Football fans in Dallas know that catching a game at the stunning AT&T Stadium—home of the Dallas Cowboys—is more than just watching sports; it’s a full-on experience. But if you want to truly enjoy every moment, securing the best seats is essential. Whether you’re a die-hard local fan or flying in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, planning is key. Below, we’ll guide you through some expert tips to snagging prime spots and making the most out of your next Cowboys game.
1. Know Your Stadium Seating Options
AT&T Stadium is massive, with seating capacity reaching over 80,000. Understanding the stadium layout is the first step to finding the best seats. Popular seating sections include:
- Club Seats: Located around the 200-level, these offer spectacular views, cushioned seats, and exclusive amenities like VIP lounges.
- End Zone Seats: Perfect for fans who love to watch scoring drives unfold.
- Upper-Level Corner: More economical with decent views—great for first-timers on a budget.
- Standing Room Only: Much cheaper, but you’ll have to claim a spot early and stand the whole game.
You’ll also want to consider your proximity to the iconic 160-foot-wide HD video board, which enhances the experience from almost any location.
2. Book Early — Timing Is Everything
Tickets for Dallas Cowboys games sell out fast, especially for rivalry games or when the team is doing well in the season. The best seats are often scooped up the moment single-game tickets are released. So how can you make sure you don’t miss out?
- Join the Cowboys Fan Club or season ticket waiting list. This often grants early access to tickets and special deals.
- Use Alerts: Set up price and availability alerts on sites like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek.
- Follow Official Social Media: Oftentimes, Cowboys’ social media accounts announce ticket drops and flash sales.
In addition, try to take advantage of pre-season sales. Seats for preseason or early season games tend to be more available and sometimes cheaper, even for premium sections.
3. Shop on the Resale Market (But Be Smart)
Even if official channels are sold out, there’s still hope. Resale platforms like SeatGeek, StubHub, and VividSeats can offer fantastic options—if you know what to look for.
- Use Verified Tickets: Only buy from platforms that offer ticket authentication to avoid scams.
- Check Seat Views: Websites like A View From My Seat provide user-submitted images of the view from different sections.
- Wait for the Right Moment: Prices often dip the week or even the day before the game, especially if the weather forecast turns bad or it’s a less anticipated matchup.
Be alert for pricing trends—sometimes a good deal is a click away if you’re monitoring closely.
4. Consider Group Deals and Packages
If you’re attending with family or friends, group packages can offer significant discounts—plus additional perks like stadium tours and merchandise vouchers.
Official websites and third-party providers sometimes offer family packs, birthday/event deals, or even travel/hotel bundles that include mid-tier or better seating. These packages might not get you front-row action, but they offer excellent value with good views and minimal hassle.
5. Think Outside the Box: Suites and VIP Experiences
If you’re willing to splurge or celebrating something special, AT&T Stadium boasts some of the most luxurious suites and VIP ticket options in the NFL. Here’s what you can expect:
- Luxury Suites: Private indoor seating, catering options, and private entrances.
- Hall of Fame Club: Close to midfield with all-inclusive food, beer, and wine services.
- Touchdown Suites: Situated on the field level. Yes, on the field.
While these options can be expensive, some secondary markets or corporate resellers may offer occasional deals, especially for weekday or preseason games.
6. Avoid Common Pitfalls
While striving for the dream seat, it’s just as important to avoid mistakes that may ruin the game-day experience. Here are pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Last-Row Blues: Don’t assume all seats are equal. Some upper-level rows are so far back that they lose the atmosphere and game details.
- Sun Glare Sections: AT&T Stadium has a retractable roof, and some sections—especially on the visitor’s sideline—can suffer from sun glare in afternoon games.
- Obstructed Views: Certain lower-level sections may have partially obstructed views due to sideline setups. Always confirm with a seat-view preview.
7. Use Seat Maps and Reviews
Once you’ve narrowed down your potential sections, always verify them through interactive seat maps available on ticketing websites. These tools show seat availability and give you a more precise understanding compared to general stadium diagrams.
Also, tap into fan forums such as Reddit or team-specific boards—they’re often filled with honest seat reviews, alternative entry tips, and real-life photos that can help you make informed choices.
8. Arrive Early to Maximize Your Experience
Great seats deserve a great lead-up. Arrive at the stadium at least 1–2 hours before kickoff. Here’s why:
- Beat the Traffic: Game day traffic in Arlington can be intense. Getting there early ensures less stress.
- Tailgate Time: You’ll find some of the best food and fan interactions in the parking lots before the game.
- Pre-Game Events: From live music to player warm-ups, being early gives you access to behind-the-scenes action.
Give yourself time to soak in the atmosphere and explore the sprawling, art-laden venue.
9. Lock In Parking and Entry Points
Part of having great seats is making sure you enter and exit the stadium efficiently. AT&T Stadium has multiple parking lots and entrances. Depending on where you’re sitting, you’ll want to plan accordingly:
- Download the AT&T Stadium App: It shows gate instructions, wait times, and even navigational support.
- Reserve Parking in Advance: Use apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero to secure and prepay for your spot.
- Know Your Gate: Entry gate matters, especially with COVID-19 protocols or when entering a VIP section.
Conclusion
Attending a Dallas football game at AT&T Stadium is a bucket-list experience for many, and having great seats elevates that experience to unforgettable levels. By booking early, knowing your seating options, exploring the resale market wisely, and preparing properly for game day, you’ll ensure that you not only watch the game—you truly live it.
So whether you’re chasing sideline views or planning your first tailgate, remember these tips the next time you’re aiming to sit in the best seats in the house for a Dallas Cowboys showdown. Happy seat hunting—and go Cowboys!