Texas Stadium
Texas Stadium was an outdoor football stadium in Irving, Texas, that functioned as the primary home venue for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League from 1971 to 2008.[1] Constructed between 1969 and 1971 at a cost reflecting the era's ambitions for a modern NFL facility, it opened on October 24, 1971, with the Cowboys defeating the New England Patriots 44–21 in its inaugural game.[1] The stadium accommodated over 65,000 spectators and featured 381 luxury suites, innovative DiamondVision scoreboards, and a distinctive partial roof design with a large central hole—originally planned for a retractable cover that was ultimately abandoned due to engineering challenges—allowing natural light and air to reach the playing field.[1][2] This roof hole became iconic, inspiring the local lore that it existed "so God can watch his favorite team play," a phrase emblematic of the Cowboys' self-proclaimed status as "America's Team" during their dominant periods in the 1970s and 1990s.[3] Texas Stadium hosted hundreds of Cowboys regular-season and playoff games, contributing to the franchise's five Super Bowl championships won in seasons played there, though the Super Bowls themselves occurred at neutral sites.[1] It also accommodated concerts, high school football, and other events, solidifying its role in North Texas sports culture until owner Jerry Jones pursued a larger, more advanced replacement. Following the Cowboys' move to the newly built AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the 2009 season, Texas Stadium stood vacant before its demolition via controlled implosion on April 11, 2010, marking the end of an era for one of the NFL's most recognizable venues.[4][1]Construction and Early History
Planning and Financing
In the late 1960s, Dallas Cowboys owner Clint Murchison Jr. initiated planning for a dedicated stadium to accommodate the team's growing success and introduce revenue-generating features like luxury suites, which he pioneered on a commercial scale for NFL venues. After failing to secure an agreement with the City of Dallas for a downtown facility to replace the Cotton Bowl, Murchison negotiated with the City of Irving, a suburb west of Dallas, which offered land and public support for development. Irving voters approved a bond measure by a two-to-one margin to enable the project, reflecting local enthusiasm despite concerns over traffic and urban growth impacts.[5][6][7] The stadium's financing relied primarily on $31 million in municipal bonds issued by the City of Irving, covering most of the total $35 million construction cost, with groundbreaking occurring in 1969 and completion in 1971. These bonds were repaid through innovative "seat options," early precursors to personal seat licenses, where purchasers paid upfront for the perpetual right to buy season tickets, directing revenues toward debt service and operations. The City of Irving retained ownership of the facility, while the Cowboys secured a long-term lease and operating agreement, with additional contributions from the team and NFL helping offset overruns and ensure viability. This public-private structure marked a shift toward stadiums designed for financial self-sufficiency beyond ticket sales alone.[8][9][10]Design and Architectural Innovations
Texas Stadium's most distinctive architectural feature was its partial roof, characterized by a large circular opening directly above the playing field, measuring approximately 120 feet in diameter. This design originated from initial plans for a retractable roof, which were abandoned due to prohibitive costs and technological limitations at the time, leaving the permanent hole as a defining element.[11][12] The structure was supported by four prominent 200-foot-tall towers at the corners, which anchored the Teflon-coated fiberglass panels spanning the overhangs, providing shade to the sidelines while exposing the field to natural light and elements. This configuration symbolized openness and was popularly, though apocryphally, said to enable "God to watch His favorite team play."[13][14] A key innovation was the extensive incorporation of luxury suites, with the stadium opening in 1971 featuring 178 such enclosures—more than any other NFL venue at the time—establishing a model for premium seating that boosted revenue through exclusive access and hospitality services.[15] These "Circle Suites" encircled the lower levels, offering enhanced comfort and views, and represented one of the first large-scale implementations of private boxes in professional football, influencing subsequent stadium designs league-wide.[16] The facility also introduced early technological advancements, including a computerized scoreboard that displayed real-time statistics and highlights, a novelty for sports venues in the early 1970s.[17] The overall layout prioritized fan proximity to the action, with steeply angled seating bowls and cantilevered upper decks ensuring unobstructed sightlines from all 65,675 initial seats, optimizing the viewing experience without the expansive upper tiers common in older multipurpose stadiums.[17]Opening and Initial Operations
Texas Stadium hosted its inaugural events prior to the official opening for Dallas Cowboys games, beginning with the Greater Southwest Billy Graham Crusade from September 17 to 26, 1971, which drew over 200,000 attendees across ten days and featured performances by artists including Johnny Cash and the Stamps Quartet.[18][6] This crusade marked the first major public use of the venue, testing its facilities with large crowds and setting a precedent for diverse programming beyond sports.[19] The stadium officially opened for professional football on October 24, 1971, with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the New England Patriots 44–21 in their first game at the new venue, relocating from the Cotton Bowl after the team's inaugural decade there.[20][21] The game attracted a near-capacity crowd to the stadium's initial 65,000-plus seats, including 140 luxury suites that represented an NFL innovation for premium revenue generation.[17] In its early years of operation through the 1970s, Texas Stadium established itself as a high-attendance venue, benefiting from the Cowboys' competitive success, including their Super Bowl VI victory in the 1971 season, and amenities like computerized scoreboards that enhanced fan experience and operational efficiency.[1] The facility's design supported rapid setup for games and events, with initial operations focusing on accommodating sold-out crowds and integrating advanced ticketing systems to manage demand exceeding prior Cotton Bowl capacities.[6]Architectural and Technical Features
The Iconic Roof Design
The roof of Texas Stadium was a partial fixed structure that covered the spectator seating areas while leaving a prominent circular opening, approximately 120 feet in diameter, directly above the playing field. This design, completed in 1971, represented a compromise from original intentions to install the NFL's first retractable roof, which engineers determined the stadium's foundation and framework could not adequately support due to excessive weight and mechanical complexity.[22] [3] The resulting "hole in the roof" became the stadium's most recognizable feature, distinguishing it from fully enclosed or open-air venues in professional football. Architecturally, the roof consisted of a Teflon-coated fiberglass membrane tensioned over a network of steel cables and arches, providing weather protection for fans without obstructing views or requiring columns in the seating bowl. This innovative tension structure, spanning over 700 feet in circumference, allowed for efficient coverage of the upper and lower stands while permitting natural light, air circulation, and occasional precipitation to reach the field below. The design balanced cost constraints with functionality, as full enclosure would have escalated construction expenses beyond the $35 million budget allocated in 1968.[23] The open center facilitated unique atmospheric conditions, such as televised shots peering through the hole toward the sky, which broadcasters like CBS's Pat Summerall highlighted during games. Attributed anecdotally to quarterback Don Meredith, a quip that the hole enabled "God to watch His favorite team" circulated widely but stemmed from the practical engineering decision rather than deliberate symbolism. All five Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl wins hosted in reference to the era occurred under this configuration, with no structural modifications to close the gap despite later renovation discussions.[24]Seating Capacity and Layout Evolutions
Texas Stadium opened on October 24, 1971, with a fixed seating capacity of 65,675 in a two-tiered layout consisting of lower and upper decks encircling the field on all sides, including end-zone seating sections.[1] The design featured approximately 65,000 blue-painted seats, 381 luxury suites distributed across multiple levels, and dedicated club seating areas such as the stadium club and The Corral for premium fan experiences.[1] This configuration provided unobstructed views from most seats due to the stadium's compact footprint and elevated upper deck, though end-zone upper seats offered steeper sightlines compared to modern retractable designs. Throughout its 37-year tenure as the Dallas Cowboys' home, the seating capacity underwent minimal evolution, remaining effectively static at around 65,675 seats with no large-scale expansions implemented.[1] Minor adjustments occurred, such as a reported increase to 65,846 by 1994, likely from localized reconfigurations or additions in underutilized areas without altering the overall structure.[25] Layout modifications focused on amenities rather than seat additions; for instance, enhancements to suite interiors and concourse accessibility improved user experience but did not expand total attendance figures. Proposals in the mid-1990s by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to add up to 40,000 seats, install retractable roof elements, and modernize the layout were considered but ultimately abandoned due to logistical challenges, including the stadium's urban location in Irving and high renovation costs relative to building anew.[25] The lack of significant capacity growth reflected broader limitations of the era's fixed-bowl architecture, which prioritized initial efficiency over scalability, contrasting with contemporaneous NFL venues that incorporated modular expansions.[1] By the late 2000s, the unchanged layout—characterized by narrower aisles, fewer premium options, and no provisions for temporary seating—contributed to competitive disadvantages against newer facilities boasting 80,000-plus seats and dynamic configurations, influencing the team's 2009 relocation to AT&T Stadium.[25]Infrastructure and Technological Elements
Texas Stadium's partial roof represented a key engineering innovation for its era, consisting of a fixed dome-like structure supported by arched trusses that covered roughly two-thirds of the seating bowl while leaving a prominent central opening over the field.[26] [27] Originally conceptualized with a retractable mechanism to enclose the venue fully, plans were abandoned after assessments revealed the foundation and structural supports could not accommodate the additional mechanical loads required for retraction.[22] This design choice resulted in an open-air configuration that exposed the field to weather but provided shade and partial weather protection for spectators, distinguishing it as the NFL's only such roof at the time.[27] The stadium incorporated advanced audiovisual technology relative to 1970s standards, including a computerized scoreboard installed at opening in 1971, which automated scoring displays and was among the earliest of its kind in professional sports venues.[17] Later upgrades added two DiamondVision video boards, Sony's large-scale LED predecessor technology, positioned at opposite ends for enhanced replay and graphics visibility across the 65,000-seat capacity.[1] These monochrome animated boards supported dynamic content like highlights and animations, contributing to the venue's reputation for spectator engagement.[28] Infrastructure supported 381 luxury suites, exceeding any other stadium upon debut and requiring robust electrical and HVAC systems to service premium amenities like climate control and private viewing areas.[1] [17] The two-tier seating structure, constructed primarily of steel and concrete, integrated utility corridors for power distribution, plumbing, and concessions, enabling operations for up to 65,675 fans.[1] Demolition in 2010 recycled 95% of these materials, underscoring the durability of the original build completed between 1969 and 1971.[29]Events Hosted
Dallas Cowboys Football Games
Texas Stadium served as the primary home venue for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League from 1971 through the 2008 season, hosting 313 total games during that span.[30] The Cowboys compiled an overall record of 213 wins, 94 losses, and no ties in regular-season play at the stadium, reflecting a strong home-field advantage that contributed to the team's status as one of the league's most successful franchises.[31] In playoff contests, Dallas achieved a 16-6 record, including key victories en route to multiple Super Bowl appearances.[30] The stadium's debut occurred on October 24, 1971, when the Cowboys defeated the New England Patriots 44-21 before a crowd of approximately 65,000 spectators.[21] This victory marked the beginning of a dominant era, with Dallas securing its first Super Bowl title following the 1971 season after playoff wins at Texas Stadium, including a 20-0 divisional round triumph over the San Francisco 49ers on December 26, 1971. Throughout the 1970s and 1990s, the venue witnessed numerous high-profile regular-season and postseason games, such as the Cowboys' 38-10 playoff rout of the Atlanta Falcons in the 1992 divisional round, which propelled them toward Super Bowl XXVII. The artificial turf surface evolved over time—from Texasturf (1971–1994) to AstroTurf (1995–2002) and FieldTurf (2003–2008)—potentially influencing play styles and injury rates, though specific causal impacts remain debated among analysts.[30] The final Cowboys game at Texas Stadium took place on December 20, 2008, a 33-24 regular-season loss to the Baltimore Ravens, attended by over 63,000 fans in a bittersweet farewell that featured on-field tributes from former players.[32] [33] Despite the defeat, the stadium's legacy for Cowboys games endures through its association with franchise milestones, including three Super Bowl championships won during home-field eras (VI in 1972, XII in 1978, and XXX in 1996), where Texas Stadium performances underscored Dallas's offensive prowess led by quarterbacks like Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.Major NFL Events and Records
Texas Stadium served as the venue for 16 Dallas Cowboys playoff games between 1971 and 2008, where the team recorded a 10–6 mark, including victories that propelled them to three Super Bowl triumphs. Among the most significant were the NFC Championship Games hosted there, such as the January 23, 1994, contest in which the Cowboys defeated the San Francisco 49ers 38–21 during the 1993 season, advancing to a Super Bowl XXVIII victory over the Buffalo Bills.[34] The stadium's playoff atmosphere contributed to the Cowboys' overall home dominance, with the franchise amassing a 219–99 regular-season record (.688 winning percentage) over 38 seasons—a figure that highlights its status as a fortress for Dallas.[18] One of the most legendary moments in NFL history unfolded at Texas Stadium during the December 28, 1975, NFC Divisional playoff game, when Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach connected with wide receiver Drew Pearson on a 50-yard "Hail Mary" pass for a touchdown as time expired, securing a 17–14 win over the Minnesota Vikings and etching the play into football folklore as a symbol of improbable comeback. Other notable playoff events included the January 1, 1978, NFC Championship, a 23–6 Cowboys rout of the Vikings en route to Super Bowl XII. The venue also accommodated the 1973 Pro Bowl on January 14, 1973, drawing 47,879 fans for the NFC's 33–28 defeat of the AFC. While no league-wide statistical records originated exclusively from games at Texas Stadium, the Cowboys' sustained excellence there—coupled with packed crowds for marquee matchups—underscored its centrality to the team's five Super Bowl appearances during the era, though the stadium itself never hosted a Super Bowl due to NFL selection criteria favoring larger or climate-controlled facilities.[35]Concerts and Entertainment
Texas Stadium hosted a variety of concerts and entertainment events throughout its operational history from 1971 to 2008, serving as a key venue for major touring acts in rock, pop, country, and other genres. These non-sports gatherings helped offset operational costs and established the stadium as a multifaceted entertainment hub in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, attracting tens of thousands of attendees per event despite the venue's open-air design limiting scheduling to favorable weather periods.[36][18] The first major concert occurred in the late 1970s, featuring southern rock acts including the Allman Brothers Band, Joe Walsh with Barnstorm, the Marshall Tucker Band, and Molly Hatchet, setting a precedent for large-scale rock performances. Subsequent years saw iconic pop and rock shows, such as the Jackson family's Victory Tour on July 14, 1984, headlined by Michael Jackson, which drew significant crowds during the tour's North American leg. In 1990, Paul McCartney performed on April 7 as part of his World Tour, delivering a setlist spanning Beatles hits and solo material to an enthusiastic audience.[37][38][39] The 1990s brought further high-profile bookings, including U2's Zoo TV Tour on October 16, 1992, with a set emphasizing tracks from Achtung Baby, and Farm Aid V on March 14, 1992, organized by Willie Nelson at the invitation of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, featuring Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Paul Simon, and others to support American family farmers before 40,000 attendees. Pink Floyd's Division Bell Tour stop on April 28, 1994, and the Eagles' Hell Freezes Over reunion concert on July 3, 1994, with Melissa Etheridge as opener, highlighted the venue's appeal for arena rock spectacles.[40][41][36]| Date | Headliners | Tour/Event | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 1984 | Michael Jackson / The Jacksons | Victory Tour | Pop tour stop emphasizing Jackson's Thriller-era hits.[38] |
| April 7, 1990 | Paul McCartney | World Tour | Included Beatles classics like "Band on the Run" and solo tracks.[39] |
| March 14, 1992 | Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Paul Simon | Farm Aid V | Benefit concert for farmers, hosted by Jerry Jones.[41] |
| October 16, 1992 | U2 | Zoo TV Tour | Featured elaborate stage production from Achtung Baby.[40] |
| April 28, 1994 | Pink Floyd | Division Bell Tour | Post-reunion performance of classics like "Comfortably Numb."[36] |
| July 3, 1994 | Eagles / Melissa Etheridge | Hell Freezes Over Tour | Acoustic-electric reunion set drawing massive attendance.[36] |
| July 9, 2000 | Metallica / Korn / Kid Rock / System of a Down / Powerman 5000 | Summer Sanitarium Tour | Heavy metal package tour with high-energy mosh pit crowds.[42] |