A metaphorical description of AT&T Stadium: it’s a colossal steel and glass behemoth. It rises from the Texas plains like a futuristic citadel. This is AT&T Stadium. It is more than just a stadium. AT&T Stadium is a symbol of Dallas’s unwavering love for football and grand spectacle.
AT&T Stadium opened its doors on May 27, 2009. The stadium quickly became known as “Jerry World”. This was after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He envisioned it as a premier entertainment destination. The stadium replaced the Texas Stadium. It was the Cowboys’ home from 1971 to 2008.
Originally estimated to cost $650 million, the final price tag ballooned to $1.15 billion. This made AT&T Stadium one of the most expensive sports venues ever constructed. Arlington voters approved tax increases to aid in covering the costs. The stadium is owned by the City of Arlington.
Designed by HKS Architects, the stadium boasts a retractable roof. When inside AT&T Stadium, the roof looks similar to the old Texas Stadium roof. Two nearly 300-foot-tall arches span the stadium’s length. These arches anchor to the ground at each end.
One of the stadium’s most iconic features is its massive video boards. At the time of installation, these Mitsubishi video displays were the largest HDTV screens in the world. More than 3,000 Sony LCD displays are throughout the luxury suites and concourses.
AT&T Stadium has a seating capacity of 80,000. The stadium can be reconfigured to hold over 100,000. This makes it the largest stadium in the NFL by seating capacity. The record attendance for an NFL regular season game was set in 2009. The crowd had 105,121 people.
The stadium’s artificial turf field was built by Hellas Construction. It features a special SoftTop Convertible Turf system. This system has 26 interchangeable panels. These panels let AT&T Stadium host a variety of events.
AT&T Stadium isn’t just for football. It has hosted major events. These include the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. The stadium hosted Super Bowl XLV in 2011. AT&T Stadium held WrestleMania 32 in 2016. The stadium is one of the venues to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In addition to sports, AT&T Stadium has become a popular concert venue. George Strait headlined the first event in the new stadium on June 6, 2009. Taylor Swift’s Reputation Stadium Tour drew a crowd of 105,002 in 2018.
AT&T Stadium is also home to an impressive art collection. The Jones family commissioned 18 contemporary artists. They created site-specific artworks for the stadium.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a music lover, or an art enthusiast, AT&T Stadium offers something for everyone. It is a true entertainment mecca. So next time you’re in Arlington, make sure to experience the grandeur and excitement of AT&T Stadium. It is a Texas-sized experience you won’t soon forget.