AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is widely recognised for its vast size, retractable roof, and role as home to the Dallas Cowboys. But beneath its high-profile status lies a range of overlooked features and hidden details that even regular visitors often miss. This article uncovers the lesser-known elements that add depth to the stadium experience.
Art Collection Tucked Among the Concrete
While most come for the football, AT&T Stadium houses one of the most ambitious public art programmes in any sports venue. Curated by the Jones family and the Dallas-based firm Good Fulton & Farrell, the stadium showcases original pieces by contemporary artists such as Olafur Eliasson, Jenny Holzer, and Teresita Fernández. These works are spread throughout the stadium’s concourses, lounges, and stairwells, blending bold conceptual themes with the raw architecture of the venue.
The Oculus That Was Never Completed
When the stadium opened in 2009, it included design plans for a massive oculus above midfield, offering a vertical view to the sky. It was meant to complement the retractable roof system, aligning with the tradition of open-air football. But the original oculus design was scaled back during construction. The opening remains, but the vision for a full skylight element was never realised, leaving a visual gap that goes unnoticed by many.
Field-Level Suites: Close Enough to Hear the Hits
Most premium suites are elevated for a bird’s-eye view, but AT&T Stadium includes 34 field-level suites located directly behind the player benches. These are among the closest any fan can get to professional gridiron action without being on the roster. Hidden behind tinted glass and often reserved for sponsors or VIPs, the experience is both luxurious and intense, giving viewers the sensation of being part of the sideline crew.
A Retractable Roof That Changes Acoustics
The stadium’s roof takes about 12 minutes to open or close fully, but fewer people notice how it subtly alters the acoustics of the arena. With the roof closed, crowd noise becomes significantly more compressed and intense. Cowboys players have sometimes referred to the noise level during closed-roof games as a tactical advantage, particularly on third downs. Sound engineers actually fine-tuned the system to create specific reverberation effects depending on whether the roof is open or shut.
A Field That Moves to Accommodate Events
While not a fully retractable pitch like in some European stadiums, the artificial turf at AT&T Stadium is modular and can be removed in large sections. This allows the stadium to transition quickly between NFL games, college football, concerts, motocross, and even boxing events. Beneath the field lies an intricate network of cables, support grids, and loading zones designed to keep the stadium flexible without damaging the primary surface.
Hidden Catwalks and Camera Rigs Above the Action
Above the field, suspended between the two ends of the stadium, lies a system of catwalks and camera tracks that most fans never notice. These rigs allow operators to control SkyCam systems and lighting with precision. The design was originally influenced by the demands of high-definition broadcast, which AT&T Stadium embraced early on. Maintenance teams and camera operators regularly use the walkways, which offer a vertigo-inducing view directly down to the field.
Legacy Vault Beneath the Stands
Beneath the west end zone lies a small but significant museum-style space sometimes referred to as the “Legacy Vault”. It’s not open to the public during regular games but is used for private tours and events. It includes game-worn jerseys, rings, and historical footage chronicling both the Dallas Cowboys and broader Texas football history. While not widely promoted, it’s one of the most intimate corners of the building.
Smart Technology Embedded in Seating Zones
AT&T Stadium has long been marketed as a tech-forward venue, but one of its quieter achievements is the use of smart sensors embedded in some of the seating infrastructure. These allow for real-time tracking of crowd flow, seat occupancy, and even thermal readings. The information is used to optimise everything from air conditioning zones to concession stand staffing, though it is invisible to the average attendee.
A Locker Room Designed Like a Hotel
The Cowboys’ home locker room is more like a high-end spa or boutique hotel. It features walnut lockers with touch-screen monitors, personal ventilation systems, and even custom lighting settings. The attention to detail reflects Jerry Jones’ belief that player comfort can influence performance. There is also a separate private recovery suite complete with cryotherapy chambers and hydrotherapy pools, accessible only to team staff and medical personnel.
TFC Stadiums takeaway
AT&T Stadium’s scale is easy to admire, but its quieter features are what make it a genuinely sophisticated venue. Whether it’s the embedded technology, hidden art installations, or the subtle acoustics of the roof, the stadium rewards attention. For those who look beyond the obvious, it offers more than just football.