Art and Football: AT&T Stadium

View of AT&T Stadium from Lot 13
One of the largest draws to the Dallas area for out-of-towners is AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Dallas Cowboys fans still refer to the complex as “Cowboys Stadium” or “Jerry World” in honor of billionaire Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. But the move to rename the stadium in honor of corporate sponsor AT&T is a huge financial plus for the Cowboys that is expected to draw $17-$19 million per year with 5 percent going to the City of Arlington, according to this Dallas Morning News article. Let’s face it, after the great Super Bowl Debacle of 2011, the stadium could use the image makeover.

Side view of the HD display board.
I was fortunate to check out the stadium when my alma mater, Texas Christian University, squared off against Louisiana State University in the Cowboys Classic on August 31. Although my Horned Frogs were ultimately defeated, it was a heck of a game and I am excited to watch the mostly-sophomore team grow over the next couple of years. Fandom aside, I have to say watching the game in a climate-controlled stadium given the blistering Texas heat (temperatures had hit 104 degrees Fahrenheit) was almost as fantastic as the stadium itself.

Completed in 2009, the stadium replaced Texas Stadium in Irving, which had served as the home to the Dallas Cowboys since 1971. Architecturally, there are a few cool highlights. According to ESPN, The stadium features an 86-foot canted glass exterior wall; the world's longest single-span roof structure, featuring two 292-foot arches that support the retractable roof; and what was the largest video screen in the world (before being surpassed by Reliant Stadium in Houston). The screens are controversial with critics claiming they detract from the game-viewing experience. Personally, I loved being able to look up after a controversial play and watch the instant replay in clear, high definition accessible even to those seated in the nosebleed section.

View of the field showing the retractable roof overhead.
 Not a Cowboys fan or simply can’t afford an expensive NFL ticket these days? Check out the concerts and other events (the stadium once even held a video game tournament on those giant screens!) for a fraction of the price. The stadium is also home to an extensive art collection that ranges from murals to graphic art to freestanding installations. Visitors can tour the collection with a guide, take a self-guided tour of the stadium, or even take a VIP guided tour that includes access to the field, locker rooms, a private suite, the print media press box, the Cotton Bowl office vestibule, and the Dr. Pepper Star Bar or the Ford Motor Company Fountain. For more information about tours including prices and times, please check out the stadium website, http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/.

AT&T Stadium is not accessible by public transit and you will have to pay for parking, but ask your hotel in advance whether they offer shuttle service to the stadium. Carpooling is definitely advised, and the stadium website offers guest the chance to create a customized route for getting to the parking lots. Be aware that AT&T Stadium does NOT allow bags or purses except for a small clutch bag, a clear tote, or a clear gallon plastic storage bag. In order to breeze through security, I suggest forgoing the bags and just wearing pockets.

AT&T Stadium
One Legends Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Ticket Office: (817) 892-5000 
Tours: (800) 745-3000

http://stadium.dallascowboys.com

Halftime during the Cowboys classic featuring TCU vs LSU.

Location: 1 Legends Way, Arlington, TX 76011, USA

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