Jerry World is getting some major upgrades ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to a report from Sports Business Journal, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones plans to spend close to $300 million to upgrade AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Dallas — or should we say Arlington — was named one of 11 host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with AT&T Stadium being a primary venue for the fútbol championship games. As reported, the refresh won’t “radically change the general look and feel” but rather will upgrade technology, premium spaces, and back-of-house services.
Other changes include expanding the playing surface to meet FIFA guidelines. According to FIFA regulations, the field must be 115 yards long and 75 yards across. For comparison, the Cowboy’s field is about 120 yards long (including the end zones) and 50 yards wide.
In order to add additional space, the field level will be raised 15 feet to accommodate a wider playing surface, meaning some of the lower-level seating will be cut off. The 100,000-seat venue is still expected to hold about 90,000 fans.
To help pay for the renovations, the Cowboys are meeting with other NFL owners this week to ask for permission to withhold their regular contributions to shared gate revenue — a common method for financing NFL stadium upgrades. The Cowboys will also seek a waiver for the NFL’s usual $600 million team debt limit.
Since AT&T Stadium opened nearly 15 years ago, it has become a world-class venue for sports and entertainment. Here’s a look back at some of the biggest events:
- Super Bowl XLV in 2011
- NBA All-Star game in 2010
- WrestleMania
- 2014 NCAA Final Four
- Big 12 Football Championship (2009-2025)
