The Death Star of Arlington: Inside the $1.2 Billion AT&T Stadium

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AT&T Stadium Arlington Texas

A billion-dollar monument to football, art, and Texas-sized ambition.

The Backstory

In the world of Texas architecture, there is "big," and then there is AT&T Stadium. Opened in 2009 as the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones’s masterpiece was designed to be more than just a football field—it was built to be an entertainment cathedral. At the time of its completion, it was the largest domed structure in the world, a gleaming silver orb that locals quickly dubbed "The Death Star."

The history of the stadium is a story of sheer engineering will. The two monumental arches that support the roof are a quarter-mile long, and the entire Statue of Liberty could fit inside the building with the roof closed. But the stadium’s most famous feature isn't the grass—it's the massive center-hung video board. Weighing 1.2 million pounds and stretching 160 feet wide, it was so large when it was first installed that punters accidentally hit it during games.

📍 At a Glance

  • Location: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011
  • Region: North Texas
  • Typical Timeframe: 2-3 hours for a tour; 5+ hours for a game.
  • Fun Fact: The stadium uses more electricity on game day than some small Texas towns.

A Museum in a Locker Room

What many visitors don't realize is that AT&T Stadium is actually one of the premier contemporary art museums in Texas. Jerry Jones's wife, Gene Jones, curated a massive collection of site-specific installations. As you walk the concourses, you’ll see multimillion-dollar paintings and sculptures by world-renowned artists like Anish Kapoor and Ellsworth Kelly. It is a strange, uniquely Texas juxtaposition: high-end fine art situated right next to nacho stands and screaming football fans.

The stadium is also famous for its retractable "end zone" glass doors. Standing 120 feet high, these doors can open in 18 minutes, turning the indoor dome into an outdoor arena and allowing the Texas breeze (and sun) to hit the field. This architectural choice was a nod to the old Texas Stadium’s "hole in the roof," which legend said was there "so God could watch His favorite team play."

Our Pro-Tip

If you aren't there for a game, take the Self-Guided Tour. It is significantly cheaper than a game ticket and allows you onto the field. You can stand on the famous blue star at the 50-yard line for a photo op, and even walk through the locker rooms. It’s the best way to grasp the sheer, dizzying scale of the place without the 80,000-person crowd.

Note: Parking in the stadium lots is notoriously expensive. If you're visiting on a non-event day, parking is usually much easier and cheaper near the Pro Shop.

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