AT&T Stadium in Arlington is a statement building. The retractable roof, massive videoboard, and 80,000-seat capacity make it one of the most impressive indoor sports venues in the world. Dallas-Fort Worth is enormous, sprawling, and car-dependent — but the hospitality is genuine and the food scene has gotten serious.
Getting to AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, Texas — roughly between Dallas and Fort Worth, about 20 miles from either city centre.
By car: This is Texas — driving is the norm. Parking at the stadium and surrounding lots is abundant but pre-booking is recommended. Budget significant time for post-match exit traffic.
By rideshare: Efficient option. Drop-off and pickup zones are well-organised. Cost from Dallas Uptown is typically $25–40 each way.
Trinity Railway Express (TRE): Commuter rail runs between Dallas Union Station and Fort Worth. The CentrePort/DFW Airport station is the closest rail stop to Arlington, then a 10-minute rideshare to the stadium. This is the best public transport option if you don't want to drive.
From DFW Airport: 15–20 minutes by car. From Dallas Love Field (DAL): 30–40 minutes.
Stadium Area
Arlington has a full entertainment district surrounding AT&T Stadium — Globe Life Field (baseball), Choctaw Stadium, and open plazas. Bars and restaurants are clustered here and will be active for tournament matches. This is where your pre-match hours should be spent rather than commuting from Dallas.
Best Fan Bars in Dallas
The Old Monk (Henderson Avenue): Best football pub in Dallas. British-owned, proper football culture, all matches shown live. Gets packed for European matches — arrive early.
Inwood Tavern (Dallas): Long-standing neighbourhood bar, multiple screens, good beer selection, welcoming to international fans.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium (Sundance Square, Fort Worth): Worth the trip to Fort Worth. Enormous beer selection, screens everywhere, relaxed atmosphere.
Brick House Tavern + Tap (multiple DFW locations): Chain, but reliable for large groups with mixed interests. Plenty of screens, broad food menu.
Where to Stay
Uptown Dallas: The best walkable neighbourhood in the city. Good restaurants, walkable bar strip, accessible to DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit).
Deep Ellum: Historic arts and music district. More affordable, independent hotels and Airbnbs, great nightlife. Less polished but more character.
Arlington (near the stadium): Practical if your schedule is match-heavy. Limited walkable dining compared to Dallas proper, but convenient.
Fort Worth (Sundance Square / Near Southside): Surprisingly great alternative base. More walkable than most of Dallas, excellent food scene, real Texas character.
Neighbourhoods Worth Your Time
Deep Ellum: Street art, live music venues, craft beer bars, and diverse food. The authentic Dallas experience.
Bishop Arts District: Small, charming, independent shops and restaurants. Good for an afternoon wander.
Fort Worth Stockyards: Historic district with genuine Western heritage. Watch cattle drives, visit the stockyards market. Not kitsch — this is real Fort Worth.
Food Picks
Pecan Lodge (Deep Ellum): The most acclaimed BBQ in Dallas. Brisket, ribs, jalapeño cheese sausage. Get there at opening or expect a long wait. Non-negotiable.
Lucia (Oak Cliff): Italian-influenced small plates, locally sourced, outstanding. Book well ahead.
Meso Maya (multiple): Modern Mexican cooking. The mole negro is exceptional and unlike anything you'll find north of the border.
El Si Hay (Oak Cliff): Unassuming Mexican joint that serves some of the best breakfast tacos in the city.
Cattlemen's Steakhouse (Fort Worth Stockyards): You're in Texas. Have a proper steak. Cattlemen's has been doing it since 1947 and it shows.
Plan Your Dallas Trip in Depth
- Best areas to stay in Dallas for World Cup 2026 — neighbourhoods for solo fans, couples, and families, plus price expectations
- Where to meet fans in Dallas for World Cup 2026 — fan zones, the Arlington district, and where supporter culture concentrates
- Things to do in Dallas for World Cup 2026 — how to spend your days around match day, including the Fort Worth day trip
- Dallas football bar guide for World Cup 2026 — full venue breakdown with booking advice