When was at&t stadium built

Overview

AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, stands as one of the most technologically advanced and architecturally bold sports venues in the world. Located in Arlington, Texas, it replaced the team's former home, Texas Stadium, which was demolished in 2010 after 38 seasons.

Designed by HKS, Inc., the stadium features a retractable roof and a massive video screen suspended above the field. Its construction marked a significant investment in modern stadium design, blending entertainment, technology, and fan experience into a single structure.

• Construction start date: Work began in April 2006 following final approval from the Arlington City Council and financing agreements.
• Opening date: The stadium officially opened on May 27, 2009, with a public dedication event before the first preseason game.
• Location: Situated at 1 AT&T Stadium Drive, Arlington, Texas, near the intersection of I-30 and State Highway 360.
• Total cost: The project cost approximately $1.15 billion, making it one of the most expensive stadiums ever built at the time.
• Capacity: The stadium seats up to 80,000 fans, expandable to over 100,000 with standing room for major events.

How It Works

The stadium’s design integrates cutting-edge engineering and fan-focused amenities to deliver a premium experience for sports, concerts, and large-scale events. Its functionality stems from a combination of architectural innovation and digital infrastructure.

• Retractable roof: The roof opens and closes in about 12 minutes, allowing for both indoor and outdoor game experiences depending on weather.
• Center-hung scoreboard: The massive 60-yard-long HD video screen is the largest in any sports venue, enhancing visibility and entertainment.
• Climate control: A full HVAC system maintains indoor temperatures, crucial in Texas heat, with cooling capacity equivalent to 3,700 residential AC units.
• Wi-Fi and connectivity: Over 1,000 miles of fiber-optic cable support high-speed internet access for fans and operations.
• Seating flexibility: Sections can be reconfigured using movable seating decks, allowing adaptation for football, soccer, basketball, and concerts.
• Security systems: Integrated facial recognition and surveillance systems monitor over 2,000 cameras across the complex in real time.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of AT&T Stadium with other major NFL stadiums based on capacity, cost, and technology features.

While AT&T Stadium ranks among the most expensive and high-tech venues, newer stadiums like SoFi have surpassed it in total investment. However, AT&T Stadium remains a benchmark for innovation, particularly in video technology and retractable roof design. Its central location in Texas allows it to host major events like the Super Bowl, NCAA tournaments, and international soccer matches.

Why It Matters

AT&T Stadium has redefined expectations for modern sports architecture and fan engagement. It serves as more than just a football venue—it's a year-round entertainment hub.

• Hosted Super Bowl XLV in 2011, drawing over 100,000 attendees and global television coverage.
• Regularly hosts the Cotton Bowl Classic, one of college football’s oldest bowl games.
• Used for major concerts by artists like Taylor Swift, U2, and Beyoncé, drawing international audiences.
• Generates significant economic impact, contributing over $200 million annually to the local economy.
• Features sustainable design elements, including a 1.2-megawatt solar array installed in 2021.
• Set a precedent for private-public financing models, with the Cowboys funding most of the construction.

With its blend of scale, technology, and versatility, AT&T Stadium continues to influence how future stadiums are designed and operated worldwide.