ATT Stadium is more than a football stadium. Located in Arlington, Texas, this enormous sports and entertainment venue is famous for its impressive architecture, massive seating capacity, and unforgettable events. As the home of the Dallas Cowboys, it has become one of the most recognizable stadiums in American sports.
Often called Jerry World, AT&T Stadium combines modern technology with a design that makes almost every visit memorable. Its retractable roof, giant video screens, and flexible event spaces allow it to host everything from NFL games to international soccer matches and major concerts.
But what makes ATT Stadium so special? From its fascinating history and construction costs to its record-breaking crowds and role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there is plenty to discover.
This guide explores the stadium’s history, capacity, design, famous events, visitor experience, and interesting facts.
What Is ATT Stadium?
ATT Stadium, officially written as AT&T Stadium, is a multipurpose sports and entertainment facility in Arlington, Texas. It serves as the home of the Dallas Cowboys, one of the National Football League’s most recognized teams.
The stadium opened in May 2009 and replaced Texas Stadium, which had served as the Cowboys’ home for decades. Unlike traditional football venues, ATT Stadium was designed to accommodate many different activities throughout the year.
Football remains its main attraction, but the stadium also hosts college championships, international soccer, professional wrestling, concerts, and other large entertainment events.
The City of Arlington owns the facility, while the Dallas Cowboys operate it. Its location between Dallas and Fort Worth makes it an important destination for visitors across North Texas.
ATT Stadium Quick Information
| Stadium Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | AT&T Stadium |
| Common Search Name | ATT Stadium |
| Original Name | Cowboys Stadium |
| Popular Nickname | Jerry World |
| Location | Arlington, Texas |
| Address | 1 AT&T Way |
| Country | United States |
| Opening Date | May 27, 2009 |
| Main Team | Dallas Cowboys |
| Sports League | NFL |
| Stadium Owner | City of Arlington |
| Stadium Operator | Dallas Cowboys |
| Standard Capacity | Approximately 80,000 |
| Expanded Attendance | More Than 100,000 |
| Roof Type | Retractable |
| Architectural Firm | HKS Architects |
| Playing Surface | Artificial Turf |
| Reported Project Cost | Approximately $1.3 Billion |
| Naming Rights Announced | July 2013 |
| World Cup Venue Name | Dallas Stadium |
The History of ATT Stadium
The history of ATT Stadium began long before its opening in 2009. During the 1990s, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones started exploring ways to improve the team’s aging home, Texas Stadium.
One early idea involved expanding the existing venue and adding modern features, including improved climate control and roof technology. However, building a completely new stadium eventually became the preferred solution.
Several cities were considered before Arlington emerged as the final location. In November 2004, Arlington voters approved tax measures to help finance the project.
Construction preparations followed, and the stadium gradually took shape between 2005 and 2009. The development required extensive engineering, major excavation work, and the installation of enormous structural arches.
The project also involved controversy. Some Arlington residents and businesses were displaced through property acquisition, making the stadium’s development a significant local issue.
The completed venue opened on May 27, 2009. Its first major public event was a country music concert featuring George Strait and Reba McEntire in June.
Originally called Cowboys Stadium, the facility received its current name in 2013 following a naming-rights agreement with AT&T.
Why Is ATT Stadium Called Jerry World?
The nickname Jerry World comes from Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys owner who played a central role in developing the stadium.
Jones wanted a facility that would do much more than host football games. His vision included a massive entertainment destination with advanced technology, premium seating, and the flexibility to accommodate major national events.
The finished stadium reflected those ambitions.
Its enormous video board, luxury suites, retractable roof, and striking exterior helped establish its reputation as an unusually ambitious sports facility.
Although Jerry World is not the stadium’s official name, the nickname remains popular among football fans and sports commentators.
It also reflects how closely the stadium’s identity is connected to Jones and his influence on the Dallas Cowboys organization.
ATT Stadium Capacity and Seating
One of the most impressive features of ATT Stadium is its enormous seating capacity.
The stadium normally accommodates approximately 80,000 spectators for football games. However, its flexible design allows attendance to exceed 100,000 when additional standing-room areas are available.
These areas include Party Pass sections, where spectators can experience the atmosphere without having a traditional reserved seat.
The stadium demonstrated its extraordinary attendance potential during the Dallas Cowboys’ first regular-season home game on September 20, 2009.
That matchup against the New York Giants attracted 105,121 spectators, establishing a remarkable NFL regular-season attendance record.
Seating arrangements can change depending on the event. Concerts may use floor seating, while soccer tournaments require different field dimensions and spectator configurations.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the supplied stadium reference lists a tournament capacity of 70,649.
Understanding these differences is important because the stadium’s maximum attendance does not represent the number of available seats for every event.
ATT Stadium Architecture and Design
ATT Stadium stands out because of its unusual combination of size, engineering, and visual appeal.
Designed by HKS Architects, the building features two enormous steel arches that stretch across the stadium structure. These arches rise nearly 300 feet and help support the roof system.
The retractable roof is another defining feature. It allows the stadium to operate as an enclosed venue or provide an open-air experience when conditions permit.
Large glass doors at the ends of the stadium further contribute to its distinctive appearance.
Inside, spectators encounter a massive center-hung video display that was considered groundbreaking when the stadium opened.
The facility also contains thousands of additional screens throughout its concourses, hospitality areas, and other public spaces.
Together, these architectural and technological features create a venue designed to make large events feel immersive.
Inside ATT Stadium: Fan Experience and Facilities
The interior of ATT Stadium was designed to accommodate large crowds while offering different levels of comfort and entertainment.
Visitors can choose from general seating, premium club areas, luxury suites, and standing-room admission, depending on the event.
The stadium includes hundreds of executive suites, providing private hospitality spaces for guests and corporate groups.
Its giant video display helps spectators follow replays and important moments, even when seated far from the field.
Wide concourses, concession areas, and multiple viewing screens support the overall experience.
However, the best seating option depends on individual priorities. Lower-level seats offer a closer view of the action, while elevated sections can provide a broader perspective of the field.
Standing-room tickets may be more affordable for some events, but they do not guarantee a reserved seat.
Checking the event-specific seating chart before purchasing tickets is always worthwhile.
How Much Did ATT Stadium Cost to Build?
ATT Stadium was one of the most expensive sports construction projects of its era.
Early plans estimated the project would cost approximately $650 million. However, the budget increased considerably as development progressed.
Historical reports commonly describe construction costs around $1.15 billion, while broader project figures are often reported at approximately $1.3 billion.
The stadium was financed through a combination of public and private funding.
Arlington voters approved increases in selected local taxes, including sales, hotel occupancy, and car rental taxes, to support the city’s contribution.
Jerry Jones and the Cowboys organization were responsible for substantial additional costs, while the NFL also provided financing assistance.
The enormous investment reflected the stadium’s scale, complex roof structure, advanced technology, and premium facilities.
Its financial story also highlights an important debate surrounding major stadium projects: how communities balance public investment with the potential benefits of sports tourism and entertainment.
Dallas Cowboys and ATT Stadium
ATT Stadium has been the Dallas Cowboys’ home since the 2009 NFL season.
Before moving to Arlington, the team played at Texas Stadium in Irving, a venue remembered for its distinctive partially covered roof.
The Cowboys played their first preseason game at the new stadium against the Tennessee Titans in August 2009, winning 30–10.
Their first regular-season home game followed in September against the New York Giants.
Although Dallas lost that game 33–31, the enormous crowd made it a historic occasion.
Later that month, the Cowboys earned their first regular-season victory at the new venue by defeating the Carolina Panthers.
Since then, ATT Stadium has become central to the team’s identity.
Beyond hosting games, it serves as a major gathering place for fans and a symbol of the Cowboys’ prominence in professional football.
Major Sporting Events at ATT Stadium
Although NFL football is its main attraction, ATT Stadium has hosted some of the biggest events in American sports.
In February 2011, the venue hosted Super Bowl XLV, when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The stadium also hosted the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in 2014, demonstrating its ability to accommodate major indoor sporting competitions.
In January 2015, Ohio State defeated Oregon at the venue in the first championship game of the College Football Playoff era.
Professional wrestling has also been a major part of its event history. WWE brought WrestleMania 32 to the stadium in 2016 and returned for WrestleMania 38 in 2022.
College football remains especially important through events such as the Cotton Bowl Classic and Big 12 Championship Game.
These competitions demonstrate why the stadium was designed as a multipurpose venue rather than a football-only facility.
ATT Stadium and the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup brought international attention to ATT Stadium and the wider Dallas–Fort Worth region.
The stadium was selected as one of the United States venues for the tournament, which was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
During the competition, the venue used the name Dallas Stadium rather than AT&T Stadium.
This temporary name followed FIFA’s commercial naming arrangements for tournament venues.
The stadium was allocated nine World Cup matches, making it an important part of the tournament’s American hosting plans.
Its tournament configuration differed from its regular NFL setup because international soccer requires a larger playing field and different spectator arrangements.
The World Cup also highlighted the stadium’s ability to adapt to major global sporting events.
For Arlington, hosting international soccer represented another chapter in the venue’s development as a destination for visitors beyond American football.
Concerts and Entertainment at ATT Stadium
Music and live entertainment have been important parts of ATT Stadium since its opening.
Its first major event was a country music concert on June 6, 2009, headlined by George Strait and Reba McEntire, with performances from Blake Shelton and Lee Ann Womack.
The stadium’s enormous interior allows it to accommodate elaborate stages, lighting systems, and large audiences.
Unlike smaller concert venues, ATT Stadium can change its floor arrangements to suit different productions.
The adaptable artificial turf system also helps support events that require temporary flooring or specialized surfaces.
Beyond concerts, the venue has hosted wrestling, rodeos, motocross, basketball, and other entertainment activities.
This versatility allows the stadium to remain active outside the Dallas Cowboys’ regular football schedule.
Visiting ATT Stadium: Tours, Tickets, and Parking
Visiting ATT Stadium can be an exciting experience even for people who are not dedicated football fans.
The stadium offers opportunities for tours, although available experiences and accessible areas can vary depending on scheduled events.
Some tours may include views of the field, premium areas, and other behind-the-scenes spaces.
Visitors should confirm current tour arrangements before traveling.
Tickets for football games, concerts, and special events vary in price depending on seating location, demand, and event type.
Parking is another important consideration. Large crowds can create heavy traffic around the stadium, particularly before and after major games.
Arriving early, reviewing parking arrangements, and checking event-specific entry policies can make the experience more comfortable.
Visitors should also verify current bag restrictions, security requirements, and accessibility services.
Because stadium policies can change, checking official event information shortly before a visit is the safest approach.
Amazing Facts About ATT Stadium
ATT Stadium has several fascinating features that distinguish it from ordinary sports venues.
One surprising fact is that the City of Arlington owns the stadium, even though it is closely associated with the Dallas Cowboys.
Another is that its first sporting event was not an NFL game. The stadium hosted international soccer during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup before the Cowboys began playing there.
Its enormous center-hung video board was among the world’s most impressive displays when installed.
The stadium’s nearly 300-foot-high arches are also remarkable engineering features, helping support its massive roof structure.
Its ability to accommodate more than 100,000 spectators makes it particularly notable among NFL stadiums.
Perhaps most interesting is its flexibility. A venue built primarily for American football has successfully accommodated basketball, professional wrestling, international soccer, concerts, and major entertainment productions.
These characteristics help explain why ATT Stadium has remained widely recognized since opening.
ATT Stadium Compared With Other NFL Stadiums
ATT Stadium belongs to a generation of modern NFL venues designed to combine professional sports with large-scale entertainment.
Compared with many traditional football stadiums, it places particular emphasis on premium hospitality, technological displays, and flexible event configurations.
Its standard seating capacity is among the largest in the NFL, while its standing-room options allow exceptionally large crowds.
The retractable roof also provides flexibility that fully open-air stadiums cannot offer.
However, other modern venues have introduced their own impressive technologies and architectural innovations.
What makes ATT Stadium distinctive is not one feature alone, but the combination of its enormous scale, recognizable design, Cowboys history, and broad entertainment capabilities.
Its influence can be seen in the growing expectation that major sports stadiums should function as year-round destinations.
FAQs About ATT Stadium
Where Is ATT Stadium Located?
ATT Stadium is located at 1 AT&T Way in Arlington, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth. Its location places it within one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas.
Who Owns ATT Stadium?
The City of Arlington owns ATT Stadium, while the Dallas Cowboys operate the facility. The stadium was developed through a combination of public financing and private investment.
How Many People Can ATT Stadium Hold?
The stadium normally seats approximately 80,000 people. With additional standing-room areas, attendance can exceed 100,000. Actual capacity depends on the event configuration.
Why Is ATT Stadium Called Jerry World?
Jerry World is a nickname inspired by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. It recognizes his central role in planning, financing, and developing the stadium.
Does ATT Stadium Have a Retractable Roof?
Yes. ATT Stadium features a retractable roof that allows it to operate in enclosed or open configurations. Whether the roof opens depends on operational decisions and event conditions.
How Much Did ATT Stadium Cost?
The stadium’s construction cost has been reported at approximately $1.15 billion, while broader project estimates reach around $1.3 billion. Different figures reflect how project expenses are counted.
Can Visitors Tour ATT Stadium?
Yes, stadium tours are offered, although schedules, prices, and accessible areas may change. Visitors should confirm availability and tour details before making plans.
What Major Events Has ATT Stadium Hosted?
The stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, major college football championships, the NCAA Final Four, WrestleMania events, international soccer, and large concerts. It also served as a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Final Thoughts
ATT Stadium is an impressive example of how modern sports venues have evolved into major entertainment destinations.
From its beginnings as Jerry Jones’s ambitious vision to its development into a world-famous stadium, the facility has played an important role in American football and large-scale entertainment.
Its enormous capacity, retractable roof, advanced technology, and distinctive architecture make it memorable for visitors and sports fans alike.
More importantly, its history shows how a stadium can become part of a team’s identity while serving a much wider audience.
Whether someone is attending a Dallas Cowboys game, exploring its architecture, enjoying a concert, or learning about its World Cup connection, ATT Stadium offers a fascinating story.
As of 2026, it remains an important landmark in Arlington and a powerful example of how sports, engineering, and entertainment can come together under one roof.
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