AT&T Stadium - Sports Tourist

AT&T Stadium, located in Arlington, Texas, is one of the most iconic and technologically advanced sports and entertainment venues in the world. As the colossal home of the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), it is often simply referred to as “Jerry’s World” after its owner, Jerry Jones. The stadium is not merely an arena; it is an architectural and engineering marvel designed to host events on the grandest scale, from American football to college basketball championships, massive concerts, and international soccer tournaments. Its defining feature is the world-renowned center-hung video board, one of the largest high-definition screens globally.

History and Design

Opened in 2009, AT&T Stadium replaced the Cowboys’ previous home, Texas Stadium. Designed by the architectural firm HKS, Inc., the stadium was conceived to be an opulent, larger-than-life venue that reflected the “everything is bigger in Texas” philosophy.

The stadium’s signature elements are:

Retractable Roof: Featuring the largest operable glass doors in the world at each end zone, the roof can be closed in approximately 12 minutes, making the venue climate-controlled for any event.
Massive Video Board: The iconic ‘Jumbotron’ suspended above the field is one of the world’s largest high-definition screens, offering unparalleled viewing from every seat in the house.
Capacity and Configuration: While the official seating capacity for NFL games is 80,000, the stadium’s flexible design allows for standing room and temporary seating, expanding the capacity to over 105,000 for major events like the Super Bowl, making it one of the largest stadiums in the NFL by total capacity.

Major Events Hosted

AT&T Stadium has established itself as a premier venue for global events beyond the NFL season.

Super Bowl XLV (2011): The venue hosted the NFL’s championship game in its second season of operation.
Cotton Bowl Classic: Since 2010, the stadium has been one of the primary rotation sites for the prestigious NCAA college football bowl game, hosting high-profile matchups.
2026 FIFA World Cup: The stadium is scheduled to be a primary host venue for the tournament, including several key matches and a semi-final.
NCAA Men’s Final Four (2014): Hosted the climax of the college basketball season.
College Football Playoff National Championship (2015): Hosted the inaugural championship game for US college football.
WrestleMania: Hosted multiple record-breaking editions of the WWE’s flagship event (2016, 2022).
International Soccer: Regularly hosts major international soccer matches, including the CONCACAF Gold Cup and high-profile friendlies.
Concerts: A mandatory stop for major world tours, having hosted artists like Taylor Swift, George Strait, U2, and Metallica.

Key Information

Official Name: AT&T Stadium
Nickname: Jerry’s World
Location: Arlington, Texas, USA
Opened: 2009
Capacity (Seated): 80,000 (Expandable to 105,000+)
Primary Tenant: Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
Address: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011, USA

Contents

Getting to AT&T Stadium

AT&T Stadium is situated in the Arlington Entertainment District, centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth.

By Air: The closest major airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Visitors can take a taxi, ride-share service, or a pre-booked shuttle from DFW, with the drive usually taking 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Public Transport: Arlington is one of the largest US cities without a comprehensive rail-based public transit system connecting directly to DFW or the neighboring cities.
- The Trinity Railway Express (TRE): While the TRE rail line connects Dallas and Fort Worth, the closest station is the CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, which requires a shuttle or ride-share service to cover the final distance to the stadium.
- Rideshare/Taxi: This is often the most straightforward way to travel to the stadium from Dallas, Fort Worth, or DFW Airport.
By Foot: The stadium is not within practical walking distance from the Dallas or Fort Worth city centers.
Parking: The stadium offers vast, official on-site parking lots. Pre-purchasing parking passes well in advance is highly recommended, especially for Cowboys games, as cash payment at the gate is often not an option. Parking passes for most events are available for purchase via SeatGeek.

Tickets & Tours at AT&T Stadium

Tickets

Tickets for all events at AT&T Stadium are managed digitally. Due to high demand, particularly for NFL and major college games, it is always recommended to purchase from official vendors.

Dallas Cowboys Tickets

Tickets for the Dallas Cowboys are notoriously difficult to obtain and often sell out immediately. While Ticketmaster is the official ticketing partner of the NFL, SeatGeek is the Official Primary Ticketing Partner of the Dallas Cowboys. This means that new and authorized resale tickets for home games are primarily handled through their platform. Always check the official team website for the most reliable links.

Cotton Bowl Classic Tickets

Tickets for the Cotton Bowl Classic are managed differently, as they often involve the two participating college football teams. A significant portion of tickets is distributed directly through the official ticket offices and athletic departments of the competing schools. General public tickets, if available, are typically sold via Ticketmaster or the official Cotton Bowl website, usually becoming available in the late fall as the teams are selected. It is crucial to monitor the Cotton Bowl’s official channels for release dates and availability.

Concerts and Other Events Tickets

Tickets for major Concerts, international soccer, and other events are typically sold via Ticketmaster or the official promoters’ websites. Always verify the authorized seller before purchasing to ensure ticket authenticity and avoid scams.

Tours

AT&T Stadium is one of the few major venues that offers comprehensive tours year-round, making it a destination even when the Cowboys aren’t playing.

Self-Guided and VIP Guided Tours: A variety of tours are available, including self-guided options and extensive VIP tours that allow access to the field, the team locker room, the press box, and the pom-pom areas.
Booking: All official tour information, schedules, and ticket purchasing are available through the official ticketing partner, SeatGeek, as well as the official AT&T Stadium website. It is highly advisable to book tours online in advance.

Where to Stay Near the AT&T Stadium

The best area to stay is the Arlington Entertainment District itself, which puts you within walking distance or a very short ride of the stadium, as well as Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers) and Six Flags Over Texas.

Premium Options (Closest Proximity): For the most convenient, high-end experience, consider hotels like Live! by Loews – Arlington, TX, which connects directly to the Texas Live! entertainment complex, or the nearby Sheraton Arlington Hotel.
Mid-Range/Value Options: Reputable hotels slightly further out but still in the district include the Courtyard by Marriott Arlington Entertainment District and the Hilton Garden Inn Arlington. These offer great accessibility without the premium price tag of the closest venues.
Dallas/Fort Worth: If you prefer a more vibrant city experience, staying in downtown Dallas or Fort Worth is an option, but be prepared for a 30-45 minute commute (each way) on game day, which can be longer due to traffic.
Booking Tips:
- Stadium Proximity: Hotels in the Entertainment District book up fast during major events. Book at least 3-6 months in advance for major concerts or games.
- Commute Time: Factor in heavy traffic when commuting from Dallas or Fort Worth on game days.
- Use Reputable Sites: Use well-known and trustworthy booking websites like TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit

We hope this guide helps you have an incredible experience at AT&T Stadium!

Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Sports Tourist