see that authenticity.”
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams was not immediately available for comment.
The city is expected to discuss the project Friday, when more than 100 Arlington school district students are expected to give a “patriotic welcome” to National Medal of Honor Foundation board members and visiting Medal of Honor recipients.
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