Dallas Stars Stadium

The Dallas Stars is a professional ice hockey team which is based in Dallas and compete in the NHL's Western Conference as part of the Central Division. Established in 1967 during the NHL expansion, they originally played as the Minnesota North Stars before merging with the Cleveland Barons in 1978 due to financial challenges. However, with low revenue and declining fan attendence, the owners of the team decided to relocate the team once again, this time to Dllas, Texas. Relocating to Dallas for the 1993–94 season, they were rebranded as the Dallas Stars and initially played at Reunion Arena before moving to the American Airlines Center in 2001.

Nonetheless, they've clinched nine division titles, two Presidents' Trophies, and three Western Conference championships. However, their crowning achievement came in 1999 when they won the Stanley Cup, with center Joe Nieuwendyk earning the Conn Smythe Trophy for his performances in the playoffs that season. Throughout their history in both Minnesota and Dallas, they've appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals five times. Notable players like Neal Broten, Brett Hull, Ed Belfour, Joe Nieuwendyk, and Mike Modano have been inducted into various hockey halls of fame, with Modano holding the record for the franchise's highest-scoring player.

Dallas Stars' stadium

The Dallas Stars play their home games at the American Airlines Center (AAC) in downtown Dallas, Texas. The arena serves as the home venue for both the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The AAC is a multi-purpose arena used not only for sporting events but also for concerts and other live entertainment.

Dallas Stars' stadium seating capacity

The Dallas Stars play their home games at the American Airlines Center, which spans an impressive 840,000 square feet (78,000 square meters). It opened in 2001 and has a seating capacity of 19,323 for hockey games and 21,000 for concerts.The American Airlines Center boasts a versatile seating capacity tailored to various events. For basketball games, the arena can accommodate up to 19,200 spectators, with standing room allowing for a maximum capacity of 21,146. During ice hockey matches, the seating capacity is slightly adjusted to accommodate 18,532 fans, expandable to 19,323 with standing room. Concerts held at the venue can welcome up to 21,000 attendees, providing ample space for live performances. (via American Airlines Center's official website)

Dallas Stars' stadium history

In 1998, the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars expressed their need for a new arena to replace the aging Reunion Arena. With Dallas taxpayers' approval of a new hotel tax and rental car tax, funding for the arena's construction was secured, with the Mavericks and the Stars covering the remaining costs, including potential overruns. The chosen location for the new arena was near Woodall Rodgers Freeway and Interstate 35E, on the site of an old power plant.

Notably, American Airlines announced on March 18, 1999, its acquisition of the arena's naming rights for $195 million. The AAC, situated in Victory Park, officially opened in 2001 with an Eagles concert followed by Michael Flatley's Feet of Flames tour. The inaugural sporting event featured the Dallas Sidekicks of the World Indoor Soccer League facing off against the San Diego Sockers.

Designed by renowned architect David M. Schwarz, the AAC boasts a conservative yet traditional design with sweeping brick façades and smooth arches. It includes retractable seating, public art, and advanced technological features. The south side of the arena features PNC Plaza (formerly Victory Plaza and AT&T Plaza), designed by artist Athena Tacha, providing an open space with fountains and serving as the main entrance to the facility. The plaza hosts outdoor events and movie showings, utilizing several HD video displays mounted on the arena and surrounding buildings.

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Dallas Stars' stadium seating

The American Airlines Center, home to the Dallas Stars, offers a variety of seating options for fans attending games. Some of the best seats are located in sections 105-108 and sections 117-120. For those sitting in these sections, it's recommended to choose rows above row 10 to avoid obstruction from the glass. Additionally, the Dallas Stars bench is located in front of section 119, while the visitors' bench is in front of section 118. This means that the Stars will be shooting twice on the end in front of section 112.

Parking cost at Dallas Stars stadium

The parking cost at the American Airlines Center for Dallas Stars events varies depending on the specific game or event. Prices can start as low as $19 and may go up from there, with an average price of $123.

Dallas Stars stadium's notable events

The American Airlines Center has hosted a diverse range of notable events since its opening. This iconic venue has been the stage for various sports competitions, including the Big 12 Basketball tournament, PBR bull riding events, and UFC fights. It gained widespread attention as the setting for the 2006 and 2011 NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat. Additionally, the arena hosted the 55th NHL All-Star Game in 2007 and served as the venue for a watch party during the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals.

Beyond sports, the American Airlines Center has welcomed cultural and entertainment events such as Strikeforce fights, WWE shows and PPV events, boxing bouts, and even hosting the Dallas audition stages of The X Factor. In film and TV, it made an appearance in The Simpsons and has been utilized for various purposes.

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