AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is a 80,000-seat retractable-roof venue that will host multiple FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including a semifinal, making it one of the most important stops on the tournament circuit. Located in the heart of Arlington’s Entertainment District near the I-20/I-30 corridor, the stadium opened in 2009 as the Dallas Cowboys’ home and has since become a defining landmark for North Texas. Beyond football, AT&T Stadium is a multi-purpose facility that hosts concerts, soccer, and now the world’s biggest sporting event, drawing visitors from all 32 World Cup nations to our city of 400,000 residents.

⚡ In a Rush? Key Takeaways

AT&T Stadium seats 80,000 with standing room for 100,000 during World Cup 2026
Retractable roof and natural grass field ensure optimal conditions regardless of weather
Trinity Railway Express (TRE) and ride-share are the best transport options on match days
Arlington’s Entertainment District includes Texas Live!, Globe Life Field, and Choctaw Stadium within walking distance
✅ Arrive 90+ minutes early; parking fills within 2 hours before kickoff for marquee matches

How Big Is AT&T Stadium and What Are Its Key Features?

AT&T Stadium in Arlington TX has 80,000 fixed seats expandable to 100,000 with standing room, featuring a retractable roof and natural grass field for World Cup 2026.

AT&T Stadium is one of the largest and most technologically advanced venues in the world, with a footprint that spans 3 million square feet in Arlington’s Entertainment District. The stadium’s most striking feature is its massive retractable roof, which can open or close in approximately 12 minutes, ensuring that World Cup 2026 matches proceed regardless of weather conditions. The playing surface is natural grass, which FIFA requires for top-tier international competition, and the field sits 50 feet below ground level to provide optimal sightlines from every seat.

What Is the Seating Capacity for World Cup 2026 Matches?

AT&T Stadium will configure for approximately 80,000 seated spectators for World Cup 2026 matches, with the ability to expand to 100,000 using standing-room areas in the end zones. This configuration differs from regular Cowboys games, where capacity reaches 80,000 with premium standing-room options. FIFA’s seating standards for World Cup matches require all-ticketed seating with unobstructed views, which means some standing-room-only areas used for NFL games will be converted to seated sections.

How Does the Retractable Roof and Field Configuration Work?

The stadium’s retractable roof consists of two panels that slide along tracks, opening to reveal a view of the Arlington skyline while protecting fans from Texas heat and storms. The natural grass field is maintained with advanced drainage and heating systems, ensuring optimal playing conditions throughout the June-July 2026 tournament window. The field is lowered 50 feet below street level, creating a bowl effect that brings every seat closer to the action than typical stadium designs.

What Technology and Amenities Make AT&T Stadium Unique?

AT&T Stadium features over 300 luxury suites, 12,000 club seats, and the world’s largest video board at 72 feet high by 168 feet wide. The stadium also houses the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ headquarters, a full museum, and more than 1,000 restrooms. For World Cup 2026, additional concessions and merchandise stands will be installed to handle the international crowd, and multilingual signage will be deployed throughout the venue.

300+ luxury suites with premium World Cup hospitality options
12,000 club seats with exclusive access to lounges and concessions
World’s largest video board: 72 ft high × 168 ft wide
1,000+ restrooms with expanded capacity for tournament matches
Multilingual staff and signage for 32-nation World Cup audience

How Do Visitors Reach AT&T Stadium for World Cup 2026?

AT&T Stadium is accessible via Trinity Railway Express from Dallas/Fort Worth, ride-share zones on Randol Mill Road, and on-site parking that fills 2 hours before kickoff.

Getting to AT&T Stadium in Arlington is straightforward but requires advance planning, especially for World Cup 2026 matches when traffic and parking demand will peak. The stadium sits at the intersection of I-20 and I-30 in Arlington’s Entertainment District, roughly 30 miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and 20 miles from downtown Dallas. Multiple transportation options exist, each with its own advantages depending on your starting location and budget.

Is Public Transit Available to AT&T Stadium?

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) provides direct rail service to the CentrePort/DFW Airport station, where free shuttle buses run to AT&T Stadium on event days. The TRE connects from both downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth, making it an excellent option for visitors staying in either city. During World Cup 2026, additional TRE trains will operate on match days, and the shuttle service will run continuously from 3 hours before kickoff until 2 hours after the final whistle.

What Are the Best Ride-Share Options for Stadium Access?

Ride-share services including Uber and Lyft have designated drop-off and pick-up zones on Randol Mill Road, which runs along the stadium’s north side. These zones are clearly marked with signage and staffed by traffic control personnel on match days. For World Cup 2026, additional ride-share zones will be established at nearby Texas Live! and Globe Life Field to distribute traffic flow. Pro tip: schedule your ride 30 minutes before kickoff to avoid surge pricing and long wait times.

How Does Parking Work at AT&T Stadium?

AT&T Stadium offers over 18,000 parking spaces across its property and surrounding lots, but these fill quickly for marquee events. For World Cup 2026, parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting 4 hours before kickoff, with prices ranging from $40 to $150 depending on proximity to the stadium. The City of Arlington recommends using off-site parking with shuttle service for major matches, as on-site lots typically sell out within 2 hours of kickoff for high-demand games.

Parking Type	Price Range	Distance	Availability
On-site premium	$80–$150	0–5 min walk	Fills 2+ hrs before
On-site standard	$40–$80	5–10 min walk	Fills 1+ hr before
Off-site shuttle	$20–$40	10–15 min walk	Most reliable
Ride-share zone	$25–$60 est.	Drop-off only	Moderate wait

What Should World Cup Fans Know About the Arlington Area?

Arlington TX’s Entertainment District includes AT&T Stadium, Texas Live!, Globe Life Field, and Choctaw Stadium within walking distance, plus diverse dining and hotel options.

Arlington’s Entertainment District has transformed into one of North Texas’s premier destinations, anchored by AT&T Stadium and surrounded by complementary attractions that make it easy to spend an entire day before or after a World Cup match. The district spans roughly one square mile and includes Texas Live! with its restaurants and live music venue, Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers), Choctaw Stadium (home of the Dallas Wings), and the Arlington Convention Center. This concentration of venues means visitors can walk between most major attractions without needing transportation.

What Dining and Entertainment Options Surround the Stadium?

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Texas Live! is the primary dining and entertainment hub adjacent to AT&T Stadium, featuring over 20 restaurants including Hooters, Rip Tide Bar & Grill, and the upscale Lockwood Sports Bar & Grill. The complex also includes the Live! by Loews hotel with 300 rooms, an outdoor music venue that hosts concerts year-round, and a bowling alley. For authentic local flavor, visitors should explore the International District along Pioneer Parkway, where Arlington’s large Hispanic community has established some of the best Mexican and Central American cuisine in North Texas.

Where Should World Cup Visitors Stay Near AT&T Stadium?

Accommodation options near AT&T Stadium range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly chains, with most located within a 5-mile radius of the Entertainment District. The Loews Arlington Resort & Spa at AT&T Stadium, which opened in 2023, offers direct stadium access and premium World Cup hospitality packages. Other nearby options include the Hyatt Regency Arlington, Hampton Inn & Suites Arlington, and numerous hotels along the I-20 corridor. For budget-conscious visitors, the City of Arlington has partnered with hotels in Fort Worth and Dallas to offer shuttle packages for World Cup matches.

What Local Attractions Should Visitors Explore in Arlington?

Beyond the stadium itself, Arlington offers numerous attractions that showcase why it’s known as the “Entertainment Capital of the Southwest.” Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor are located just 3 miles from AT&T Stadium, while the University of Texas at Arlington campus features a world-class art museum and the impressive College Park Center. The Arlington Museum of Art houses collections spanning 5,000 years, and the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame celebrates the city’s role in bowling history. For outdoor enthusiasts, Z Boaz Park offers hiking and biking trails just 10 minutes from the stadium.

Six Flags Over Texas: 3 miles, 10-min drive
UTA Art Museum: 5 miles, 15-min drive
Arlington Museum of Art: 4 miles, 12-min drive
Z Boaz Park: 6 miles, 15-min drive
International Bowling Museum: 3 miles, 10-min drive

Frequently Asked Questions About AT&T Stadium

Is AT&T Stadium in Arlington or Dallas?

AT&T Stadium is located in Arlington, Texas, not Dallas. The stadium sits at 1 AT&T Way in Arlington’s Entertainment District, approximately 20 miles from downtown Dallas and 30 miles from downtown Fort Worth.

Can You Take Tours of AT&T Stadium?

Yes, AT&T Stadium offers daily tours that include access to the field, locker rooms, press box, and premium seating areas. Tours run from 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Saturday and 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday, with tickets starting at $29 for adults.

What Are the Security Policies for Events at AT&T Stadium?

AT&T Stadium enforces a clear bag policy for all events, allowing only small clutches, clear bags, and stadium-approved items. Prohibited items include large bags, outside food, weapons, and professional cameras. Security screening begins 2 hours before kickoff, and all guests are subject to metal detection and bag checks.

How Accessible Is AT&T Stadium for Disabled Visitors?

AT&T Stadium is fully accessible with wheelchair-accessible seating throughout all levels, accessible restrooms on every concourse, and dedicated parking in designated ADA spaces. The stadium also offers assistive listening devices, large-print materials, and companion seating options for guests with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments.

What Weather Precautions Does AT&T Stadium Take?

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With its retractable roof, AT&T Stadium can fully enclose the venue during severe weather, ensuring that World Cup 2026 matches proceed regardless of rain, heat, or storms. The stadium’s climate control system maintains comfortable temperatures year-round, and the natural grass field features heating elements to prevent freezing during cooler months.

Conclusion

AT&T Stadium represents the pinnacle of modern sports venue design and will serve as a spectacular backdrop for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Arlington, Texas. From its retractable roof and natural grass field to its world-class amenities and strategic location in the Entertainment District, the stadium offers visitors an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of what North Texas has to offer. Whether you’re attending a World Cup semifinal or simply touring the facility, AT&T Stadium stands as a testament to Arlington’s growth as a major destination city.

Daniel Reyes covers Arlington business, community development, and World Cup 2026 for ArlingtonBusinessCouncil.org. Born and raised in North Texas, he writes about the economic and cultural impact of major events on the DFW metroplex.