July 27, 2009

“We are extremely proud of the citizens of Arlington for helping us build this magnificent stadium,” said Arlington (TX) Mayor Robert Cluck. “Without their support, this building would not have been possible.”

The Dallas Cowboys and Arlington celebrated the opening of the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington (TX) on May 27. Cluck and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones both spoke of the commitment to build such a grand facility and the tremendous effort the city and club invested in creating this unique entertainment venue.

Standing more than 300 feet tall and stretching a quarter of a mile from end-to-end, the building can be seen for miles. It is a technological marvel with a one-of-a-kind scoreboard, massive end zone doors that open upon plazas, and, of course, the signature hole in the roof that can be covered by retractable doors. The stadium is so tall that the Statue of Liberty could fit inside the stadium on the 50-yard line. Yet all this was just a dream five years ago.

Responding to years of slow growth, Cluck and the city council had discussed several options to kickstart Arlington's economy. Although well located in the middle of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Arlington had reached an economic and development plateau.

In July 2004, when Dallas turned down the Cowboys' request to partner on building a stadium in Dallas or Dallas County, Cluck saw an opportunity. He had been waiting for Dallas to make a move; and immediately after their statement, called Jones and offered to bring the Cowboys to Arlington. That offer created a unique relationship between the mayor and Jones. It also started an emotional fire in Arlington.

Beginning from scratch in July 2004 and culminating in a bond election that November, Arlington was singularly focused on discussions, compromises and a good bit of hand wringing that couldn't define or disguise the nervousness leading up to election night. Representatives from both sides of the issue turned out at council and town hall meetings, and shouted it out in the newspaper. Yet, when all was said and done, Arlington overwhelmingly voted “Yes” for the new stadium, agreeing to fund half of the initial $650 million cost, capping the city's investment at $325 million.

By February 2005, the Cowboys and Arlington had signed the Master Project documents, and a new stadium was born. Notably, the project agreement included the Cowboys commitment to fairly share the construction work. “The Fair Share agreement represents the strict commitment of all parties to include minority- and women-owned businesses in all aspects of the design, procurement, development and construction of the Cowboys Stadium. This is a win-win for the entire Arlington community,” said Cluck

But getting the stadium built took a lot more than a document. The location was in the middle of the Entertainment District and covered by developed property. Financing had to be negotiated, new codes had to be written, and infrastructure had to be changed. In fact, just about every ordinance, utility, street, traffic plan, public safety agency, commercial and residential property in and around the Entertainment District was affected. Many of the details were worked out during construction of the stadium.

Arlington's Entertainment District had been the subject of debate for years. It had never been a year-round venue, and the community had long kicked around ideas for a suitable way to increase the district's tourist appeal. The Cowboys Stadium certainly met that requirement, but it was a huge undertaking for the city.

Arlington is no stranger to building stadiums. In the mid 1990's, Arlington partnered with the Texas Rangers to build the Ballpark in Arlington. Even though the city was able to build the Ballpark and retire its debt in ten years, the Cowboys Stadium represented a much larger investment. But, Cluck, the city council and the citizens of Arlington saw the project as a once in a lifetime opportunity, and voted to invest $325 million in the stadium. The Cowboys have invested more than three times that amount.

As the project progressed, the Cowboys and Arlington developed a close working relationship and personal respect. Residents, whether initially for or against the stadium, are now awestruck when they go by the site. The stadium architecture is no less than amazing, and tours of the facility are extremely popular. Best of all, the Cowboys are bringing not only football, but also exceptional year-round events to the Entertainment District. Barely open 60 days, the stadium has become a unique tourist destination. Several stories have cropped up about regional visitors adding a trip to the Cowboys Stadium to their summer travel plans.

Today, the $1.1 billion stadium is one of the stars of the Arlington Entertainment District. It joins the Texas Ranger Ballpark in Arlington, Six Flags over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, the Convention Center, Johnson Creek Linear Park, Caelum Moor, and commercial and residential properties. Property values in the area have increased by 80 percent in the last five years, and most of the transportation corridors have been improved. Also, many commercial and retail businesses have updated or remodeled their property, and new businesses are beginning to spring up.

Jones commended the involvement of family, friends and supporters who inspired the $1.1 billion project. He told guests at the opening ceremony that it was public interest in the Cowboys franchise that carried the project through.

City leaders echo Jones' sentiment. “Arlington is extremely proud to be a part of this once in a lifetime public/private partnership,” said Cluck. “We look forward to a long and profitable relationship with the Cowboys.”