Street Outside American Airlines Center Renamed Nowitzki Way to Honor Mavs Legend

Posted on October 30, 2019

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- It’s official! Olive Street outside the American Airlines Center is now called Nowitzki Way to honor dirk Nowitski’s 21-year NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks.

“For Dirk, fame was something he was never interested in…he was only interested in what was true in his life; his team, his fan base and his family…For as long as I will come to the American Airlines Center and drive down Nowitzki way, I will think of Dirk’s truth,” said Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carisle.

Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Adam Medrano said City Council wanted to do something to honor him after he retired. Last month, the Dallas City Council unanimously approved the renaming of Olive Street, between North Field Street and Victory Avenue, to Nowitzki Way. The street rename was spearheaded by Medrano, a long time Mavs fan.

“Since he came to Dallas from Germany more than two decades ago, Dirk has made a tremendous impact on our city. His work ethic and his play on the court were legendary, and his philanthropic efforts continue to be sublime,” said Mayor Eric Johnson. “It is fitting that we are renaming a street to honor him both as a person and as the greatest Maverick of all time.”

“To have a street named after me is such a huge honor. This city has given me much more than I could have ever imagined, and I will forever be grateful,” said Nowitzki. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

Nowitzki says he plans to stay in Dallas and continue to raise his family here with his wife.

“This honor is beyond the Mavs, it’s a little bit bigger than basketball..this is about my relationship with the city, with this community, he said.