# AT&T Stadium – FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Guide
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. Known for its colossal retractable roof and one of the largest video displays ever built, it will deliver a spectacular World Cup experience.
What is the history of AT&T Stadium?
AT&T Stadium opened in May 2009 at a cost of approximately $1.3 billion, funded through a combination of public and private financing. It was commissioned by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and designed by HKS Architects.
The stadium is home to the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and regularly hosts the Cotton Bowl Classic, college football playoff games, major boxing events, concerts, and international soccer friendlies. It hosted Super Bowl XLV in 2011. The venue has set numerous attendance records, including over 105,000 for select events using standing-room and floor configurations.
The signature feature is the center-hung video board, which stretches from one 20-yard line to the other (160 feet wide, 72 feet tall) — one of the largest in any indoor venue.
What is the FIFA World Cup capacity of AT&T Stadium?
The FIFA World Cup configuration seats 70,122 spectators, significantly reduced from the regular maximum capacity of 92,967.
This major reduction is due to several factors: the playing field has been raised 4 feet to meet FIFA sightline requirements, which eliminates many lower-level seats. End-zone standing areas are removed, and significant space is allocated to FIFA hospitality, media, and broadcast infrastructure. The field elevation was necessary to ensure spectators in the lower bowl have proper sightlines to a regulation soccer pitch.
What is the seating layout at AT&T Stadium?
AT&T Stadium has multiple seating levels:
- Lower Bowl (100 Level): Closest seats to the pitch. With the field raised 4 feet for the World Cup, lower rows may be reconfigured. Sections 101–148.
- Club Level (200 Level): Premium midlevel seating with lounge access and upscale amenities. Sections 201–248.
- Upper Level (300/400 Level): Upper concourse seating offering wide-angle views beneath the massive roof structure. Sections 301–450.
Shade / Roof: The retractable roof can be opened or closed. When closed, the venue is fully covered and air-conditioned. When open, the enormous glass end-zone walls still allow significant natural light. The roof will likely remain closed for most World Cup matches given Texas summer heat.
Premium areas include the Miller Lite Club, AT&T Stadium Club, Hall of Fame suites, and field-level suites. FIFA hospitality lounges will be installed for the tournament.
What items are prohibited at AT&T Stadium during the World Cup?
FIFA's clear-bag policy: one clear plastic bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a small clutch (4.5" x 6.5" max).
Prohibited items include:
- Backpacks, purses, non-clear bags
- Cameras with detachable or long lenses (over 15 cm)
- Laptops, large tablets
- Umbrellas
- Outside food and beverages
- Flags on poles, banners over 2 m x 1.5 m
- Drones, laser pointers, noisemakers
- Weapons, fireworks, flares
- Unauthorized signage
Security: Airport-style screening with metal detectors and bag checks. Gates open 2–3 hours before kickoff. Arrive early — AT&T Stadium's entry gates can be congested during high-capacity events.
What food and drink options are available at AT&T Stadium?
AT&T Stadium offers extensive concessions with Texas-sized portions. Standard offerings include brisket sandwiches, nachos, burgers, Tex-Mex, and BBQ platters.
For the 2026 World Cup, organizers will add international food vendors serving global cuisines — expect tacos al pastor, empanadas, shawarma, Asian noodle bowls, and dishes representing competing nations.
Alcohol policy: FIFA's two-drink limit per purchase applies. Beer, wine, and cocktails available. Sales typically end around the 60th minute. Valid ID required.
The stadium is fully cashless.
What is the weather like at AT&T Stadium during the World Cup?
AT&T Stadium has a retractable roof, making weather conditions largely controllable.
If the roof is open during the World Cup period (June 11 – July 19, 2026):
- Average high temperatures: 93–99°F (34–37°C)
- Average low temperatures: 74–78°F (23–26°C)
- Humidity: Moderate (50–65%)
- Rain: Scattered thunderstorms possible, roughly 20–30% chance on any given day
- Sun exposure: Extremely high UV index (8–10+)
The roof will almost certainly be closed for World Cup matches, providing air-conditioned comfort regardless of outside conditions. Arlington, Texas in summer is brutally hot, so the closed-roof experience is a major advantage for this venue.
What are the accessibility features at AT&T Stadium?
AT&T Stadium is ADA-compliant:
- Wheelchair-accessible seating on all levels with companion seats
- Elevators and ramps to all concourse levels
- Accessible restrooms throughout
- Assistive listening devices at Guest Services
- Service animals permitted with documentation
FIFA Family Zones will include nursing rooms, quiet areas, and family-friendly amenities.
Accessible parking is available in designated lots. The stadium's wide concourses accommodate mobility devices comfortably. Contact FIFA ticketing in advance for accessibility needs.
What restaurants and attractions are near AT&T Stadium?
AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth in the heart of the DFW metroplex.
- Globe Life Field — home of the Texas Rangers (MLB), directly adjacent
- Arlington Entertainment District — restaurants, bars, and hotels surrounding the stadium complex
- Texas Live! — dining and entertainment complex with multiple restaurants and bars (next door)
- Locos Grill & Pub, Humperdink's, and other casual dining within the district
- Fort Worth Stockyards — historic cattle district with steakhouses, live music, and Western culture
- Dallas Arts District — museums, galleries, and fine dining
- Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza — JFK assassination history
- Deep Ellum (Dallas) — live music, street art, breweries, and eclectic restaurants
- Sundance Square (Fort Worth) — shops, restaurants, and entertainment
Note: Arlington has limited public transit. Rideshare, driving, or special event shuttles are the primary transportation options on match days.
Stadium details
- FIFA name
- Dallas Stadium
- Regular name
- AT&T Stadium
- Capacity
- 92,967
- Roof
- Retractable
- Surface
- Artificial turf (replaced with natural grass overlay for tournament)
- Year built
- 2009
- Regular tenant
- Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Coordinates
- 32.7473, -97.0945
Prohibited items
- Weapons and sharp objects
- Glass bottles and cans
- Alcohol
- Fireworks, flares, and smoke devices
- Drones and unmanned aircraft
- Professional cameras with detachable lenses
- Tripods and selfie sticks
- Large bags (over 14" x 14" x 6")
- Outside food and beverages
- Laser pointers
- Noisemakers (horns, vuvuzelas, megaphones)
- Political banners or offensive material
- Umbrellas
Match-day information
- Gates open 3 hours before kickoff
- Arrive at least 2 hours early to clear security
- Clear bag policy enforced by FIFA
- Mobile tickets only—download the FIFA+ app
- Re-entry is not permitted once you leave the stadium
Getting to the venue
DART light rail to Arlington transit center, then shuttle to stadium on match days. TRE commuter rail also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to AT&T Stadium?
Drive via I-30 or TX-360. Rideshare and taxi drop-off zones will be designated. Special **shuttle buses** from Dallas and Fort Worth are expected for the World Cup. Arlington does not have rail transit to the stadium.
Why is the capacity so much lower for the World Cup?
The **field was raised 4 feet** to improve soccer sightlines, which eliminated thousands of lower-level seats. Standing-room areas were also removed, and FIFA requires space for hospitality, media, and broadcast zones.
Will the roof be open or closed?
Almost certainly **closed** for most matches. Arlington summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F (35°C), making air conditioning essential for spectator comfort and player safety.
Is AT&T Stadium cashless?
Yes. **Credit/debit cards and mobile payments only.** No cash accepted.
Can I re-enter the stadium?
**No.** FIFA enforces a strict **no re-entry policy**.
How early should I arrive?
Gates open **2–3 hours before kickoff.** Arrive at least 2 hours early. Entry can be slow during high-capacity events.
Is there public transit to the stadium?
Arlington has **very limited public transit.** Special World Cup shuttle services from Dallas and Fort Worth are expected, but rideshare or personal vehicle are the most reliable options.
What is the video board like?
The center-hung video display is **160 feet wide and 72 feet tall**, providing an incredible in-stadium viewing experience from every seat. It is one of the largest video boards in any venue worldwide.
Are there nearby hotels?
Yes. Several hotels are within the Arlington Entertainment District, including the Loews Arlington Hotel (directly adjacent), Live! by Loews, and various chains along I-30.
Where will the FIFA Fan Festival be in Dallas?
The official FIFA Fan Festival location for the DFW area will be announced closer to the tournament.
What is the capacity of Dallas Stadium?
FIFA lists Dallas Stadium at 92,967 seats for World Cup configuration.
What is the real name of Dallas Stadium?
Dallas Stadium is FIFA’s tournament branding, while locals usually call the building AT&T Stadium.
What items are prohibited at Dallas Stadium?
Expect bans on large bags, outside food and alcohol, umbrellas, professional cameras without credentials, and fireworks—mirror the full checklist printed below.
Does Dallas Stadium have a roof?
Roof coverage depends on the venue architecture—see the Roof line in Stadium details on this page (open air vs fixed vs retractable).
When do gates open at Dallas Stadium?
World Cup gates traditionally open about three hours before the scheduled kickoff.
Is Dallas Stadium accessible for disabled fans?
Yes—FIFA venues include ADA seating, elevators/ramps, companion seats, and assisted listening upon request.
Can I bring food into Dallas Stadium?
Outside food and drink are usually blocked; plan to buy concessions inside unless FIFA publishes an exception for medical needs.
What bag policy does Dallas Stadium have?
Bring only small, clear bags within FIFA’s published size limits; anything larger should stay at the hotel.