What AT&T Stadium Is and Where It Sits

AT&T Stadium is the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, about 20 miles west of downtown Dallas. It opened in 2009 and holds about 80,000 people for football games. The stadium also hosts concerts, wrestling events, college football games, and other large gatherings throughout the year.

If you are planning to attend an event there, you will need to buy a ticket and understand how payment works at the venue itself — both for the ticket and for food, drinks, and merchandise once you are inside.

Key Takeaways

  • Tickets are sold through the official Dallas Cowboys website, Ticketmaster, and resale sites like StubHub and SeatGeek, each with different fees and delivery options.
  • AT&T Stadium accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and cash at most concession stands.
  • Parking costs money and fills up quickly on game days, so arriving early or using a parking app can save time and frustration.
  • Concession prices inside the stadium are higher than outside, and the stadium allows you to bring in certain outside food and drinks under specific rules.
  • Bag policies and prohibited items are enforced at entry, so checking the stadium's website before you go prevents delays at the gate.

How to Buy Tickets Before Game Day

The official Dallas Cowboys website (dallascowboys.com) is the primary place to buy tickets directly. You can choose your seats, see the exact price before checkout, and tickets are delivered to your email or phone. The site accepts all major credit and debit cards.

Ticketmaster is another official seller and works the same way — you pick seats, pay online, and receive your tickets digitally. Both routes charge a per-ticket fee on top of the face price; this fee varies depending on demand and the event.

If the event is sold out or you want to resell a ticket you own, resale sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats let you buy from other people. Prices on resale sites are often higher than face value, especially for popular games, and fees are added at checkout. Read the delivery method carefully — some tickets arrive when ready by email, while others take longer.

Mobile tickets (delivered to your phone) are now standard at AT&T Stadium. You show your phone at the gate; no printing required. If you prefer a physical ticket, some sellers still offer that option, but it costs more and takes longer to arrive.

Payment Methods Inside the Stadium

AT&T Stadium accepts credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment apps (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) at concession stands, merchandise booths, and parking. Most transactions are contactless — you tap your card or phone to pay.

Cash is also accepted at most concession stands, though some smaller vendors may be card-only. If you plan to use cash, bring more than you think you need — ATMs inside the stadium charge a fee (usually $3 to $5 per withdrawal), and lines can be long during events.

Prepaid cards and gift cards work like debit cards. If you want to avoid overspending, buying a prepaid card before you arrive and loading it with a set amount is one way to set a budget.

Parking Costs and Payment

Parking at AT&T Stadium is not free. Standard parking lots cost between $15 and $25 per vehicle depending on the event and how close you want to park. Premium lots and valet parking cost more — sometimes $40 or higher for major games.

You can pay for parking when you arrive (cash or card at the booth) or buy a parking pass online before the event through the Dallas Cowboys website or the official AT&T Stadium app. Buying in advance often locks in a lower price and lets you skip the payment line.

If you do not want to drive, ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) operate at the stadium, though surge pricing during events can make the cost high. Public transit is limited in Arlington, so a car or ride-share is usually necessary.

Concession Prices and Outside Food Rules

Food and drinks inside AT&T Stadium cost significantly more than outside — a hot dog might be $12 to $15, a beer $10 to $12, and a bottle of water $5 to $7. These prices are typical for large stadiums but worth budgeting for.

AT&T Stadium allows you to bring outside food and non-alcoholic drinks into the venue under certain rules. You can bring a sealed bottle of water, a small bag of snacks, or a sandwich. You cannot bring alcohol, glass bottles, or large coolers. Check the official bag policy on the stadium website before you go, as rules change and vary by event type.

If you want to save money, eat before you arrive or bring snacks in your bag. If you buy inside, expect to spend $20 to $50 per person on food and drinks depending on what you order.

What You Cannot Bring and Gate Entry

AT&T Stadium enforces a clear bag policy. You can bring a clear plastic bag (no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches), a small clutch, or a small backpack. Bags are searched at the gate, so arrive early if you are bringing one.

Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, outside alcohol, glass bottles, cans, large coolers, selfie sticks, drones, and professional cameras (depending on the event). Umbrellas are not allowed inside the stadium itself, though you can use them outside.

The full list of what is and is not allowed is on the Dallas Cowboys website under "Bag Policy" or "What to Bring." Checking this before you go prevents frustration at the gate and keeps lines moving.

Getting Your Ticket on Your Phone

Most tickets sold today are mobile tickets — they live in your email or in the official Dallas Cowboys app. To use them, read the app or open your email on your phone when you arrive at the gate. A staff member scans the barcode on your screen, and you are in.

If your phone dies, the barcode is also in your email, so you can show that on another device. If you have no phone or internet access, contact the Dallas Cowboys ticket office before the event and ask about alternatives — they can sometimes print a physical ticket or email you a backup code.

Save your ticket to your phone's wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) if your ticket seller offers that option. It is faster than opening an app or email at the gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into AT&T Stadium?

You can bring sealed water bottles and small snacks in a clear bag, but not alcohol, glass bottles, or large coolers. The exact rules are on the Dallas Cowboys website under the bag policy. Rules vary slightly by event type, so check before you go.

What if I lose my mobile ticket?

Your ticket is in your email and in the Dallas Cowboys app. Open either one on your phone at the gate. If you have no phone access, contact the ticket office before the event — they can resend the barcode or issue a replacement.

How much does parking cost?

Standard parking is $15 to $25 per vehicle. Premium and valet parking cost more. You can buy a parking pass online before the event, which often costs less than paying at the gate and saves time.

Can I use a credit card to pay for everything inside the stadium?

Yes. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment apps (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work at all concession stands and merchandise booths. Cash is also accepted at most vendors, though some may be card-only.

What time should I arrive for a game?

Gates usually open two hours before kickoff. Arriving at least 90 minutes early gives you time to park, walk to the stadium, go through security, and find your seat without rushing. Parking fills up quickly, so earlier is better on popular game days.