A Once in a Lifetime Project  

“We are extremely proud of the citizens of Arlington for helping us build this magnificent stadium,” said Mayor Robert Cluck. “Without their support, this building would not have been possible.”

On May 27, 2009, the Dallas Cowboys and the City of Arlington celebrated the opening of the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.  Mayor Cluck and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones both spoke of the commitment to build such a grand facility and the tremendous effort the City and Club invested in creating this unique entertainment venue. 

Standing more than 300 feet tall and stretching a quarter of a mile from end-to-end, the building can be seen for miles.  It is a technological marvel with a one-of-a-kind scoreboard, massive end zone doors that open upon plazas and, of course, the signature hole in the roof that can be covered by retractable doors.  The stadium is so tall that the Statue of Liberty could fit inside on the 50 yard line.

Yet all this was just a dream five years ago.  

Responding to years of slow growth, Mayor Cluck and the City Council had discussed several options to kick start Arlington’s economy.  Although well located in the middle of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Arlington had reached an economic and development plateau.

In July 2004, when the City of Dallas turned down the Cowboy’s request to partner on building a stadium in Dallas or Dallas County, Mayor Cluck saw an opportunity.  He had been waiting for Dallas to make a move; and immediately after their statement, called Jerry Jones and offered to bring the Cowboys to Arlington.  That offer created a unique relationship between the Mayor and Mr. Jones.   It also started an emotional fire in Arlington.

Beginning from scratch in July 2004 and culminating in a bond election that November, Arlington was singularly focused on discussions, compromises and a good bit of hand wringing that couldn’t define or disguise the nervousness leading up to election night.  Representatives from both sides of the issue turned out at Council meetings and Town Hall meetings, and shouted it out in the newspaper.  Yet, when all was said and done, Arlington overwhelmingly voted “Yes” for the new stadium, agreeing to fund half of the initial $650 million cost, capping the City’s investment at $325 million.

By February 2005, the Cowboys and the City of Arlington had signed the Master Project documents, and a new stadium was born.  Notably, the project agreement included the Cowboys commitment to fairly share the construction work.  “The Fair Share agreement represents the strict commitment of all parties to include minority and women owned businesses in all aspects of the design, procurement, development and construction of the Cowboys Stadium. This is a win-win for the entire Arlington community.” said Mayor Cluck

But getting the stadium built took a lot more than a document.  The location was in the middle of the Entertainment District and covered by developed property.  Financing had to be negotiated, new codes had to be written, and infrastructure had to be changed.  In fact, just about every ordinance, utility, street, traffic plan, public safety agency, commercial and residential property in and around the Entertainment District was affected.  Many of the details were worked out during construction of the stadium.

Arlington’s Entertainment District had been the subject of debate for years.  It had never been a year round venue, and the community had long kicked around ideas for a suitable way to increase the district’s tourist appeal.  The Cowboys Stadium certainly met that requirement, but it was a huge undertaking for the City.

Arlington is no stranger to building stadiums.  In the mid 1990’s, Arlington partnered with the Texas Rangers to build the Ballpark in Arlington.  Even though the City was able to build the Ballpark and retire its debt in 10 years, the Cowboys Stadium represented a much larger investment.  But, Mayor Cluck, the City Council and the citizens of Arlington saw the project as a once in a lifetime opportunity, and voted to invested $325 million in the stadium.  The Cowboys have invested more than three times that amount.

As the project progressed, the Cowboys and Arlington developed close working and personal respect.  Residents, whether initially for or against the stadium, are now awestruck when they go by the site.  The stadium architecture is no less than amazing, and tours of the facility are extremely popular.  Best of all, the Cowboys are bringing not only football, but exceptional year-round events to the Entertainment District.  Barely open 60 days, the stadium has become a unique tourist destination.  Several stories have cropped up about regional visitors adding a trip to the Cowboys Stadium to their summer travel plans.

Today, the $1.1 billion stadium is one of the stars of the Arlington Entertainment District.  It joins the Texas Ranger Ballpark in Arlington, Six Flags over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, the Convention Center, Johnson Creek Linear Park, Caelum Moor, and commercial and residential properties.  Property values in the area have increased by 80 percent in the last five years, and most of the transportation corridors have been improved.  Also, many commercial and retail businesses have updated or remodeled their property, and new businesses are beginning to spring up.

On May 27, 2009, Jerry Jones commended the involvement of family, friends and supporters who inspired the $1.1 billion project.  He told guests at the opening ceremony that it was public interest in the Cowboys franchise that carried the project through.

City leaders echo Mr. Jones’ sentiment.  “Arlington is extremely proud to be a part of this once in a lifetime public/private partnership,” said Mayor Robert Cluck “We look forward to a long and profitable relationship with the Cowboys.”

UT Arlington

LEEDing the way…

UT Arlington’s Engineering Research Complex

Yates and First Streets in the University District -
Downtown Arlington.

The eyes of the sports world were on Arlington in 1972 when the Washington Senators relocated from the nation’s capitol to North Texas and became the Texas Rangers. Now, 36 years later, Arlington is again in the sports spotlight with the integration of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) under one roof at the new International Bowling Campus (IBC) located at 621 Six Flags Drive.

The BPAA, representing bowling center owners, has called Arlington home since 1974. The USBC, which represents the players, had been headquartered in Greendale, Wisconsin since 2005 when the American Bowling Congress, Women’s International Bowling Congress, Young American Bowling Alliance, and USA Bowling merged.

“The concept of integrating the operation of the BPAA and the USBC makes sense,” says BPAA President Jim Sturm. “Bowling has changed dramatically over the past 25 years. It is imperative our two organizations embrace change so we can continue to professionally support our individual constituencies while working together on joint programs such as youth bowling and coaching.”

The old Raytheon, Corp. building underwent a $20 million makeover before USBC could move 870 miles south in early November. The BPAA moved two weeks later, but only 100 yards north of their old building. Moving with the BPAA were the International Bowling Pro Shop Instructors Association, Billiard and Bowling Association, The Bowling Foundation and The Bowling News Network.

But the dust isn’t settling anytime soon. Construction is continuing on the new International Museum and Hall of Fame, scheduled to open inside the IBC later this year. Visitors to the venue, which recently closed its doors in St. Louis, will be able to experience the rich history of bowling through exhibits, interactive displays and biographical archives.

Groundbreaking is slated this spring on a new 20 lane International Bowling Training center due for completion in January 2010. There, engineers and researchers will have a facility to conduct experiments and testing on new equipment, while bowling teachers and bowling center owners will have a place to receive training on the latest instruction, safety and maintenance techniques.

USBC President Jeff Bojè sees the integration as a major step forward in promoting the sport. “The high-profile site in the heart of Arlington’s Entertainment District will help enhance bowling’s visibility,” says Bojè. “With USBC and BPAA under one roof, there’s an untold number of ways we can work together and help grow the sport.”

Added Sturm, “It should not be forgotten that without the help, support and cooperation of the City of Arlington and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Many thanks go out to all those who worked so hard to help make this integration a reality.”

The 100,000-square-foot campus joins its Entertainment District neighbors: Six Flags Over Texas amusement park to the east, and the Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington along with the new Cowboys stadium to the west, making Arlington a must-see stop for visitors, sports and bowling enthusiasts visiting North Texas.