First Time Visiting the Dallas Cowboys? How to Plan Your Trip and Visit AT&T Stadium
Planning a trip to a Dallas Cowboys game brings excitement and a little overwhelm. AT&T Stadium is big. The area is busy. The options feel endless. Knowing what to expect before you arrive makes the whole experience better.
I’ve visited Fort Worth and Dallas many times, living just south in San Antonio.
On a recent trip for my niece’s college graduation, my husband and I added an AT&T Stadium tour to our plans.
We were also there again when my husband’s high school football team played in the Texas State Championship game. Seeing the stadium on a calm tour day and during a packed event helped me understand it from a visitor’s perspective.
This guide is written for first-time visitors planning a trip to a Dallas Cowboys game or simply wanting to visit AT&T Stadium while staying in Fort Worth. By the end, you’ll know what to expect, how to plan your time, and where to stay and eat nearby.
He Works So I Travel content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For full details, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.
Why AT&T Stadium Is a Must-See for First-Time Visitors
AT&T Stadium is not just where the Dallas Cowboys play. It is one of the largest and most impressive sports venues in the country. First-time visitors often underestimate the scale until they walk inside.
Located in Arlington, the stadium sits between Dallas and Fort Worth. That location makes it easy to include in a Fort Worth itinerary without requiring a hotel change.
Many travelers choose Fort Worth for its calmer pace, then drive to the stadium for a game or tour.
For first-time Dallas Cowboys visitors, seeing the stadium in person helps the team and the experience feel real.
What an AT&T Stadium Tour Is Like for First-Time Visitors
An AT&T Stadium tour is the best way to understand the layout before attending a game. Tours are guided and well-organized. You walk through areas that are off-limits on game day.
The tour starts by introducing the stadium’s design and history. The massive video board and retractable roof stand out immediately. Everything feels clean, modern, and thoughtfully planned.
Tours usually last about an hour. Comfortable shoes matter. There is a lot of walking, but the pace stays manageable.
Visiting the Dallas Cowboys Locker Room
One of the biggest highlights of the AT&T Stadium tour is visiting the Dallas Cowboys locker room. Walking inside feels surreal. This is where players prepare, celebrate, and regroup after games.
The space is sleek and has a clean, modern look. Standing there, you realize you are in the same space used by legends of the sport.
For football fans, this moment alone makes the tour worth it.
Walking the Field at AT&T Stadium
The Dallas Cowboys VIP tour doesn’t stop at the locker room.
The moment everyone waits for comes near the end of the tour. You get to walk onto the field.
Coming through the tunnel and stepping onto the turf is powerful. Even without a roaring crowd, the space feels alive. This is where Super Bowls, playoff games, concerts, and championship moments have happened.
During our visit to the state championship game, that feeling was even stronger.
Watching high school players live out a once-in-a-lifetime dream on that field was emotional.
It reminded me how special this stadium is at every level of the game.
The Owners Box Experience
Another memorable stop on the AT&T Stadium tour is the owner’s box. This is where luxury meets football.
The view is incredible. You can see the entire field and feel how different the game looks from this angle. The seating is plush and comfortable, designed for long days and big moments.
Suite ticket holders enjoy more than just Cowboys home games. These suites include access to every event hosted at the stadium. That means concerts, special events, and championship games too.
It’s not just a seat. It’s a full experience.
Now, this is how I want to watch a football game!
The Art Collection Curated by Mrs. Gene Jones
AT&T Stadium also surprises visitors with its art collection. Curated by Mrs. Gene Jones, the collection features contemporary pieces placed throughout the stadium.
The artwork adds an unexpected layer to the tour. Large sculptures, bold installations, and thoughtful design choices turn the stadium into a gallery. It feels intentional and refined, not flashy.
Even non-art lovers tend to pause and look twice. It’s another reason the stadium feels more like a landmark than just a sports venue.
Stadium Tour vs Game Day for First-Time Visitors
Planning a trip to a Dallas Cowboys game can feel intense. Game day brings crowds, traffic, and tight schedules. A stadium tour offers a calmer introduction.
Tours help first-time visitors learn where things are and what to expect. Many people choose to tour the stadium before attending a game later in their trip.
This approach reduces stress and helps game day feel smoother.
Where First-Time Visitors Should Stay Near AT&T Stadium
Choosing the right hotel matters when planning a trip to a Dallas Cowboys game. Staying close saves time and energy. I have personally stayed at all three of the hotels listed below and can recommend them with confidence.
The Sheraton Arlington is comfortable and reliable. Rooms are spacious, and the location works well for both stadium visits and exploring nearby areas.
Live by Loews puts you right in the heart of the action. It sits next to Texas Live and Globe Life Field. This hotel feels energetic and modern, especially on event weekends. As a bonus, you can easily walk to the stadium from this hotel.
Loews Arlington Hotel offers a more upscale feel while still being close to everything. The service is polished, and the rooms are quiet and comfortable. And, like Live by Loews, you can also walk to the stadium from this hotel.
All three make visiting AT&T Stadium easy and stress-free.
Where to Eat Near AT&T Stadium and Texas Live
First-time visitors often ask where to eat near AT&T Stadium. Texas Live is the most straightforward answer.
Texas Live features multiple restaurants and bars under one roof. You’ll find burgers, BBQ, pizza, and Tex-Mex. It’s lively and a fun place to hang out before the game or your tour.
Nearby restaurants outside Texas Live also offer solid options, especially around the entertainment district. Many visitors enjoy grabbing a meal and then walking to the stadium.
Eating nearby keeps your day simple and avoids extra driving.
Tips for Visiting AT&T Stadium from Fort Worth
Whether you are planning a game-day visit or visiting for the tour only, arrive early to allow time for parking and security screening.
Wear comfortable shoes since there is a lot of walking. Bring a phone or camera because photo opportunities are everywhere.
Surprisingly, fans can walk on the turf, kick and throw footballs, and even use the game day phones.
Check the stadium calendar before booking. Events can affect tour routes or availability.
Most importantly, slow down and enjoy it. The stadium is designed to impress, and it delivers.
It’s a surreal experience that connects you to the heart of the sport like never before.
Make sure to bring your own football or purchase one in the gift shop before this part of the tour.
The Stadium Pro Shop provides an array of authentic Cowboys merchandise, allowing you to take home a piece of the magic.
Should You Take the AT&T Stadium Tour?
Now to the important part: should you take the tour?
Undoubtedly, yes! The AT&T Stadium tour is not simply a tour; it’s an experience tailored for fans or anyone with a love for football, sports, or arts.
It is a unique chance to walk in the footsteps of world-famous athletes, witness state-of-the-art architecture, see stunning contemporary art, and feel a part of the Cowboys’ legacy.
The Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium tour may cost a little, but the everlasting memories and excitement make it worth every penny!
Planning a trip to a Dallas Cowboys game feels easier when you know what to expect. AT&T Stadium impresses first-time visitors at every turn.
Pairing a stadium visit with a stay in Fort Worth creates a balanced trip. You get football, culture, and great food without feeling rushed.
After many visits, the stadium still amazes me. For first-time visitors, it often becomes the highlight of their North Texas trip.
