Politics
Arlington to clarify taxpayer share of Cowboys stadium costs
City Council is set to clarify how Arlington’s contribution to AT&T Stadium’s upkeep will work under a lease extension approved in April. The deal extends the Cowboys’ lease to 2055 and calls for at least $750 million in team investment, alongside up to $273 million from the city over 20 years.
Arlington City Council is scheduled to discuss the city’s financial responsibilities under a long-term Dallas Cowboys lease deal Tuesday, Oct. 20, as residents have questioned whether voters had a recent say in the agreement.
The council approved a master agreement in April that would extend the Cowboys’ lease at AT&T Stadium through 2055. The current lease was set to expire in 2040. City leaders now want to clarify how much Arlington will contribute to the stadium’s maintenance, operations and management.
Under the April agreement, the Cowboys would invest at least $750 million, while the city could contribute up to $273 million over 20 years. City documents say the team would fund and complete specified improvements by 2043.
Residents have raised concerns about the lack of recent voter input. The mayor has said the agreement is consistent with what voters approved more than two decades ago. The city estimates the Cowboys will generate about $9.7 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years.
The council’s discussion concerns how the public and team contributions apply to stadium costs; the available details do not specify what changes, if any, officials may make to the April agreement.