Dallas Cowboys - Cowboys Stadium

El, Manny, and I moved to the Dallas Metroplex in 2006. At that time, the Dallas Cowboys were still using the old Texas Stadium as their home. The first thing we said to ourselves that while Texas Stadium was unique due to the fact that there was a hole in the roof, it was very old and outdated. It also stood in the middle of Irving, TX, with no real amenities around the stadium. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated the same thing, demolished Texas Stadium and had Cowboys Stadium built in 2009.

Located in Arlington, Texas, Cowboys Stadium is a domed stadium with a retractable roof and is next door to Six Flags Over Texas and Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. It is the second largest stadium in the NFL and the largest domed stadium in the world. El, Manny, his friend, and I went to a preseason game where the Cowboys played the Miami Dolphins in 2010. The first thing to note about the stadium is you can see it for miles as you approach it. Secondly, parking is very scarce and very expensive at the stadium. Tailgate parking can run up to $200, which we decided was way too much to pay. Local businesses will offer parking for Cowboys and Rangers events. We paid about $25 for parking, but the thing that really amused us is that you can pay an additional $25 for a shuttle that takes you directly to the front gate. We nixed that idea and walked to the stadium. It was a long walk, but we all wanted the exercise. 

Once inside, even opponents can appreciate the amenities of Cowboys Stadium, When you first walk in, you feel like you're inside a giant food court, as all of the concession stands are right there for your convenience. We purchased end zone seats, so to get to them, you walk down one flight of stairs and you are right there! Like new stadiums, there are no obstruction of view, but you will find yourself staring at the famous, hanging giant high-definition screen that extends 80 yards. We had great seats with a close view of the field, but I still found myself staring at the screen more than the action on the field.

Above the seats are a band and dancers who entertain the crowd throughout the game. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders also dance close the crowd; there are platforms on each corner and we got to see them close up. I can see why this stadium is giving Vegas a run for its money.

Cowboys fan are very passionate about their team when things are going right. But unlike the rest of the NFC teams, Cowboys fan do welcome opponents' fans to their stadium. In  fact, Cowboys Stadium is one of the safest stadiums in the NFL for opponents' fans. There were quite a few Dolphins fans in attendance when we went to the game. Overall, the Cowboys fans were polite and not too loud. They would give a warning look to Dolphin fans who raised too much ruckus.

Aside from the issues we had with parking, our experience at Cowboys Stadium was great and a better upgrade over Texas Stadium. Jerry Jones has taken steps to make the gaming experience as great as possible for the fans, and you won't be disappointed. Just save a good amount of money and enjoy!