AT&T Stadium
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| AT&T Stadium | |
|---|---|
| Name | AT&T Stadium |
| Location | Arlington, Texas, United States |
| Broke ground | September 20, 2005 |
| Opened | May 27, 2009 |
| Owner | City of Arlington |
| Operator | Dallas Cowboys |
| Surface | Hellas Matrix Turf |
| Construction cost | $1.3 billion |
| Architect | HKS, Inc. |
| Structural engineer | Walter P Moore |
| General contractor | Manhattan Construction Company |
| Former names | Cowboys Stadium (2009–2013) |
| Seating capacity | 80,000 (expandable to 105,000) |
| Tenant | Dallas Cowboys (NFL) (2009–present) |
AT&T Stadium is a retractable-roof stadium located in Arlington, Texas, serving as the home of the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL. Opened in 2009, the venue is renowned for its monumental scale, innovative architectural features, and status as a premier destination for major sporting events and concerts. With a capacity that can be expanded to over 100,000, it has hosted two Super Bowls, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and numerous other high-profile events, solidifying its place in global sports and entertainment culture.
History and construction
The project was spearheaded by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who sought to replace the aging Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The City of Arlington approved funding through a sales tax increase, and the architectural firm HKS, Inc. was commissioned for the design. Groundbreaking occurred in 2005, with Manhattan Construction Company serving as the general contractor. The stadium's construction, which cost approximately $1.3 billion, faced challenges including complex engineering for its massive retractable roof sections and the iconic center-hung video board. It opened in 2009 as Cowboys Stadium, with the naming rights being acquired by AT&T in 2013, leading to the current designation.
Architecture and features
Designed by HKS, Inc., the stadium's most striking external feature is its expansive retractable roof, engineered by Walter P Moore, which allows the venue to host events in any weather. The interior is dominated by a 160-foot wide, 72-foot tall center-hung video display, known as "JerryTron," which was the world's largest high-definition screen upon installation. The playing surface utilizes Hellas Matrix Turf, and the seating bowl can be reconfigured for various events, from NFL games to FIFA soccer matches. Art installations, including a significant collection curated by Jones, and expansive plazas featuring works by artists like Claes Oldenburg further distinguish the facility.
Major events and tenants
The primary tenant is the Dallas Cowboys, but the stadium has become a sought-after venue for landmark events. It has hosted Super Bowl XLV and Super Bowl XLVII, the NBA All-Star Game, the NCAA Final Four, and the College Football Playoff National Championship. Major concerts by global artists such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran have drawn record crowds. The venue has also been the site for premier ESPY Awards ceremonies, world championship boxing matches promoted by Top Rank, and international soccer matches featuring clubs like FC Barcelona and the Mexico national football team.
Economic and community impact
The stadium's development was a public-private partnership with the City of Arlington, funded partially by a local sales tax increase, and it has significantly boosted the economy of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It generates substantial tax revenue, supports thousands of jobs, and drives tourism to surrounding businesses, including those in the adjacent Texas Live! entertainment district. The facility has also hosted community-focused events like high school football state championships for the University Interscholastic League, graduation ceremonies, and charitable functions, embedding itself as a civic hub for North Texas.
Records and notable moments
The stadium set an NFL attendance record during its inaugural 2009 season and has since recorded some of the largest crowds in league history. It witnessed the Green Bay Packers victory in Super Bowl XLV and the Baltimore Ravens win in Super Bowl XLVII. In 2010, it hosted the largest attended NBA All-Star Game. Memorable concerts include the groundbreaking Beyoncé formation world tour stop and record-breaking engagements by George Strait. The venue also made history by hosting the first College Football Playoff National Championship in 2015, where Ohio State defeated the Oregon Ducks.
Category:American football venues in Texas Category:Dallas Cowboys Category:Retractable-roof stadiums Category:Sports venues completed in 2009 Category:Buildings and structures in Arlington, Texas