Star-Telegram Aerial photographs of the Arlington site where a new Dallas Cowboys stadium will sit are convincing evidence that the football team and the city have a spectacular opportunity to build something special, something rare in sports arenas. If developed properly, the site could become not only a must-see entertainment venue but a natural attraction as well, replete with woods, water and rock -- assets that lure people. What Arlington does not need is a Texas Stadium-style eyesore: a domed island in a sea of asphalt. To the northeast is Ameriquest Field in Arlington, one of Major League Baseball's most appealing ballparks and a neighbor that set an example of how trees and water can be incorporated into a world-class stadium site. Southeast of the planned site, bike paths and Johnson Creek meander through heavily wooded acreage before ending abruptly at Sanford Street. Additional wooded acreage sits just to the west. Johnson Creek is probably the greatest single logistical difficulty in the new Cowboys project. The waterway has flooded enough to literally shut down Six Flags Over Texas. The dilemma is how to minimize flooding while turning the creek into an asset. The good news is that Arlington already has homegrown expertise and research on how to incorporate the area's natural bounty into an economic development strategy. Nearly a decade ago, the City Council appointed a citizens committee and a consortium of experts in hydrology, biology, landscape architecture and urban design to produce a vision for the preservation and development of Johnson Creek. Those blueprints should be dusted off and revisited. The city must insist on development that encourages people to get out of their cars and hang around before and after an event. Preserving as much of the area's natural setting as possible will go a long way toward accomplishing that goal.
Why are the Cowboys building a new stadium, anyway? Is the old one falling apart or do they just want to make a bigger one so they can sell more tickets? Is Jones going to fund the new stadium himself? Or is he going to get help from the state?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pack Attack)</div><div class='quotemain'>Why are the Cowboys building a new stadium, anyway? Is the old one falling apart or do they just want to make a bigger one so they can sell more tickets? Is Jones going to fund the new stadium himself? Or is he going to get help from the state?</div> Yes, yes, and yes. The Dallas stadium is old and pitiful with few updates since it opened 34-35 years ago. It is in a bad place for parking too. They honestly do need an upgrade. This will be more than just a stadium. Dallas will also be combining their practice facilities into this new area, as well as a convention center, hotel, some office space, etc. Texas stadium is always sold out, so I'm sure this is his chance to sell more tickets, as well as increase the price of said tickets. He also wants to be able to host big events including Superbowls, Final Fours, Olympics, etc. which he will be able to do with the new facilities. The city of Arlington will be funding a portion of the new stadium/facilities, and Jones will be investing his own money as well. Irving did not want to go for this, but Arlington had success with the Rangers and felt there would be some return there. It passed pretty easily.
