AT&T Stadium: Everything You Need to Know for World Cup 2026

AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is the largest domed stadium in the world. Commissioned by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and opened in 2009, it was built to be a statement about what a stadium could be at a moment when stadium construction globally was reaching its architectural peak. The result — a $1.3 billion retractable-roof facility with the world’s largest high-definition video board, a contemporary art collection that rivals dedicated galleries, and an HVAC system capable of cooling 100,000 people in 100°F Texas heat — is exactly that.

For World Cup 2026 visitors, it means watching matches in genuine comfort regardless of what July in north Texas is doing to the atmosphere outside.

The Venue

Address: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011

AT&T Stadium’s standard capacity is 80,000. For major events — and the World Cup qualifies — temporary seating expands this to approximately 100,000. The retractable roof spans 660 feet and can open or close in 12 minutes; for summer World Cup matches, expect it closed and the air conditioning running at full capacity.

The video boards: The center-hung scoreboard features two screens, each 160 feet wide and 72 feet tall. These are not merely scoreboards — the resolution is sufficient to display close-up footage in detail visible from every seat in the stadium. They are 20 feet above the playing field, not in the way of sightlines.

The art collection: Jerry Jones commissioned original works for the permanent collection, including pieces by Franz Ackermann, Olafur Eliasson, and Lawrence Argent. The stadium is accredited as an art museum. This is mentioned not as trivia but because the works are large enough to be visible from concourse level and actually worth noting during your walk to your seat.

Playing surface: The natural grass field is retractable — it rolls outside for sunlight during the week and returns for matches. The surface quality for the World Cup will be tournament-standard.

Getting There

Arlington has no direct public transit connection to the Dallas or Fort Worth rail networks. This is the defining logistical reality.

Trinity Railway Express + Shuttle (Recommended)

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail runs between Dallas Union Station and Fort Worth T&P Station, with a stop at CentrePort/DFW Airport Station approximately 3 miles from AT&T Stadium.

On World Cup match days, shuttle buses will operate between CentrePort station and the stadium. The shuttle journey is 10–15 minutes.

Full route from downtown Dallas:

DART light rail to Dallas Union Station (any downtown station → Union Station)
TRE train to CentrePort/DFW Airport (~30 minutes, $2.50 with GoPass day pass)
Match-day shuttle to AT&T Stadium (~15 minutes)

Total time from downtown Dallas: 55–75 minutes. Total cost: $5–8 with a GoPass day pass covering both DART and TRE.

From Fort Worth: TRE from T&P Station to CentrePort (~20 minutes), then shuttle. 35–45 minutes total, $3–5.

Download the GoPass app before your trip and buy a day pass ($6) covering both DART and TRE.

Rideshare

From downtown Dallas: $35–55 normal, $65–100 match-day surge, 25–35 minutes
From Fort Worth: $20–35 normal, $40–65 match-day, 15–20 minutes
From DFW Airport: $25–40 normal, 20–25 minutes

Designated rideshare pickup/dropoff on the east side of the stadium complex via AT&T Way. Pre-schedule your pickup departure for 20 minutes after the anticipated final whistle to miss the immediate surge peak.

Driving

From Dallas: I-30 West to the AT&T Way / Nolan Ryan Expressway exit. Follow stadium signage. From Fort Worth: I-30 East to the same exit. From DFW Airport: TX-360 South to I-30 East.

Parking: $30–50 pre-purchased via the Cowboys/stadium website. Multiple lots — confirm your lot assignment and note it before parking. Lots A–C (closest to the stadium) cost more; Lots E–G with a 10-minute walk are significantly cheaper.

Post-match: Expect 30–60 minutes to clear the parking complex and reach a moving highway. The I-30 eastbound backup toward Dallas is consistent after major events.

Stadium Arrival

When to arrive: 90 minutes before kickoff for group stage; 2 hours for knockout rounds. The security screening for 100,000 people is efficient but requires time — the clear-bag processing is the slowest point.

Clear bag policy: One clear bag up to 12” × 6” × 12” or a small clutch (4.5” × 6.5”). No exceptions for backpacks. Medical and diaper bags are exceptions with separate screening. AT&T Stadium enforces this strictly — the Cowboys have been running this policy for years and staff are experienced.

Heat advisory: The walk from parking to the stadium entrance is exposed to Texas sun. In July, this 5–15 minute walk is in direct 38–40°C heat. Wear sunscreen, carry water, and plan for the transition.

Inside: The air conditioning activates as soon as you enter the building. Temperature inside the stadium during matches: approximately 22–24°C. Bring a light layer for people who run cold in AC.

Food and Drink Inside

AT&T Stadium has an unusually developed food program for an American sports venue.

Texas-themed options: Brisket sandwiches and plates from local barbecue vendors, Tex-Mex (nachos with proper queso, not the orange processed product), chicken fried steak bites. These reflect the Cowboys’ commitment to Texas food identity.

Standard stadium fare: Hot dogs, burgers, pretzels ($14–20).

Premium options: Multiple club-level restaurants with table service (access requires club tickets or premium day passes).

Beer: $14–17 for domestic options. Texas craft beers (Lone Star, Deep Ellum Brewing, Martin House) available at some concession points.

Tip: The east and west concourse areas have shorter lines than the main concourse near sections 100–130. The upper deck concessions are fastest and serve the same food.

The Art Collection

The permanent collection includes works specifically commissioned for the stadium spaces:

“Untitled” by Olafur Eliasson (main entry): A large-scale light and mirror installation in the main atrium.

“Game On” by Lawrence Argent: A large sculpture at the east entrance.

Franz Ackermann murals: Several large-scale painted works on interior walls visible from the main concourse.

The stadium offers official art tours on non-game days ($25). On match days, the works are visible during normal stadium access — the installations near the main entry and the concourse-level pieces are the most accessible.

Weather and Comfort

July in Arlington: 36–41°C outside. Inside AT&T Stadium with the roof closed: 22–24°C. This is the most extreme indoor-outdoor temperature differential of any World Cup venue.

The practical implications:

Dress for the outdoor walk (light, breathable clothing)
Bring a light layer for the air-conditioned interior (some people find it cold after being in intense heat)
Stay hydrated — the dehydration from the outdoor heat doesn’t reverse immediately when you step inside
Apply sunscreen before leaving your hotel, not just at the stadium — the Arlington parking lot walk is enough exposure to burn

After the Match

The stadium complex has limited dining and nightlife in the immediate area. Most visitors return to Dallas or Fort Worth for post-match food and drinks.

Deep Ellum (Dallas): The best post-match destination, 30 minutes east by TRE + DART or rideshare. Live music, bars, restaurants, all operating past midnight.

Fort Worth Sundance Square: Downtown Fort Worth’s entertainment district, 15–20 minutes west. More relaxed than Deep Ellum, with outdoor plazas and a mix of restaurants and bars.

Arlington’s entertainment district: Globe Life Field (Rangers baseball) and the surrounding Entertainment District have bars and restaurants within walking distance of AT&T Stadium. Less atmospheric than Dallas or Fort Worth proper but practical if you don’t want to travel post-match.