Where American Airlines Center Is and How to Get There

American Airlines Center sits at 2500 Victory Avenue in downtown Dallas, Texas, about two miles south of the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. If you are driving, take Interstate 35E south toward downtown and follow signs for the Victory Avenue exit. Paid parking lots surround the arena — expect to pay $15 to $25 depending on the lot and the event. Street parking is available but limited and fills quickly on game days.

If you use public transit, the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) light rail Red Line stops at the Victory Station, which is a five-minute walk from the arena entrance. The Red Line runs from downtown Dallas to DFW Airport, so if you are flying in, you can take the train directly to the arena without renting a car. Buses also serve the area — check the DART website for current routes and schedules.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Dallas and will drop you at the arena entrance. On game nights, pickup can be congested, so plan extra time if you need to leave right after the final buzzer.

Key Takeaways

  • American Airlines Center is located at 2500 Victory Avenue in downtown Dallas and is accessible by car, DART light rail, bus, or rideshare.
  • Parking costs $15 to $25 per vehicle in the arena lots, and street parking is available but limited on game days.
  • The DART Red Line stops at Victory Station, a five-minute walk from the arena, and connects directly to DFW Airport.
  • The Dallas Stars play regular-season and playoff games at the arena from October through April, with occasional games in May or June.
  • Tickets are sold through the official Dallas Stars website, Ticketmaster, and resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek.

What to Bring and What Is Not Allowed Inside

The arena allows clear bags, small purses, and backpacks that fit the size restrictions — bags must be no larger than 14 inches wide, 14 inches tall, and 6 inches deep. You can bring a phone, wallet, keys, and a light jacket. Cameras with detachable lenses are prohibited, but phones and small point-and-shoot cameras are allowed.

Do not bring weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, pepper spray, or firearms. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, but you can purchase food, drinks, and merchandise inside the arena. Alcohol is sold only to guests 21 and older with a valid ID. The arena does not allow re-entry once you leave, so plan your concourse visits before you go back to your seat.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before puck drop to clear security and find your seat. On busy nights, lines can be longer, so arriving earlier gives you time to explore the concourse and grab food without missing the opening.

How to Buy Tickets for Dallas Stars Games

Tickets are sold through the official Dallas Stars website (dallasstars.com), Ticketmaster, and resale platforms including StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats. The Stars website often has the most current information about upcoming games, promotions, and special events. Ticketmaster is the official ticket vendor and sells both new and resale inventory.

Prices vary widely depending on the opponent, day of the week, and how close the game is. Weekend games and matchups against popular teams like the Colorado Avalanche or Vegas Golden Knights cost more than weekday games against less-traveled opponents. Playoff games are more expensive than regular-season games and sell out faster.

If you are a first-time buyer, the Stars website has a seating chart that shows available sections and lets you preview your view before you buy. Resale platforms often have lower prices than the official site, but check the total cost including fees before you commit — fees can add 20 to 30 percent to the ticket price.

Parking, Food, and Amenities at the Arena

The arena has multiple parking options within walking distance. The official arena parking lots charge $15 to $25 per vehicle depending on location and demand. Lot A is closest to the main entrance but fills first. Lots B and C are farther but often have availability later in the evening. If you arrive more than two hours before puck drop, you may find cheaper street parking on nearby blocks, though this is not may provide.

Food and beverage options inside the arena include pizza, hot dogs, nachos, sandwiches, and salads. Prices are typical for arena concessions — expect to pay $12 to $18 for a sandwich or pizza slice and $6 to $9 for a soft drink. The arena also has a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask a concession worker about ingredients before you order.

The arena has restrooms on every level, and WiFi is available throughout the building. Charging stations are located in some seating areas, though not every seat has access to one. If you need information, arena staff members in blue shirts are stationed throughout the building and can answer questions about seating, parking, and facilities.

What Happens During a Dallas Stars Game

A regular NHL game lasts about two hours and 20 minutes from puck drop to final buzzer. The game is divided into three 20-minute periods with two intermissions of 15 to 20 minutes each. During intermissions, the arena shows highlights on the scoreboard, and the Dallas Stars entertainment team performs on the ice — this is a good time to visit the concourse, use the restroom, or grab food without missing play.

The Stars play their home games from October through April during the regular season. If they make the playoffs, games continue into May and sometimes June. The arena also hosts other events including concerts, basketball games, and conventions, so check the schedule before you go to confirm it is a Stars game.

Arrive early to watch warm-ups — players skate on the ice about 15 to 20 minutes before the game starts, and this is often the best time to get autographs or photos if players come near the glass. The national anthem is played before the game begins, and fans are expected to stand.

Accessibility and Special Services

American Airlines Center has wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and seating areas throughout the building. If you need an accessible parking space, reserved spots are available in the arena lots — bring your valid disability parking permit. Accessible restrooms are located on each level.

Service animals are permitted inside the arena. Guests with hearing loss can request a hearing loop or captioning device at the guest services desk — call ahead at the arena's main number to confirm availability. The arena also offers companion seating for guests who need information, and staff can help you locate your section and find accessible routes to your seat.

If you have questions about accessibility before your visit, contact the arena directly through the Dallas Stars website or call the main number listed there. Staff can answer questions about specific seating areas, parking, and services available on the day of your game.

What to Know About the Neighborhood and Nearby Parking

American Airlines Center is in the Victory Park neighborhood, a mixed-use area with restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. If you arrive early, you can explore the area before the game or grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. The neighborhood is generally safe and well-lit, with security presence on game nights.

If the arena parking lots are full, overflow parking is available in nearby garages and lots, though you may have to walk 10 to 15 minutes to reach the arena. Some guests park in the Uptown neighborhood, about a mile north, where street parking is sometimes easier to find. The walk is manageable, but plan extra time if you choose this option.

After the game, the area can be crowded as fans leave the arena. If you parked in a lot, expect traffic to move slowly for 20 to 30 minutes after the final buzzer. If you used rideshare, request your pickup from inside the arena or a nearby location rather than waiting outside, as pickup zones fill quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the arena?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside American Airlines Center. You can purchase food, drinks, and snacks at concession stands throughout the arena. Water is available at some locations, and you can bring an empty water bottle to fill at fountains.

What is the best way to get to the arena if I do not have a car?

The DART Red Line light rail stops at Victory Station, a five-minute walk from the arena entrance. The Red Line runs from downtown Dallas to DFW Airport, making it a direct route if you are flying in. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also serve the arena, though pickup can be congested after games.

How early should I arrive before a game?

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before puck drop to clear security and find your seat. On busy nights or for popular matchups, arriving 45 minutes to an hour early gives you time to explore the concourse and avoid long lines at concessions.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring into the arena?

Clear bags, small purses, and backpacks within size limits are allowed. Weapons, outside food and beverages, and cameras with detachable lenses are prohibited. Phones and small cameras are permitted. Check the Dallas Stars website for the complete list of prohibited items before your visit.

Can I leave the arena and come back in if I forget something?

No, re-entry is not permitted once you leave the arena. Plan your visit so you have everything you need before you go back to your seat, and use intermissions to visit the concourse or restrooms.