Sports—or “sportainment,” if you will—are the cornerstone of Arlington’s identity. In 2024, the city welcomed over 16 million visitors (that’s 40 times our population), a massive influx of people largely here for sporting events. Even those who didn’t come for the game were likely here for a stadium-sized concert or festival. Big events in 2026 include the Grand Prix of Arlington and nine World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium. More sports. I’m starting to think Arlington is addicted to sports. Or, at least, the money made from them.
But attending these events? It’s expensive as hell. It seems only the deepest pockets can afford to leave the house anymore. Arlington’s Entertainment District is becoming a playground for the wealthy, as the rest of us deal with the extra traffic.
Some argue that Arlington is becoming a true “destination,” but how many people come here for anything besides sports or roller coasters? How many venture past the five square miles of the Entertainment District? The “Big Four”—AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Six Flags Over Texas, and Hurricane Harbor—likely account for 80% of our visitors. The Entertainment District continues to grow, with the E-Sports Stadium, National Medal of Honor Museum, and the relocated Arlington Museum of Art, which traded its humble roots in downtown to hobnob with the stadiums. UTA also draws visitors with events (albeit, mostly sports), however, none of these come close to the Dallas Cowboys and their palace. The stadium is packed when they play, regardless of their season record.
It’s a blessing and a curse. That humongous glob of steel casts a shadow across Arlington—long and wide, both figuratively and literally. I’ve only been to AT&T Stadium five times since it opened in 2009; once for a Cowboys game (a special occasion for my bachelor party) and four times for concerts. Most residents I know haven’t been there much more than that.
While Arlington has plenty of Cowboys fans, most watch the game from the comfort of home or a bar. If the ticket prices don’t scare you off, the traffic certainly will. The irony is that the biggest thing Arlington is known for isn’t really for us, nor is it used by us. At times, that’s all the city feels like: a giant sports bar for out-of-towners.
That’s okay, though. It saves the “real” Arlington for us.
For the price of a single hot dog and a beer at AT&T Stadium, we can have a full meal at one of our local hole-in-the-wall restaurants, where the flavors are as diverse as the city. For the distance you’ll walk to your car after a game, we can hike the trails at River Legacy Parks. For the cost of one concert ticket at the stadium, we can catch a few shows at the Arlington Music Hall, not to mention fifty free ones annually at the Levitt Pavilion. The list goes on.
We’re happy to host you and your money. In fact, come back soon! Just know that while you’re paying for a day pass to the playground, we’re busy enjoying the soul of the city you’re passing through.
Author’s Note: I wasn’t totally satisfied with this piece, but I’m trying to finish what I start and get things done timely. Had to leave it be and move on. JS 01-13-26
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 01-13-26
Jason S. Sullivan 