The Rise of the Billion Dollar Stadium

The Rise of the Billion Dollar Stadium
Football season is upon us. Rejoice football fans. But as much as we love watching football, have you noticed lately that the stadiums where the games are played have become the center of attention? We’ve seen a growth of billion dollar stadiums around the U.S. in major sports markets, each attempting to outdo the last, and these massive temples of sport are no longer just about the game being played. It has turned into a luxury experience like none other. These new developments spare no expense to ensure that the fans are getting the most up-to-the-minute experience. But what is it that makes the fans’ experience unforgettable in these new stadiums? We’ll take a look at some of their unique characteristics.
The first stadium to hit the billion dollar mark was the AT&T stadium which is home of the Dallas Cowboys (originally just Cowboys Stadium before AT&T took naming rights with a reported $17-$19 million/year sponsorship). This project ended up costing $1.3 billion dollars, making it one of the most expensive sports venues ever built in 2009. The stadium can accommodate up to a whopping 105,000 people. One of its main attractions is the 60 yard wide, 2,100 inch HD video screen (the largest at the time) that allows fans to see every detail from the game. They’ve also installed more than 3,000 Sony LCD displays throughout the stadium extending the game experience beyond the field. If you are in the stadium you cannot only see the game, but can also enjoy the art collection and even enjoy a party at Party Pass sessions located in the elevated platforms in each end zone.
Another structural element that makes this stadium unique is its retractable roof with a famous hole in the middle. According to Cowboys linebacker D.D. Lewis, the hole in the roof was purposely added, “so God can watch His favorite team play”.
The AT&T stadium set the blueprint for this new concept of billion dollar stadiums moving forward.
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Related Topics: NFL Satdiums , Architectural Buildings