Entertainment District (Arlington)

The Entertainment District in Arlington, Texas, is a concentrated area of sports, dining, and entertainment venues located between AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, attracting millions of visitors annually. Developed with the intent of creating a year-round destination, the district has become a significant economic driver for the city of Arlington and the broader Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Its proximity to major transportation arteries facilitates access for both regional and national attendees.

History

The genesis of the Arlington Entertainment District can be traced back to the late 1990s and early 2000s with the construction of Ameriquest Field (now Globe Life Park in Arlington), home of the Texas Rangers baseball team. This initial investment sparked a broader vision for developing the surrounding land into a multi-use entertainment complex. The City of Arlington actively pursued opportunities to leverage the stadium’s draw and attract further investment. ^[1]

Further development accelerated with the decision to build AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, adjacent to the existing baseball park. The stadium’s scale and ambition necessitated significant infrastructure improvements, including road expansions, parking facilities, and public transportation options. The opening of AT&T Stadium in 2009 marked a turning point, solidifying the area’s status as a premier entertainment destination. Subsequent years have seen the addition of Live! by Loews – Arlington, Texas, a hotel and entertainment complex, and the opening of Globe Life Field, the new home of the Texas Rangers, in 2020, further enhancing the district’s offerings. The district’s evolution demonstrates a deliberate strategy by the city to capitalize on major sporting events and create a vibrant, year-round destination.

Geography

The Arlington Entertainment District occupies a substantial area within the city of Arlington, situated roughly midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. It is bounded by major roadways including Interstate 30, State Highway 360, and Collins Street, providing convenient access from across the metroplex. The terrain is relatively flat, typical of the North Texas region, which facilitated the large-scale construction projects undertaken in the area. ^[2]

The district’s layout is centered around the three major sports venues – AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Choctaw Stadium – with surrounding areas committed to parking, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options. The Trinity River borders the eastern edge of the district, offering potential for future development and recreational opportunities. The deliberate clustering of these attractions creates a pedestrian-friendly environment, encouraging visitors to explore multiple venues within a single visit. The geographical concentration also allows for efficient management of traffic flow and security during large events.

Culture

The culture of the Arlington Entertainment District is heavily influenced by the sporting events that take place within its boundaries. The atmosphere is generally energetic and festive, particularly on game days, with large crowds gathering to support their respective teams. Beyond sports, the district also hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and other events, contributing to a diverse cultural landscape. Live! by Loews – Arlington, Texas, provides a central hub for dining and entertainment, featuring live music and a variety of restaurants.

The district’s design incorporates elements of Texas heritage and hospitality, aiming to create a welcoming environment for visitors from all backgrounds. Public art installations and themed spaces add to the aesthetic appeal of the area. The presence of multiple hotels and restaurants caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets. While the district’s primary focus is on entertainment, it also serves as a gathering place for community events and celebrations, fostering a sense of local pride.

Attractions

AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, is a major attraction within the Entertainment District. The stadium offers public tours, allowing visitors to explore its state-of-the-art facilities and learn about the team’s history. Globe Life Field, the new home of the Texas Rangers, also provides tours and hosts baseball games, concerts, and other events. Choctaw Stadium, formerly Globe Life Park in Arlington, continues to host events and is undergoing redevelopment. ^[3]

Live! by Loews – Arlington, Texas, is a dynamic entertainment complex featuring a hotel, restaurants, shops, and a concert venue. The complex hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances, comedy shows, and private parties. Six Flags Over Texas, while technically adjacent to the Entertainment District, is often considered part of the broader entertainment offerings in the area. The district also includes a variety of smaller attractions, such as bars, restaurants, and retail stores, providing visitors with a wide range of options for dining and entertainment. The Texas Live! component offers a particularly vibrant nightlife scene.

Economy

The Arlington Entertainment District is a significant economic engine for the city of Arlington and the surrounding region. The presence of major sports venues and entertainment complexes generates substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandise purchases, and hotel occupancy. The district also supports a large number of jobs in the hospitality, retail, and service industries. ^[4]

The city of Arlington has invested heavily in infrastructure improvements to support the growth of the Entertainment District, including road expansions, parking facilities, and public transportation options. These investments have created additional economic opportunities for local businesses. The district’s success has also attracted private investment, leading to the development of new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The ongoing redevelopment of Choctaw Stadium is expected to further stimulate economic growth in the area. The district’s economic impact extends beyond direct spending, as it also attracts visitors who spend money at other businesses throughout the city.

Getting There

The Arlington Entertainment District is easily accessible by car via Interstate 30 and State Highway 360. Ample parking is available throughout the district, although it can be limited during major events. Public transportation options include the Trinity Metro TEXRail commuter rail line, which has a station near Globe Life Park, and the Trinity Metro bus system, which serves the entire district. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also readily available.

For visitors traveling from out of town, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL) are both within a reasonable driving distance. Shuttle services and rental car options are available at both airports. The district’s proximity to major transportation arteries makes it a convenient destination for visitors from across the metroplex and beyond. The city continues to explore options for improving transportation infrastructure to further enhance accessibility to the district.