Dallasites101, here!
Recently, we published a blog with Smart City about the best sports bars in Dallas to watch the Cowboys, but what if you’re actually going to the game? The drive, the traffic, parking and the many, many people everywhere – It can all seem so daunting. But, if done right, it can be one of your most memorable sports experiences! (Especially if you’re the recent winner of Smart City’s Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills Thanksgiving day ticket giveaway)
TAKING THE DART FROM DOWNTOWN DALLAS
You read that right – you can take the DART TRE line toward T&P Station from Victory or Union Stations in Downtown Dallas and get off at Centreport Station in Arlington. Then, you’d just have to hop in a quick rideshare to get to the game. The estimated cost of a DART ride is around $3 per person each way, then there’s the cost of a rideshare or taxi from Centreport Station to AT&T Stadium.
Reminder: If it’s a game day, expect a little bit of a surcharge when booking your rideshare or taxi and if it’s a holiday, double-check TRE scheduling.
PARKING
Parking opens five hours before kick-off – if you get there right before, you might be looking at parking really far away or dealing with tons of traffic (fun fact: there are more than 12,000 spots within 15 lots). So, arrive a bit early and grab a drink and food at a nearby restaurant beforehand! You’ll save yourself a lot of stress.
Inside scoop on parking: check out Spot Hero to compare locations and costs, and possibly score a great deal! Sometimes the added step of using rideshares to get to and from the game from your parking spot can still save you money, which leads us to our next topic…
TAILGATING
The Cowboys do permit tailgating in designated spaces only, on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s permitted in all lots expect 3, part of 5, 8 and 9. Additionally, any grass areas beyond the designated tailgating spaces are considered common ground and may be used by other guests for tailgating or picnicking activities.
RIDESHARES
Alternatively, if you don’t want to deal with parking, Uber announced last year that it’s the official ridesharing partner of the Dallas Cowboys. The pick-up zone is located in Lot 15, just west of Collins Street. If you’re the lucky giveaway or just going to a holiday game at AT&T Stadium in general, make sure you order your rideshare a little ahead of time since driver demand is a little higher during those times.
Pro tip from your social media gals over here: We suggest posting on Facebook that you’re heading to the game to seek some ride-sharing friends – split the cost and save!
SHUTTLES
Another way to save is planning to eat before the game at one of several Downtown Arlington restaurants. Dallas Cowboys’ partners include J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill, Maverick’s Sports Grill, Grease Monkey Burger Shop and Social Club, and First United Methodist Church. Each offers game-day shuttles to AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Park that are economical and incredibly convenient.
Make sure to call beforehand to double-check shuttle services if you’re attending a holiday home game.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS
Other local hot spots that are within rideshare or walking distance from the stadium are Babe’s Mellow Mushroom, Twisted Root Burger, Buffalo Wild Wings, Blue Mesa Grill and Papasito’s!
BAG POLICY
Don’t get turned away at the entrance and miss out on the game entirely. This list of prohibited bags is quite extensive, from backpacks to big purses, to fanny packs and more. Here’s what’s allowed: a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote no bigger than 12”x6”x12,’ or a plastic storage bag no bigger than a gallon; or a small clutch purse no bigger than the size of a hand.
If those things clash with your Cowboys gear, try using a phone case that securely holds bank cards and cash so you can just slip it in and out of your pocket; no bag needed!
Photo source: Brendan Chavez, 2019 Dallas Cowboys
EATINGINTHE STADIUM
There’s no shame in waiting until it’s game time to enjoy some grub. The Stadium offers an array of food for all diets – from Cheetos mac n cheese balls to quinoa bowls, to indoor s’mores and french toast bread pudding skillet. Streets, Beats and Eats has an amazing round-up of them all and their stadium locations!
Next time you go to a Dallas Cowboys game, navigate it like a pro. Not you attending the game? Don’t be salty- share this with your friends!
Written by Lily & Kara of Dallasites101
Dallasites101 is a hyperlocal media company in Dallas, About Dallas. They are your 101 to Dallas, encouraging new and native residents to continuously discover and engage in the city, through content and experiences. They want Dallasites to call the city home, to find and build their sense of place here by trying “the new.” And that doesn’t just mean what’s new to Dallas, but also what’s new to them!
