Arlington Entertainment District

Welcome to Arlington Entertainment District

The Arlington Entertainment District is the beating heart of sports and entertainment in North Texas, and during the FIFA World Cup 2026, it will be the epicenter of global soccer excitement. This 1,000-acre urban playground is home to AT&T Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys play and where World Cup matches will captivate audiences from around the world.

More than just a stadium district, this area has transformed into a world-class destination featuring Texas Live! entertainment complex, Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers), Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, and countless hotels, restaurants, and attractions—all within walking distance of each other.

AT&T Stadium: The Crown Jewel

AT&T Stadium, affectionately known as "Jerry's World" after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. With a seating capacity of 80,000 (expandable to over 100,000), this architectural marvel features a retractable roof, massive high-definition video board, and premium amenities that set the standard for modern stadiums.

The stadium has hosted Super Bowls, College Football Playoffs, NBA All-Star Games, boxing matches, and concerts by the world's biggest artists. During World Cup 2026, it will welcome international fans for what promises to be some of the tournament's most memorable matches. The venue's central location, world-class facilities, and Texas hospitality make it the perfect setting for this global celebration of soccer.

Texas Live!: Your Pre and Post-Match Destination

Adjacent to AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, Texas Live! is a 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex that has become the go-to gathering place for sports fans and visitors. This vibrant destination features multiple restaurants, sports bars, live music venues, and a massive outdoor plaza that comes alive on game days.

The complex includes Rangers Republic (an upscale sports bar), Troy's (dining and entertainment), Guy Fieri's Taco Joint, PBR Cowboy Bar, and numerous other concepts. The Live! by Loews hotel sits directly above the entertainment district, offering guests the ultimate convenience with rooms overlooking the action and direct access to all the excitement below.

During World Cup 2026, Texas Live! will be transformed into an international fan zone where supporters from around the globe can gather, celebrate, watch matches on massive screens, and soak in the electric atmosphere. It's the perfect place to experience the spirit of the World Cup whether you have match tickets or not.

Hotels and Accommodations

The Entertainment District offers an impressive array of lodging options for every budget and preference. The Live! by Loews Arlington sits directly above Texas Live!, offering the ultimate convenience with modern rooms, rooftop bar, and the shortest walk to AT&T Stadium you'll find anywhere.

Within a quarter-mile radius, you'll find the Courtyard by Marriott Arlington Entertainment District, Sheraton Arlington Hotel (connected to the Arlington Convention Center), and numerous other branded hotels. Most properties offer World Cup packages, shuttle services, and special amenities for international visitors. Many hotels feature multilingual staff, recognizing the global nature of the event.

For those seeking extended stays or more space, numerous apartment-style accommodations and vacation rentals are available throughout the district. The key advantage of staying in this area is walkability—you can leave your hotel, grab dinner, watch a match, and return all without needing transportation.

Dining and Nightlife

The culinary scene in the Arlington Entertainment District reflects Texas's rich food culture while embracing international flavors. From authentic Texas barbecue at Lockhart Smokehouse to upscale dining at Rangers Republic, there's something for every palate and budget.

For pre-match meals, popular spots include Chop House Burger (gourmet burgers near the stadium), various options at Texas Live!, and casual chains along the Entertainment District corridor. Many restaurants offer game-day specials and expanded hours during major events. Several venues have large patios and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying Texas weather while taking in the World Cup atmosphere.

The nightlife scene comes alive after matches, with sports bars showing late-night soccer matches from around the world, live music venues hosting local and touring acts, and clubs keeping the energy high until the early hours. The district's pedestrian-friendly design means you can safely walk between venues, making it easy to experience multiple spots in one evening.

Beyond the Stadium: Family Attractions

If you're bringing family or want to explore beyond soccer, the Entertainment District offers incredible options. Six Flags Over Texas, one of America's premier theme parks, sits just across the street from AT&T Stadium. With thrilling roller coasters, family rides, and live entertainment, it's a perfect way to spend a non-match day.

Adjacent to Six Flags is Hurricane Harbor water park, offering relief from Texas summer heat with water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Both parks often extend hours during major events, and many hotels offer combination tickets as part of World Cup packages.

Globe Life Field, the state-of-the-art home of the Texas Rangers, offers stadium tours showcasing modern baseball stadium design with a retractable roof and premium amenities. The Rangers' 2026 season will run concurrently with the World Cup, potentially allowing visitors to catch both soccer and baseball during their stay.

Transportation and Getting Around

The Entertainment District's compact layout makes walking the preferred method of transportation once you arrive. However, getting here from DFW International Airport (20 miles away) or downtown Dallas (18 miles) requires planning.

Ride-sharing services (Uber and Lyft) operate extensively in the area, with designated pickup/drop-off zones near major venues. Traditional taxis are available but less common. For more economical options, TEXRail connects Fort Worth to DFW Airport, and you can transfer to local bus service or arrange shuttles to Arlington.

Many hotels operate free shuttles to AT&T Stadium on match days. Rental cars provide flexibility but parking can be expensive ($40-$75) and crowded during World Cup matches. Consider parking at your hotel and using shuttles or ride-shares to the stadium.

Shopping and Souvenirs

The district features numerous retail opportunities for World Cup merchandise, team gear, and Texas souvenirs. The official AT&T Stadium pro shop carries Cowboys merchandise and will stock World Cup 2026 official products. Texas Live! includes retail spaces featuring local artisans and Texas-made products.

Parks Mall at Arlington, one of the region's premier shopping centers, sits just 15 minutes away with over 100 stores ranging from luxury brands to popular retailers. The Highlands, a lifestyle shopping center, offers upscale dining and shopping closer to the Entertainment District.

Tips for World Cup Visitors

Book Early: Hotels in the Entertainment District book up quickly for major events. Reserve your accommodations as soon as match schedules are announced to secure the best locations and rates.

Arrive Early: On match days, the area comes alive hours before kickoff. Arrive early to soak in the atmosphere, grab a meal, and avoid last-minute rushes through security.

Weather Preparation: June in Texas can be hot (90-100°F). Bring sunscreen, stay hydrated, and wear light-colored, breathable clothing. Many venues have air conditioning, but outdoor areas can be intense.

Stadium Rules: Familiarize yourself with AT&T Stadium's bag policy (small clear bags only) and prohibited items list before match day to avoid delays at security.

Local Culture: Texans are friendly and welcoming. Don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations or directions. Spanish is widely spoken in service industries, and many businesses will have multilingual staff during the World Cup.

Plan Your Visit

The Arlington Entertainment District isn't just a place to watch World Cup matches – it's a destination that embodies the Texas spirit of hospitality, excitement, and innovation. Whether you're here for the soccer, the entertainment, the food, or the atmosphere, you'll find a vibrant community ready to welcome the world. Cup 2026 host site, it offers international visitors an authentic Texas experience combined with world-class facilities and the electric atmosphere of global soccer's biggest tournament.

Whether you're here for a single match or planning an extended stay to catch multiple games, the Entertainment District provides the perfect base for your World Cup adventure. From the moment you arrive until the final whistle blows, you'll find yourself immersed in a uniquely Texan celebration of the beautiful game.