Arlington Residents Express Disappointment Over "Dallas Stadium" Rebranding for World Cup 2026

Arlington, Texas – Residents of Arlington are expressing strong feelings after the announcement that AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, will be temporarily renamed "Dallas Stadium" for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision, made to comply with FIFA regulations prohibiting corporate sponsorships at host venues, has sparked outrage among many in the city, who feel their contributions to the stadium and the region are being overlooked.

AT&T Stadium, despite being located in Arlington, approximately 20 miles from Dallas, will host nine World Cup matches, more than any other U.S. venue. This has amplified the sentiment that Arlington deserves recognition for its significant role in hosting the prestigious event.

"Arlington has to be recognized," Mayor Jim Ross stated at a city council meeting. "We will be at the center of the universe on this thing. We're not asking for a lot, but calling that stadium by another city's name is really going to go hard with 400,000 residents in Arlington". Ross has been vocal about the need for Arlington to receive credit for its contribution to hosting the matches. While he understands the reasoning behind the name change, he believes Arlington should be acknowledged. Ross has suggested alternative names such as "Arlington-Dallas Stadium" or "Dallas-Arlington Stadium".

The frustration stems from a long-standing feeling among some Arlington residents that their city is often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Dallas. With a population of approximately 400,000, Arlington is a major city in its own right, boasting a significant entertainment district that includes the stadium, Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers), and the National Medal of Honor Museum.

"We're nobody's damn suburb," former Arlington Mayor Richard Greene has said, reflecting the city's desire to be seen as an independent entity.

Arlington taxpayers also contributed significantly to the construction of AT&T Stadium, further fueling the feeling that the city deserves recognition. The city's residents also bear the burden of increased traffic and congestion due to the stadium and surrounding entertainment district.

Monica Paul, executive director of the Dallas Sports Commission, has acknowledged the concerns and stated that discussions with FIFA are underway to explore the possibility of revising the name to include Arlington. "We do have an inquiry in to FIFA about the possibility of revising the name to Dallas-Arlington Stadium or Arlington-Dallas Stadium," Paul said.

Despite the tensions surrounding the stadium name, both Arlington and Dallas officials agree that hosting the World Cup will bring significant economic benefits to the entire North Texas region. The event is projected to generate up to $2 billion in economic gains, requiring close cooperation between neighboring cities.

While the debate over the stadium's name continues, Arlington city officials and residents remain committed to ensuring the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a success for the entire region. The focus remains on showcasing the best of North Texas to the world, regardless of what the stadium is called.