As locals say, “It’s Jerry’s world—we just live in it.” For proof of the power of the legendary Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, look no further than this planet-size stadium, which has served as the home of the Cowboys since 2009, and hosts the annual Cotton Bowl Classic. Featuring a retractable roof and seating for 80,000 cheering fans (or over 100,000 if it’s standing room only), the stadium (which calls itself the largest in the country) is state of the art all the way, with high-def screens, plush suites, and even a Jones-commissioned in-house art collection with painting and sculptures by 53 contemporary artists. As with most stadiums, parking is a nightmare, and concertgoers have mixed reviews about the acoustics for live shows (though that hasn’t stopped everyone from Beyoncé to U2 from playing here), but the thrill of seeing a sports game live—whether football, basketball, or soccer, professional or college—can’t be beat. Note that while this is the home base of the Dallas Cowboys, the stadium is actually in the city of Arlington, set between Dallas and Fort Worth.
Blake Marvin, HKS Inc., courtesy of the Dallas Cowboys
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The Cowboy Mecca
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones once said he envisioned “a large entertainment mecca” as the home for his beloved team, and that is exactly what he got in AT&T Stadium (previously known as Cowboy Stadium). With the ability to accommodate a whopping 105,000 people, it’s no wonder the stadium is equipped to handle much more than football games. First opened in 2009, the stadium has now hosted the Final Four, the Rolling Stones, the Academy of Country Music Awards, Jay Z and Beyonce’s “On the Run Tour,” and the final show of George Strait’s illustrious career. Despite its size, the stadium offers a remarkably luxurious experience. The stadium even has the fourth largest high-definition video screen in the world—and a surprising collection of critically acclaimed contemporary art located throughout the arena.
