If you find yourself dreaming of halftime performances, ice cold beer, the thrilling sound of a roaring crowd and cheeseburgers or hot dogs fresh from the grill, it can only mean one thing: It must be time to kick off football season! To celebrate, let’s look at three ways that football fans can make the best of game time in Arlington, TX:
One: Tailgating at AT&T Stadium
Almost everyone loves a great tailgate party, which is why tailgating before and after a Cowboys game has become almost as big an event as the game itself. If you’re ready to become a legendary tailgate host or A-list tailgate guest, here’s what you need to know:
Tailgating is permitted at AT&T Stadium, on a first-come basis, by anyone in a vehicle with a valid parking permit. You may tailgate on the designated grassy areas on the perimeter of all parking lots, EXCEPT for Lot 3 and portions of Lots 5, 8, and 9. (By the way, did you know you can pre-purchase close-in AT&T Stadium parking from our friends at Stadium Parking?)
The maximum space that any tailgate party can occupy is 9 feet wide and 12 feet deep. Tailgaters may kick off the party as soon as the lots open up and keep it going for two hours after the game ends. Get more tailgating tips for AT&T Stadium.
Are you looking for a few bright ideas for creative tailgating menus, as well as a great resource for gourmet organic menu items and craft sodas and beers? Try Whole Foods Arlington, where you can also pick up a Touchdown Tailgate Package if you’d rather let someone else do the cooking. (Need more help? Find more resources for Arlington tailgate rentals and ready-to-go tailgate packages.)
Two: Make it a no-holds-barred Dallas Cowboys weekend
Anybody can just go to the game and go home, but true rock star football fans know how to upgrade their Cowboys experience into a fun-packed weekend:
Hotel Getaways: Some Arlington hotels offer Dallas Cowboy weekend packages that include discounted room rates and shuttle service, plus amenities like in-room food delivery or a refreshing dip in the pool or hot tub area that are perfect for post-game relaxation.
Pre-Game: Cheering the ‘Boys to victory takes a lot of energy, so fuel up on brunch, lunch, and bevvies at the Stadium Club or at an Arlington sports bar or pub. BONUS: Some Arlington pre-game hotspots provide stadium shuttle service, including J. Gilligan’s, and Tailgate Tavern.
Club Seating: One of the best options for watching a Cowboys game is in an AT&T Stadium Club Seat, which offers fabulous views, extra spaciousness, and comfort, access to premium food, drinks and top-shelf parking.
Stadium Suites: Hosting a party or celebrating a special occasion? Book an AT&T Stadium Luxury Suite and enjoy the game in unparalleled amenity-packed luxury and elegance.
AT&T Stadium Tours presented by SeatGeek : Explore everything from the Cowboys locker room to the fine art gallery when you embark upon an AT&T Stadium Tour presented by SeatGeek, which affords a memorable behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s top sports and event venues. Be sure and bring a football, as you just might have a chance to head down to the field and throw a pass or two!
Rally Days: Enjoy the “fan experience of a lifetime” at a Dallas Cowboys Rally Day, which features stadium tours, on-field games, a Kid Zone and interactions with Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders and alumni players.
Three: Watch the game from an Arlington sports bar or pub
You don’t need a ticket to prove your status as a hardcore Cowboys fan, especially when there are so many fun places in Arlington to watch a Dallas Cowboys game in comfort and style, such as:
R Bar & Grill: Texas-themed cuisine and creative cocktails make the R Bar an excellent destination to watch home or away games (and a perfect pre-game spot if you’re staying at the Arlington Hilton).
BoomerJack’s Bar & Grill: A spacious patio, jam-packed menu and giant TV screens everywhere you turn are on tap at sports fans who do their football watching at BoomerJack’s, located minutes from the action at AT&T Stadium.
J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill: Nothing beats an afternoon watching the Dallas Cowboys, unless it’s an afternoon that also includes a cold beer and a plate of J. Gilligan’s world-famous Irish Nachos.
Bar Louie: Game-day drink specials and a lively atmosphere keep football fans happy at Bar Louie, where sports fans can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and a creative food menu.
Find more Arlington sports bars and pubs