Definition Texas Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Irving, Texas, United States, that served primarily as the home venue for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL) from 1971 to 2008.
Overview Opened on October 24, 1971, Texas Stadium was situated approximately 10 miles west of downtown Dallas. It was constructed to replace the Cotton Bowl as the permanent home of the Dallas Cowboys. The stadium hosted numerous NFL games, playoff matchups, and other events, including college football games, concerts, and religious gatherings. In addition to its role in sports, Texas Stadium became a cultural landmark in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The stadium was demolished in 2010 following the opening of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Etymology/Origin The name "Texas Stadium" derives from its location in the state of Texas and its function as a large-scale sports and entertainment facility. The naming convention follows a common pattern in American stadium nomenclature, where geographic location and facility type are combined for identification.
Characteristics Texas Stadium featured a distinctive hole in the roof above the field, which was designed to allow sunlight and rain to enter. This partially open design was initially intended to support the growth of natural grass, though the lighting and drainage proved inadequate, leading to ongoing field maintenance issues. The structure had a seating capacity that varied over time, peaking at approximately 65,000 spectators. It was built with a cantilevered roof design, avoiding interior support pillars to provide unobstructed views.
The stadium's address was One Cowboy Drive, Irving, Texas. It was situated near the intersection of Texas State Highway 183 and Texas State Highway 114. Despite attempts at renovation and redevelopment proposals, the facility was ultimately demolished on April 11, 2010, using controlled implosion.
Related Topics
- Dallas Cowboys
- AT&T Stadium
- NFL stadiums
- Sports venues in Texas
- Irving, Texas
- Super Bowl XII (hosted at Texas Stadium in 1978)