AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, has hosted a range of events since opening in 2009, each pushing the limits of stadium capacity and drawing massive crowds. From NFL playoff showdowns to blockbuster concerts and boxing bouts, AT&T Stadium has carved out a reputation for record-breaking attendance. Here’s a detailed look at its most notable figures.
NFL Records: Dallas Cowboys’ Home Turf
AT&T Stadium, formerly known as Cowboys Stadium, was designed with crowd volume in mind. Its retractable roof and enormous video board create a distinct game-day experience. Over the years, Cowboys games have consistently drawn some of the largest NFL crowds.
- Highest Attendance for a Cowboys Game:
Date: 20 September 2009
Opponent: New York Giants
Attendance: 105,121
This game set the all-time NFL regular season attendance record during the stadium’s inaugural season. - Average Cowboys Home Attendance (Recent Seasons):
The Cowboys regularly rank among the NFL’s top in attendance, often averaging over 90,000 fans per game, including standing-room sections.
Concert Milestones: From Beyoncé to U2
AT&T Stadium is one of the most sought-after music venues in the United States, capable of accommodating massive stage setups and sell-out crowds.
- Beyoncé & Jay-Z (On the Run II Tour, 2018):
Attendance: Over 80,000
Their co-headlining performance drew one of the largest music crowds in the stadium’s history. - U2 (360° Tour, 2009):
Attendance: Estimated 104,000
Leveraging the open field and circular stage design, U2’s show utilised nearly every inch of the venue. - George Strait (Final Show, 2014):
Attendance: 104,793
This remains one of the highest-attended single-artist concerts ever held in the United States, surpassing longstanding records.
Boxing and WrestleMania: Combat Sports at Scale
With its retractable seating design and flexible floor space, the stadium has proven ideal for staging large-scale combat sports events.
- Canelo Álvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders (May 2021):
Attendance: 73,126
This event broke the US indoor boxing attendance record, topping the Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks bout at the Superdome in 1978. - WrestleMania 32 (April 2016):
Attendance: 101,763 (announced)
WWE claims this is their highest-attended event ever, though some sources suggest the actual figure was slightly lower due to floor layout.
College Football and Other Sporting Events
- Big 12 Championship Games and College Football Playoff Matches:
The stadium regularly hosts major collegiate games, with average attendance ranging from 65,000 to 90,000 depending on the matchup. - 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship (Ohio State vs. Oregon):
Attendance: 85,689
Marked one of the highest-ever crowds for a college football championship under the current format.
Non-Sporting Events and Public Gatherings
AT&T Stadium also hosts high-profile non-sporting events, from religious gatherings to international showcases.
- 2010 NBA All-Star Game:
Attendance: 108,713
Officially the highest-attended basketball game ever recorded, with the court installed at the centre of the field. - Passion Conference (various years):
Religious events have brought in tens of thousands, with some editions topping 60,000 attendees.
Designed for Records
The stadium’s official capacity is around 80,000, but with standing room and temporary seating, that number can stretch beyond 100,000. This flexibility allows for a wide range of event formats, all tailored to maximise crowd size.
In Summary
AT&T Stadium continues to set new standards for what a multi-purpose venue can offer. From NFL showdowns and chart-topping artists to global spectacles, its attendance records reflect both its size and its significance in modern entertainment and sport. The ability to accommodate such varied and immense crowds has turned this venue into a symbol of scale in American culture.
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