Picture a stadium so grand it’s known as Jerry World. We are standing before AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas. It is more than just a stadium. It is an entertainment venue.
AT&T Stadium is home to the Dallas Cowboys. It is home to the Cotton Bowl Classic. It is home to the Big 12 Championship Game. It is home to the Southwest Classic. This stadium is one of the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Originally, the stadium was called Cowboys Stadium. Jerry Jones envisioned this stadium as a large entertainment venue. After a naming rights deal in 2013, it became AT&T Stadium.
Let’s dive into some facts about this impressive structure. The stadium can seat 80000. It is expandable to over 100000 with standing room. This makes it the largest stadium in the NFL by seating capacity. It even has sections called Party Pass behind the seats.
The construction of AT&T Stadium was a massive undertaking. It cost about $1.15 billion. Arlington voters approved increases in sales tax, hotel occupancy tax and car rental tax to help pay for it. The NFL also provided a $150 million loan.
Bryan Trubey from HKS Architects was the lead architect. He wanted it built like a civic structure. The stadium features two nearly 300-foot-tall arches. They span the length of the dome.
Inside, over 3000 Sony LCD displays offer viewing options. There is also a center-hung Mitsubishi video display board. It was once the largest HDTV screen in the world.
The retractable roof can protect against the elements. It looks similar to the Texas Stadium roof. It has a trademark hole. The football turf field has 26 interchangeable panels. This allows the stadium to host many events. Concerts, dirt bike races, monster truck rallies, and football games all take place here.
The stadium’s timeline is filled with milestones. In 2009, the first event was a country concert. George Strait headlined it. In 2011, the Super Bowl was hosted here. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers.
AT&T Stadium has twin video boards. They are among the largest high-definition video screens in the world. The 2010 NBA All-Star Game was hosted here. It set a Guinness World Record with 108713 people.
Many nicknames arose before the naming rights were sold. Fans called it Jerry World. Some called it the Death Star. Others referred to it as the Palace in Dallas.
In 2013, the name changed to AT&T Stadium. The sponsorship deal is worth millions per year. The signage includes massive letters on top of the stadium.
The first college football game was between BYU and Oklahoma. BYU won 14-13. The Cowboys played their first regular season game here in 2009. They lost to the New York Giants.
AT&T Stadium has hosted major events. These include the College Football Playoff National Championship. It has hosted the Big 12 Championship Game and the Cotton Bowl Classic.
The stadium is set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium will temporarily change its name to Dallas Stadium. It will host nine matches.
Boxing matches have also been held here. Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Álvarez have fought here. WrestleMania 32 and 38 drew huge crowds.
Supercross events have been held here since 2010. Concerts have featured stars like George Strait and Taylor Swift. Other events include bull riding and monster truck shows.
Legends Hospitality Management operates the concessions and merchandising. The stadium features an art collection. It includes works by various contemporary artists.
Getting here involves navigating parking or public transit. Premium parking can be expensive. Shuttles connect the stadium to public transit.
The stadium has faced criticisms. The video boards have interfered with punts. Sunlight glare can affect players’ vision.
AT&T Stadium stands as a modern marvel. It is a testament to sports and entertainment. It is a versatile venue. It is a place where memories are made.