History of AT&T Stadium in Timeline
AT&T Stadium, a retractable-roof stadium located in Arlington, Texas, is the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. Completed in 2009, it also hosts major sporting events like the Cotton Bowl Classic, the Big 12 Championship Game, and the Southwest Classic, and is scheduled to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Owned by the city of Arlington, the stadium is a multipurpose venue used for concerts, basketball games, soccer matches, rodeos, and more. AT&T Stadium replaced the Texas Stadium, the Cowboys' previous home from 1971 to 2008.
1903: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas A&M Aggies Rivalry Begins
The football rivalry between Arkansas Razorbacks and Texas A&M Aggies began in 1903.
1975: AMA Supercross Championship at Texas Stadium
Texas Stadium started hosting the AMA Supercross Championship in 1975.
December 12, 2006: AT&T Stadium Design Unveiled
The design for AT&T Stadium, featuring a retractable roof similar to the old Texas Stadium, was revealed on December 12, 2006.
October 20, 2008: Launch of Legends Hospitality Management LLC
On October 20, 2008, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner announced the creation of Legends Hospitality Management LLC, a joint venture to manage concessions and merchandising at the new Cowboys Stadium and the new Yankee Stadium.
May 13, 2009: Cowboys Stadium
Jerry Jones announced the stadium's official name as Cowboys Stadium on May 13, 2009.
May 27, 2009: AT&T Stadium Completion
AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, was completed on May 27, 2009.
August 21, 2009: Punt Hits Scoreboard
During a preseason game on August 21, 2009, Tennessee Titans punter A. J. Trapasso hit the scoreboard, sparking debate about whether the screen would affect punting strategies.
September 28, 2009: Guinness World Record for Largest HD Video Display
On September 28, 2009, AT&T Stadium was awarded the Guinness World Record for the world's largest HD video display.
December 5, 2009: Texas Longhorns Victory
On December 5, 2009, the Texas Longhorns won the Big 12 Championship Game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at AT&T Stadium.
2009: Southwest Classic at Cowboys Stadium
The Southwest Classic was held at Cowboys Stadium from 2009 onwards.
2009: Baylor Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders at Cowboys Stadium
In 2009, a Big 12 Conference game between the Baylor Bears and Texas Tech Red Raiders was held at Cowboys Stadium, marking the first time the matchup was held at a neutral site.
2009: Record Attendance for NFL Regular Season Game
In 2009, AT&T Stadium set the record for attendance at an NFL regular season game with a crowd of 105,121.
February 14, 2010: Record-Breaking NBA All-Star Game
On February 14, 2010, the AT&T Stadium hosted the NBA All-Star Game, which set a new attendance record for a basketball game.
December 4, 2010: Oklahoma Sooners Victory
The Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Big 12 Championship Game held on December 4, 2010, at AT&T Stadium.
2010: AMA Supercross Championship Moves to AT&T Stadium
In 2010, AT&T Stadium began hosting a round of the AMA Supercross Championship, taking over from Texas Stadium, which had hosted the event since 1975.
2010: NBA All-Star Game
The 2010 NBA All-Star game was held at AT&T Stadium.
2010: Cotton Bowl Classic at Fair Park
The Cotton Bowl Classic was held at Fair Park in Dallas during the State Fair of Texas in 2010.
2011: Southwest Classic at Cowboys Stadium
The Southwest Classic was held at Cowboys Stadium until 2011.
2011: Return of the Cotton Bowl Classic to AT&T Stadium
The Cotton Bowl Classic returned to AT&T Stadium in 2011, after being held at Fair Park in 2010.
2012: Texas A&M Joins the SEC
Texas A&M joined the Southeastern Conference in 2012.
2012: Cotton Bowl Classic Continues at AT&T Stadium
The Cotton Bowl Classic continued to be held at AT&T Stadium in 2012.
April 2013: Introduction of Metro Arlington Xpress (MAX) Bus System
In April 2013, the Metro Arlington Xpress (MAX) bus system was introduced, providing weekday-only access to AT&T Stadium.
July 25, 2013: Naming Rights Granted to AT&T
On July 25, 2013, the stadium's name was changed to AT&T Stadium after a sponsorship deal with AT&T.
August 24, 2013: Punt Hits Scoreboard Again
On August 24, 2013, Cowboys punter Chris Jones became the second player to hit the scoreboard during a game.
2013: Big 12 Championship Games Relocation
Due to the Big 12 Conference realignment, the conference championship games were relocated after the 2013 season.
2013: Installation of "Sky Mirror" Sculpture
In 2013, AT&T Stadium acquired and installed "Sky Mirror," a sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor, in the plaza outside the stadium's east end.
2013: Southwest Classic Moves to Home Fields
In 2013, the Southwest Classic was moved to the schools' home fields.
2014: Potential End of Cotton Bowl Classic Contract
2014 marked the potential end of the neutral site contract for the Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium.
2014: Southwest Classic Returns to AT&T Stadium
The Southwest Classic returned to AT&T Stadium in 2014.
April 3, 2016: WrestleMania 32
AT&T Stadium hosted WrestleMania 32 on April 3, 2016.
December 2017: Replacement of MAX Bus System with Ride-Sharing Service
In December 2017, the MAX bus system was replaced with a ride-sharing service, which, while connecting with CentrePort/DFW Airport station, did not operate on Sundays.
2017: Big 12 Championship Game Returns
The Big 12 Championship Game returned in 2017 after a hiatus due to realignment.
2020: Southwest Classic Moved Due to Pandemic
The 2020 Southwest Classic was moved from AT&T Stadium to College Station due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022: WrestleMania 38
On April 2 and 3, 2022, AT&T Stadium hosted WrestleMania 38, with a total attendance of 131,372 people over the two nights.
2024: Southwest Classic Remains at AT&T Stadium
The Southwest Classic will continue to be held at AT&T Stadium through at least 2024.
2026: FIFA World Cup
AT&T Stadium is set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2026: FIFA World Cup at AT&T Stadium
In 2026, AT&T Stadium will host nine matches for the FIFA World Cup, temporarily changing its name to "Dallas Stadium." It will host five group stage matches, two Round of 32 matches, one Round of 16 match, and one semifinal match.