AT&T Stadium Revamps for World Cup Matches

For 17 years, the Dallas Cowboys have called AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, their home. Known for its huge video board above the 50-yard line, the stadium temporarily has a new name: Dallas Stadium. This renaming accompanies its role as a venue for several World Cup matches.

During these matches, traditional football markers like end zones and yard markers are removed. The artificial turf is also replaced. Something different caught the eye of Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer, though: curtains. These curtains block the famously intrusive sunlight during soccer games. “I’ve watched many World Cup games. It’s something I’ve enjoyed. They placed blinders up—the shades,” Schottenheimer remarked at a recent press conference.

Sunlight has been a longstanding challenge since the stadium’s inception in 2009. In a 2017 game, Dez Bryant and Brice Butler named sunlight as the reason for missed catches against the Kansas City Chiefs. Similarly, Cedrick Wilson struggled with visibility in a 2021 playoff against the San Francisco 49ers. Michael Gallup faced a similar issue the following year, missing a potential touchdown.

Schottenheimer humorously described the situation as “majestic” sunlight cutting through AT&T Stadium. He elaborated in October 2025 that the team has a plan for managing sunlight. “We have satellite imaging and a detailed plan. Historically, it hasn’t impacted many situations. We and our opponents prepare for it,” he said. Despite the challenges, he acknowledged the beauty of sunlight filtering into the stadium.

AT&T Stadium premiered its World Cup hosting with a match on June 14, featuring a 1-1 draw between the Netherlands and Japan. Often called “Jerry World,” named after Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones, the stadium also saw England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia. Curtains have been used for these matches and are set to return on June 22, when Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, faces Austria.

For more sports news, visit Fox News Digital or subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Chantz Martin is a sports writer contributing to Fox News Digital.