Politics
Arlington proposal spells out who pays for Cowboys stadium upkeep and upgrades
Arlington City Council is set to consider changes clarifying the city’s maintenance costs and the Cowboys’ obligations for improvements at AT&T Stadium. The proposal follows approval of a $273 million upgrade deal that drew calls for a voter referendum.
Arlington City Council is set to consider a resolution clarifying how the city and the Dallas Cowboys will pay for the maintenance and improvements at AT&T Stadium.
Under the proposed changes, the city’s contribution would cover the actual costs of maintaining, operating and managing the stadium. The Cowboys would be responsible for completing and funding improvements listed in the agreement by 2043.
The work includes perimeter security upgrades, pedestrian bridges, security-screening structures and cameras, additional parking, digital signs, kitchen and concession improvements, and work on the stadium plaza. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades are also among the Cowboys’ obligations.
The clarification follows Arlington’s approval earlier this year of a $273 million stadium deal. Some residents had urged the city to hold a referendum so voters could decide whether to approve the plan.
The Cowboys have offered to pay for the upgrades upfront. Under the repayment arrangement, Arlington would pay the team $50 million in 2028, followed by annual payments of $20 million through 2048.
The proposed resolution would further define the division of costs between the city and the team as the long-term stadium plan moves forward.