The Dallas Cowboys plan to start $295 million in upgrades in January to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with completion planned before the stadium hosts some 2026 World Cup games.
The work includes at least $180 million on upgrading the premium clubs, suites and corridors comprising 575,000 square feet with high-end interior finishes and technology, according to a state permit. Other revisions planned for the 3.1 million-square-foot stadium include upgrading the world’s largest center-hung HDTV videoboard to 4K technology, adding more concession and bar locations and wellness spaces, and refreshing all seven AT&T Stadium pro shops.
The multiyear project ahead of the 2026 World Cup is being planned to avoid any major disruptions to events booked at AT&T Stadium, according to a statement from the Cowboys. The bill is expected to be footed by the Cowboys, the world's most valuable sports franchise, with at least one valuation coming in at $9.2 billion. No city funds are being used to finance the project.
“The vision to create, operate and maintain AT&T Stadium as the world’s best venue of its kind is something that was accomplished by always having an eye to the future,” Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones said in a statement to CoStar News.
The Jones family has privately reinvested nearly $500 million into AT&T Stadium since it opened in 2009, including the planned upgrades in the coming years to prepare the stadium for its upcoming World Cup matches in 2026.
"Now, after 14 seasons, that forward thinking to be industry leaders continues to be rooted in our deep commitment to our fans, our partners and our community," Jones said. "It is a reflection of the unparalleled experience and environment we want to provide every time they are here with us for Cowboys games or any of the world-class events that will call AT&T Stadium home."
The retractable-roof stadium is expandable to accommodate more than 100,000 fans. AT&T Stadium hosted its first and only Super Bowl in 2011. The NCAA also recently selected the stadium to host the 2030 men's Final Four basketball tournament. The stadium has held prior events, such as the NFL Draft, the NCAA College Football Playoff national championship, the NCAA basketball Final Four, the NBA All-Star Game, the CONCACAF Gold Cup and many significant events, such as major concerts.
Along with Dallas-Fort Worth, the nation's fourth-largest metropolitan area with more than 7.9 million residents, 10 other U.S. cities were among the 16 in North America selected by FIFA to host the 2026 World Cup matches. The tournament is expected to generate about $5 billion in economic benefits.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first of its kind to be hosted by three countries simultaneously, with Canada and Mexico also hosting games. In the United States, matches are scheduled in Atlanta; Boston; Dallas; Houston; Kansas City, Missouri; Los Angeles; Miami; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Seattle; and the New York City-New Jersey region.
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Dallas-based HKS Inc. will design the stadium upgrades. HKS was the original architect of the city-owned AT&T Stadium. Manhattan Construction built the stadium.