DALLAS COWBOYS
“Moving from our namesake stadium after 71 years was a difficult and emotional decision,” Gadd noted. “However, through careful evaluation, it was determined that a move to the new stadium would take all weather concerns out of the equation, keep our game in line with its competitors and provide a world-class facility for the participating universities, fans and our partners.”
No doubt, when the Cowboys’ innovative facility makes its debut in 2009, everyone in the college and professional ranks will want to play there.
Designed by the Dallas architectural firm of HKS, which also created the American Airlines Center in Dallas and the Texas Rangers’ Ballpark in Arlington, the stadium will span 2. 7 million square feet with two quarter-mile long steel arches to support the retractable roof and massive video scoreboards. The exterior walls of the stadium will be made of glass and limestone.
As one might imagine, state-of-the-art technology will be featured throughout the facility. One of the most noticeable elements is a two-sided video screen that will be suspended 110 feet above the playing field, stretching from one 20- yard line to the other. Fans sitting in the end zones will be treated to a pair of 50- foot screens for optimal viewing and video imagery.
Seating in the lower level will consist of
three decks that overlap to minimize the distance between fans and players on the field. In turn, this design will benefit fans sitting in the upper deck, bringing them closer to the action.
A total of 15,000 club seats are available along with more than 200 luxury suites, some of which are to be situated at field level.
On game day, general access into the stadium will be through the world’s largest movable glass doors that empty into enormous open-air end zone plazas. For most
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events, these doors will remain open for the enhancement of social gatherings and entertainment opportunities.
In other words, this new stadium will be a grand showplace, unlike any other facility on planet Earth.
Our advice to football fans throughout Texas and across the country is to get ready to share some exciting times. The 74th anniversary of the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic is sure to be the biggest and the best one ever.
Yes…the times they are a-changin’.
DALLAS CO WBO YS/HKS
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