Dallas
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Sports and Stadiums
Sections
1. Popular Stadiums in Dallas
Dallas is home to several iconic stadiums that host professional sports, concerts, and other major events. Here are the most notable ones:
a. AT&T Stadium (Arlington)
- Home Teams: Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Location: Arlington, about 20 minutes west of downtown Dallas.
- Capacity: 80,000 (expandable to 100,000 for special events)
- Events Held:
- NFL games
- College football games (e.g., Cotton Bowl Classic)
- Concerts by global artists
- WrestleMania and other wrestling events
- Soccer matches and international friendlies
- Monster truck rallies and rodeos
- Features: Retractable roof, massive HD video board, luxury suites, and art installations.
b. American Airlines Center (Downtown Dallas)
- Home Teams: Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Stars (NHL)
- Location: Victory Park, near downtown Dallas.
- Capacity: 20,000
- Events Held:
- NBA and NHL games
- Concerts by top artists
- Comedy shows
- Family-friendly events like Disney on Ice
- Features: Modern design, excellent acoustics, and a variety of food and drink options.
c. Globe Life Field (Arlington)
- Home Team: Texas Rangers (MLB)
- Location: Arlington, near AT&T Stadium.
- Capacity: 40,300
- Events Held:
- MLB games
- Concerts
- College baseball tournaments
- Features: Retractable roof, air-conditioned interior, and a wide range of dining options.
d. Cotton Bowl Stadium (Fair Park)
- Location: Fair Park, Dallas.
- Capacity: 92,100
- Events Held:
- College football games (e.g., Red River Showdown: Texas vs. Oklahoma)
- Soccer matches
- Concerts and festivals
- Features: Historic stadium with a rich legacy, located within Fair Park, which hosts the annual State Fair of Texas.
e. Toyota Stadium (Frisco)
- Home Team: FC Dallas (MLS)
- Location: Frisco, a northern suburb of Dallas.
- Capacity: 20,500
- Events Held:
- MLS games
- U.S. Soccer matches
- Concerts and community events
- Features: Soccer-specific stadium with a family-friendly atmosphere.
2. Ticket Costs and How to Buy Tickets
Ticket prices vary depending on the event, team, and seating location. Below is a general guide:
Ticket Costs:
- NFL (Dallas Cowboys): $50โ$500+ (premium games and suites can cost $1,000+)
- NBA (Dallas Mavericks): $20โ$300+
- NHL (Dallas Stars): $20โ$250+
- MLB (Texas Rangers): $10โ$150+
- MLS (FC Dallas): $15โ$100+
- Concerts: $50โ$300+ (depending on the artist and seating)
Where to Buy Tickets:
- Official Websites: Each team or stadium has an official website for ticket purchases.
- Ticketing Platforms: Websites like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and SeatGeek are reliable options.
- Box Offices: Tickets can also be purchased directly at the stadium box office.
- Resale Market: For sold-out events, consider verified resale platforms, but expect higher prices.
Tips for Buying Tickets:
- Purchase tickets early for popular games or concerts.
- Check for discounts on family packages or group tickets.
- Be cautious of counterfeit tickets when buying from unofficial sources.
3. Shopping and Entertainment Options Nearby or Within the Stadiums
Dallas stadiums are surrounded by vibrant areas with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Hereโs what you can expect:
AT&T Stadium (Arlington):
- Nearby Shopping:
- Arlington Highlands: Outdoor shopping center with stores like Ulta, Best Buy, and DSW.
- The Parks Mall at Arlington: Large indoor mall with retail stores, a movie theater, and an ice-skating rink.
- Dining Options:
- On-site: Gourmet burgers, BBQ, Tex-Mex, and craft beer.
- Nearby: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Texas Live! (entertainment complex with bars and restaurants).
- Entertainment:
- Texas Live!: A massive entertainment district with live music, sports bars, and restaurants.
American Airlines Center (Downtown Dallas):
- Nearby Shopping:
- Victory Park: Boutique shops and art galleries.
- West Village: Trendy shopping district with high-end stores and local boutiques.
- Dining Options:
- On-site: Pizza, tacos, BBQ, and craft cocktails.
- Nearby: Meso Maya (Mexican), Medina Oven & Bar (Mediterranean), and Happiest Hour (rooftop bar).
- Entertainment:
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science: A short walk away.
- Klyde Warren Park: Urban park with food trucks and live events.
Globe Life Field (Arlington):
- Nearby Shopping:
- Same as AT&T Stadium (Arlington Highlands and The Parks Mall).
- Dining Options:
- On-site: BBQ, nachos, and local craft beer.
- Nearby: Texas Live! and other Arlington restaurants.
- Entertainment:
- Combine your visit with a trip to Six Flags Over Texas, a nearby amusement park.
Cotton Bowl Stadium (Fair Park):
- Nearby Shopping:
- Deep Ellum: Eclectic neighborhood with vintage shops, art galleries, and live music venues.
- Dining Options:
- On-site: Limited options during events (hot dogs, nachos, etc.).
- Nearby: Pecan Lodge (BBQ), Cane Rosso (pizza), and Revolver Taco Lounge.
- Entertainment:
- Explore Fair Parkโs museums, such as the African American Museum and the Hall of State.
Toyota Stadium (Frisco):
- Nearby Shopping:
- Stonebriar Centre: Large mall with major retailers and a movie theater.
- The Star in Frisco: Dallas Cowboysโ headquarters with shops and restaurants.
- Dining Options:
- On-site: Classic stadium food like hot dogs, burgers, and beer.
- Nearby: Local favorites like Babeโs Chicken Dinner House and Mashโd.
- Entertainment:
- Visit the National Soccer Hall of Fame, located within Toyota Stadium.
4. Local Considerations and Tips for Visitors
- Transportation:
- Public transportation options are limited for some stadiums (e.g., AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field). Consider renting a car or using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
- For American Airlines Center, the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) system is a convenient option.
- Weather:
- Summers in Dallas can be extremely hot, so dress accordingly for outdoor events.
- Many stadiums have retractable roofs or air conditioning, but plan for heat when walking to and from the venue.
- Tailgating:
- Tailgating is a popular tradition, especially for Dallas Cowboys games. Arrive early to join the festivities in the parking lot.
- Security:
- Most stadiums have strict bag policies (e.g., clear bags only). Check the venueโs website for specific guidelines.
- Cultural Tip:
- Texans are passionate about their sports teams. Wear team colors to blend in and enjoy the camaraderie.
Dallas offers an exciting mix of sports, entertainment, and culture, making it a fantastic destination for sports enthusiasts. Whether youโre attending a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium or catching a Mavericks game at the American Airlines Center, youโre sure to have an unforgettable experience!