American Airlines Center (Dallas, Texas)

American Airlines Center (AAC) is a multi-purpose arena, located in the Victory Park neighborhood in downtown Dallas, Texas. The arena serves as the home to the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association, and the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. The arena is also used for concerts and other live entertainment. It opened in 2001 at a cost of $420 million. There is also a sister Arena made by the same Airline In Miami, Florida.

General information

Official website: http://www.americanairlinescenter.com/

Arena capacity: 19,200 spectators

Address: 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, TX 75219, USA

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 32°47′26″N 96°48′37″W

Year of construction: July 17, 2001

Construction cost: $594 million

Field: 840,000 square feet (78,000 m2)

Seating plan of the American Airlines Center

Features & Amenities

The Platinum Level is a great place to find an upscale experience at American Airlines Center. The viewing height is ideal from the second tier of seating, and fans will also have access to the premium restaurants and bars on the dedicated, upscale Platinum level concourse.

One of the best benefits of sitting on the Platinum Level is the in-seat wait service. Fans will not have to miss a minute of the action as they can purchase food and beverage to be brought directly to their seat.

Recommended Seats for Impressing a Guest

Rows A-F in Sections 208, 209, 210 and 211:

• Club level seats with premium amenities;
• Great elevated view from near mid-court;
• Access to lounge area and in-seat wait service to enhance the experience.

Recommended Seats for Partying and Socializing

Sections 330, 331 and 332:

• Closest seating to the el Jimador Tequilia bar on the upper level;
• Affordable ticket prices in the upper corner.

Recommended Seats for Great Views of the Court

Rows R-W in Sections 106, 107, 118 and 119:

• Excellent views of the both baskets from near center court;
• Great viewing height near the top of the lower seating tier;
• Easy access to and from the seats near the entry tunnels.

Where to buy tickets?

The American Airlines Center Box Office is located on the Northeast corner of the venue directly across from The Lexus Garage. Complimentary parking is available in the The Lexus Garage while you purchase tickets.

To purchase tickets to events at American Airlines Center, please visit the American Airlines Center Box Office, go online to Ticketmaster.com, or call.

Tickets for non-Mavs or Stars games will NOT be available for purchase at the American Airlines Center Box Office on the first day of ticket sales. Remaining available tickets for any non-Mavs or Stars game will be available for purchase at the American Airlines Center Box Office on the next business day that the box office is open.

Acceptable Forms of Payment: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and cash. NO checks.

There are no refunds and no exchanges on any ticket purchased for an American Airlines Center concert, game or event. In the event that a show is canceled or rescheduled, please contact your original point of purchase.

The validity of any ticket purchased from an unauthorized source can’t be guaranteed.

Box office hours

Regular Business Hours: Non-Event Days

Monday – Saturday: 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Sunday: Only open for events. The Box Office will open 2 hours prior to events starting at 12:00pm or earlier and at 10:00am for events starting after 12:00pm.

Day of Game: Mavericks or Stars

Monday – Sunday: The American Airlines Center Box Office opens at 10:00am on game days and remains open until 3rd Quarter for Mavericks and 2nd Intermission for Stars.

Day of Show: Concerts, Events, and Family Shows

Monday – Sunday: The Box Office will open 2 hours prior to events starting at 12:00pm or earlier and at 10:00am for events starting after 12:00pm.

Holidays

American Airlines Center is closed on major holidays unless an event is taking place at the venue. Ticket Office hours may vary on holidays.

Mobile Entry

If you selected ‘mobile entry’, from Ticketmaster, as your delivery method, make sure to bookmark My Ticketmaster or My Account Manager in your mobile browser or download the Ticketmaster iPhone or Android app. If you are an iPhone user, you can also add your tickets to Wallet.

QR barcodes from non-authorized third party sources will NOT be allowed entry via a mobile device.

Paperless Ticket Deliver System

Paperless ticketing is an alternative delivery method to Ticketfast, Mail, UPS, Will Call or In Store Pick Up. Instead of receiving your tickets ahead of the event, the credit card used to make the purchase will serve as your ticket. All you need to attend the show is the credit card you used to purchase the ticket and a valid, government issued ID (such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport).

Re-Entry

Re-entry is not allowed at any event at the American Airlines Center.  For certain situations such as medical needs, re-entry can be approved by the Guest Services Supervisor at the door.  Smoking locations are available at the outdoor patios of the Jack Daniels Club and 1876.

Will Call

Pre-purchased tickets may be picked up at the Will Call windows located at the American Airlines Center Box Office. Customers must present a valid photo ID and the credit card used to purchase in order to collect the tickets. Once the Box Office is closed, remaining Will Call tickets can be picked up at the North entrance.

The Dallas Mavericks offer a surprisingly inexpensive cost when it comes to single game tickets. The upper level seating cost can be as low as $10 per ticket, while the lower level, like most NBA venues, will range higher than the upper deck. The Mavs lower seats start around $70 and can reach a cost of a couple of thousand dollars per ticket depending on the opponent.

Overall, the return on investment at American Airlines Center is a little above other NBA venues. The food and beverage prices are expected with the NBA experience, so the ROI really depends on what you want to spend on your game tickets and transportation.

How to get there?

American Airlines Center is located in Victory Park at 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, Texas. Just north of Dallas’ Central Business District and the historic West End. American Airlines Center has convenient access to major freeways and public transportation.

For the best routes to AAC and real-time traffic, we recommend using Waze.

From I-35 headed South

There are two options for persons traveling South on I-35.

Option 1: Oaklawn Exit to Harry Hines Blvd. (Good route for Platinum pass holders).

Travel south on Hwy 35E and exit at Oaklawn. Turn left on Oaklawn and get in right hand lane. Turn right on Harry Hines Blvd. Turn right on Payne St. Turn right on Akard St. and proceed to American Airlines Center. If you miss Payne St. continue on Harry Hines Blvd. to Field St. Turn right on Olive St. to American Airlines Center.

Option 2: Continental Exit to Victory Ave.

Continue south on Hwy 35E past Oaklawn to Continental. Take the Continental exit and turn left on Continental. Get in the left lane and turn left on Victory Ave. and proceed to American Airlines Center.

From I-35 headed North and from I-30 West

There are two options for persons traveling North on I-35 and from the West on I-30. Patrons from the West on I-30 must take I-35 North to:

Option 1: Continental Exit to Victory Ave.

While traveling north on Hwy 35E take the Continental exit. Turn right on Continental and get in one of the two left lanes. Turn left on Victory Ave. and proceed to American Airlines Center.

Option 2: Woodall Rodgers Frwy to Field St. (Good route for Platinum Pass Holders).

Travel north on Hwy 35E to Woodall Rodgers Frwy (to Sherman, 75 north). Take Field St. exit and follow signs to Field St. Turn left on Field St., left on Broom St., and right on Lamar St. Turn right on Victory Ave. to American Airlines Center.

From Dallas North Tollway

There are two options for persons traveling south on the North Dallas Tollway.

Option 1: Tollway to Payne St. (This route is for Platinum Parking pass holders only).

Continue south on the Tollway until it becomes Harry Hines Blvd. Continue on Harry Hines Blvd. to Payne St. (Payne is the first street on right after Wolf) Turn right on Payne St. and right on Akard, then left into Platinum Parking.

Option 2: Tollway to Olive St.

Continue south on the Tollway until it becomes Harry Hines Blvd. Continue on Harry Hines Blvd. and follow signs to Field St. Turn right on Olive St. and proceed to American Airlines Center.

From Hwy 75 (North Central Expressway)

There are two options for person traveling south on Hwy 75.

Option 1: Hwy 75 to Pearl St.

Take Hwy 75 south to Woodall Rodgers Frwy (Hwy 35E to Waco). Exit at Pearl St. and continue on service road to Olive St. Stay on Olive St. Olive St. takes you to American Airlines Center

Option 2: Hwy 75 to Field St.

Take Hwy 75 south to Woodall Rodgers Frwy (Hwy 35E Waco). From Woodall Rodgers exit Field St. and cross Field St. Take right on Lamar St. and right on Victory Ave.

From South I-45

Take I-45 north to Woodall Rodgers Frwy (Hwy 35E north). From Woodall Rodgers exit Field St. and cross Field St. Take right on Lamar St. and right on Victory Ave.

Uber

Uber is the Preferred Ride of the American Airlines Center. Guests arriving or awaiting arrival of their Uber are encouraged to utilize out two designated Uber Pickup/Dropoff Areas on All Star Way and Olive Street.

For best results, please call your driver to locate them quickly and efficiently.

Parking

Over 5,000 parking spaces are available for American Airlines Center guests. The majority of these parking spaces are conveniently located within two blocks of American Airlines Center. In addition, there are over 3,000 parking spaces to the South and East of American Airlines Center within easy walking distance.

Parking lots open (2) hours prior to the start of each event and remain open until (2) hours after the end of each event. Overnight parking and “in and out” privileges are not permitted.

Cash and credit cards are accepted at American Airlines Center managed lots.

*Fans arriving via I-35E are recommended exit on Continental Ave to access cash lots and avoid traffic.

Parking Options & Pricing

Ride Share Lot

Located on corner of Victory Ave. & All Star Way.

Ride Share Lot will open beginning at 9pm the evening of the event. This lot will be strictly for the staging of vehicles.

Lot A

3098 Olive Street (adjacent to West entrance).

Concerts: $45
Family Shows: $35
Stars: Players Reserved Lot
Mavericks: Pass Only Lot

Lot M

600 Museum Way (0.2 miles from South entrance).

Concerts: $25
Family Shows: $20
Stars: $20
Mavericks: $20

Lot F

2721 North Houston Street (directly across from North entrance): Disabled Parking Only.

Concerts: $25
Family Shows: $20
Stars: $15
Mavericks: $15

Lot K

2235 Victory Avenue (0.3 miles from NW Corner).

Concerts: $25
Family Shows: $20
Stars: Pass Only Lot
Mavericks: Pass Only Lo

D Garage

2400 Victory Ave (0.1 miles from South entrance).
Clearance: 8’2″

Concerts: $30
Family Shows: $25
Stars: $25
Mavericks: $25

Lexus Garage

2620 N Houston St (directly across from East entrance).

Clearance: 8’2″

Concerts: $30
Family Shows: $25
Stars: Pass Only Lot
Mavericks: Pass Only Lot

Lot E

Concerts: $25
Family Shows: $15
Stars: Pass Only Lot
Mavericks: Pass Only Lot

Bus Parking

Bus parking for 3rd party events is available in Lot E (space is limited).

Disabled Parking

Parking spaces for disabled guests are located in Lot F, and Lexus Garage with a pre-paid parking pass or with cash on a first-come/first-serve basis. The vehicle must display a disabled parking placard or license plate. Parking rates in these areas vary, depending on event and parking area. Parking passes are available for purchase before an event online at www.ticketmaster.com or at American Airlines Center Box Office for select events.

Tailgating

Grilling, open flames, food preparation, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any parking areas at any times.

Public Transportation

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

We believe mass transit is a vital resource for our fans! Dallas Area Rapid Transit currently provides regular service to Victory Station at American Airlines Center via the Green Line and Orange Line. Both Lines operate regular service to Victory Station 7 days a week. For the most up-to-date schedules to/from American Airlines Center events, visit DART.org.

If you ride a Red Line or Blue Line train, simply ride to the West End Station and transfer to a Green Line or Orange Line train. Just prior to American Airlines Center events, some Red and Blue line trains go directly to Victory Station. The train’s overhead destination sign will read, “Victory Station”. If this is the case, keep your seat. You are on your way to Victory Station at American Airlines Center!

For information concerning DART service, contact DART at 214-979-1111 or visit the American Airlines Center transportation info page at DART.org. Dallas Area Rapid Transit offers transportation services for guests with disabilities through the Para-transit Division.

Trinity Railway Express (TRE)

Victory Station is a regular stop on the TRE route. For all events, take the TRE to Victory Station, next to American Airlines Center, from any station between Fort Worth’s T&P Station and Dallas’ Union Station. (no Sunday service)

Trains service Victory Station six days a week with newly added extended service hours to both Fort Worth and Dallas. Trinity Railway Express does not offer Sunday service but may add it for special occasions.

For all Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars games that begin after 6:00 p.m., a westbound train, towards Fort Worth will depart Victory Station 20 minutes after the game. Other events may also utilize this schedule and will be noted on the schedule calendar at TrinityRailwayExpress.org/AACenter.

Bus Route 49

DART Bus Route 49 provides service to the American Airlines Center. From Rosa Parks Plaza at Elm and Lamar (near the West End Station on the Green, Blue and Red Light Rail Line), board Route 49 and ride to the Houston @ Payne bus stop. Walk across the street to the east arena entrance. After an event, board Route 49 at the bus stop on Victory Avenue adjacent to Victory Station and ride back to Lamar and Pacific. This route operates seven days a week. Visit DART.org.

Taxis

Guests needing to call a taxi may go to Guest Relations for assistance. Post event, taxis stage at the east side of American Airlines Center – at curb of Houston St, south of Payne St (west side of the street). There is also a taxi stand on south side of Olive St.

Preferred Hotels

Hyatt Regency Dallas

300 Reunion Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75207

Whether visiting the American Airlines Center for a concert, performance or sporting event, make your special event the most memorable with the perfect overnight accommodations. Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion is a great spot to meet for drinks before a world touring concert or to rest your head for your entire Dallas getaway.

You’ll be right in the heart of downtown Dallas where you can easily walk to art, history, shopping and other destinations in addition to the American Airlines Center. Boasting 1,120 newly redesigned guestrooms and suites, this distinctive downtown hotel delights travelers with “all the little extras” that set the tone for an extraordinary stay.

Courtyard Marriott Dallas Medical/Market Center

2150 Market Center Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75207

The Courtyard Marriott Dallas Medical/Market Center is located on Market Center Blvd, just two blocks from I-35E. We are located less than 2 miles away from the American Airlines Center. And, our close proximity to I-35E makes most areas of Dallas a quick drive. Renovated in 2016, we offer a newly updated hotel and the service you should expect from the Marriott brand of hotels.

Our Courtyard Bistro offers breakfast and dinner options, and we proudly serve Starbucks coffee, tea, specialty drinks and blended Frappuccino. Our recently expanded, on-site fitness center allows our guests to maintain their workout routines while visiting. Our courtyard features an outdoor pool, multiple outdoor sitting areas, and a fire pit. Whether you are in Dallas for work or play, the Courtyard Marriott is a wonderful choice for a unique Dallas experience.

Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center

4500 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75219

The Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center is within 2 miles (5 km) of American Airlines Center and within 1 mi (2 km) of Dallas Market Center and University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.

Full service hotel with on-site restaurant & lounge, outdoor pool, fitness center and business center. Free self parking and free area shuttle are also provided.

All 200 rooms offer free WiFi and free local calls.

Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown

1401 Commerce Street
Dallas, Texas 75201

Upscale, modern meets historic, urban architecture at the Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown, one of the city’s most recognized buildings. “Pegasus – The Flying Red Horse”, is illuminated at night and shines brightly as the icon of Dallas from atop this beautiful boutique hotel. This suite hotel in Dallas, TX offers tastefully designed upscale rooms and extended stay suites (450-1100 square feet), perfect for corporate and leisure travelers alike. Guests of the Magnolia Hotel Dallas will enjoy an ideal downtown location as well as wonderfully designed accommodations that are appointed with premium amenities to ensure your stay is comfortable. At the Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown, guests will find:

• A boutique hotel ideally located in the center of the urban hub in downtown Dallas, Texas;
• Complimentary bed time cookies and milk;
• Downtown transportation to and from most major corporate headquarters and area attractions;
• High speed Internet access in guest accommodations and public spaces;
• 24-hour fitness room;
• Extended stay accommodations;
• Executive conference center and meeting space featuring the Pegasus Ballroom.

Book now using the link below and Save when attending an event at American Airlines Center.

Where to eat?

There is no shortage of food or beverages when attending an event at American Airlines Center. It doesn’t matter if your tickets are on the lower, platinum, or upper level; you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite. However, the prices will be the typically inflated stadium/arena prices.

There is an abundance of concessions stands throughout the arena, including Big Dawgs, Pizza Patron, Fast Break, Taco Bueno, Grilled Zone, High Steaks, Hot Popped and Twisted, Bubba Burger, BBQ Stampede, and Motley’s Pub. In addition, if none of the above satisfies your appetite there is also Market to Go, which offers fresh deli sandwiches, vegetarian options, tossed salads, and bottled beer. To see the incredible variety that American Airlines Center offers when it comes to food service, please visit their concessions website.

There are numerous alcohol selections inside American Airlines Center, and not just at the concessions stands, but also at specialty beer bars such as the Texas Beer Bar, which serves Ziegenbock, St Arnold’s, Fireman’s 4, and Franconia. In addition there is the Blue Moon Bar, which offers all the Blue Moon products, as well as import and craft bars with beers from around the world, such as Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale (OR), Goose Island (Chicago), Brooklyn Lager (NY), Alaskan Amber (AK), Kirin Iciban (Japan), and Stone Arrogant Bastard (CA). The prices all range from $7 to $14 dollars depending on size; Woodbridge wine is also sold for $9 a glass.

Besides alcohol, Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products are also offered, with prices of $6 for the regular size and $9 for the bottomless souvenir cup.

In addition to the concessions stands and specialty bars, American Airlines Center features full-service restaurants – the most popular would be the Jack Daniels Old No. 7 Club, which is full service with outdoor seating, and is located at the southeast corner; however, you’ll need an event ticket to enter this restaurant.

The Club opens 2 hours before all Mavs games, allowing you to relax before the game, and is a sports bar with food such as brisket, wings, nachos, and other sports bar favorites, but there is a separate area inside the Old No. 7 Club on the lower level that provides a more global dining experience.

Another restaurant option inside American Airlines Center is Valor Bar & Burger, a retro-type eatery featuring a menu of craft burgers along with a variety of alcoholic beverages.  In addition, on the southeast terrace level is Jack’s Place, a bar stocked with a wide array of beer, wine, and spirit offerings.For fans that want to try a different type of cocktail Jack’s offers Jack Daniels Signature cocktails such as Pair of Jacks and Jack-a-Rita!

Despite all the great options at American Airlines Center, just like any arena the best option is to eat before or after the event, as there are plenty of great restaurant options in and around Dallas.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere at a Mavs game begins 1.5 hours before tip-off, as fans can get free tickets to the game by painting their faces; more information is available the Mavericks team website. Then once inside, there are plenty of food and drink options available. The main team store, the Hangar Fan Shop, is open near the main entrance for fans looking to update their Mavs gear. In addition, Chris Arnold, one of the game night hosts, is on the mic getting fans pumped up for the night’s game. There are also the Mavs championship banners and retired numbers hanging from the rafters.

During the game there is plenty more entertainment besides the game itself.There is the usual sports flair, such as the  Dallas Mavericks Dancers and the mascots: Champ and Mavs Man, but the most famously-recognized entertainment during Mavs game are the Dallas Mavericks ManiAACs, an award-winning hip-hop dance troupe that has been a part of the Mavs game day atmosphere since the team moved from their old home, Reunion Arena.

During timeouts, the Dr Pepper Hoop Troop provides the crowd with free t-shirts by slinging them throughout the arena, and the Dallas Mavericks Drum-line is a team of trained percussionists that beat their drums nonstop from the Budweiser Sound Stage on the second level of AAC.  Mavs fans are also knowledgeable and at times get loud, but overall the atmosphere is a typical NBA type crowd.

Neighborhood

American Airlines Center is in the Victory Park neighborhood in downtown Dallas, just a short walk from Dallas’ Historic West End. The West End area consists of a list of restaurants such as Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse, Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, Gator’s, TGI Friday’s, Spaghetti Warehouse, Hard Rock Cafe, Dick’s Last Resort, and House of Blues. Besides restaurants, the area also has tourist attractions – the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Sixth Floor Museum, and Holocaust Museum are all within the West End.

In addition, Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas-Victory Park, recently opened in the heart of Victory Park, is an 8-screen, 700-seat luxury theater. The 44,000 square-foot cinema offers guests a luxury movie-going experience with its fully-reclining leather seat auditoriums, an upscale lounge-style lobby space, and a gourmet menu with in-theater waiter service.

Just outside the south entrance of American Airlines Center is Victory Plaza.The plaza consists of Victory Tavern, Shooters, and Cook Hall (located across the plaza inside the W Dallas Victory); these are good options if you want to hang out outside the arena. Also, the recent trend of craft brews and breweries continues in the area – just across the interstate from AAC is the Community Beer Company.

The Community Beer Company is closed on Monday and Tuesday, however, there is the Deep Ellum Brewing Company open seven days a week with brewery tours. Located in the historic and eponymous Deep Ellum section of Dallas, this brewery produces some of the locals’ favorite brews. The brewery tour gives you samples of their fantastic craft beer, so you can decide on which brew you’ll take home or buy in local restaurants.

Dallas has numerous lodging options around American Airlines Center, especially in the Market Center area (only 2 miles north of ACC). Some of the hotels to consider are the W Dallas Victory, Renaissance Dallas Hotel, Doubletree Market Center, Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center, and the Hilton Anatole.

Fans

The Dallas Mavericks ranked 5th in average attendance last season (2017-2018) with 19,791 – the Mavericks themselves only won 24 games, however the loyal Mavs fans continue to show up night after night to support the Mavericks. Of course, a lot depends on which visiting team is in town or if there is the possibility to get one last look at Dirk Nowitzki on the court before he ends his hall of fame career. But there are plenty of fans with Mavs gear on seen throughout AAC; the crowd’s enthusiasm is very good and may even become deafening depending on the circumstances of the game or the opponent.

Access

What time the doors open at AAC depends on the event, but for the Mavericks the Fan Shop, Jack Daniel’s Club, and the restaurant 1876 open two hours prior to game time. All other doors open 90 minutes prior to game time. There are four main entrances which provide quick entry into the building – the south side entrance is accessible from Victory Plaza, which is where pre-event activities take place, while the west side entrance caters to TRE and DART transportation.

The Uber spot is on the north side of AAC, and the east entrances are primarily used by patrons from the parking garage, or those who need the box office; the American Airlines Center box office is located on the northeast corner of the arena.

The concourse inside the arena is well marked and spacious, and you’ll easily notice elevators providing access to the Platinum Club, suites, and upper level seating. The stairs inside American Airlines Center are in the corners of the building, and provide access between the levels, as do the elevators.

Design

Principal design work was carried out by David M. Schwarz Architectural Services of Washington D.C. American Airlines Center was designed to be the heart of a new urban, commercial area designed to reinvigorate the city of Dallas called Victory Park. The facility itself features a conservative, traditional design with sweeping brick façades and smooth arches, and has been graced with a number of awards (below).

The interior includes retractable seating, public art and a state-of-the-art technological arena. Because of the Quonset hut-like appearance of its roof and the fact that American Airlines holds the naming rights some fans have come to refer to it as “The Hangar”.

On the south side of the arena AT&T Plaza (also called Victory Plaza) serves as the principal entrance into the facility, designed by artist Athena Tacha. The plaza provides an open space with fountains flanked by retail and office buildings. With several high-definition video displays from Daktronics mounted on the side of the arena and office buildings, the plaza is often used for outdoor events and movie showings.

History and construction

The Dallas Mavericks, then owned by H. Ross Perot, Jr., and the Dallas Stars were indicating their desire for a new arena to replace the Reunion Arena. Dallas taxpayers approved a new hotel tax and rental car tax to pay for a new arena to cover a portion of the funding, with the two benefiting teams, the Mavericks and the Stars, picking up the remaining costs, including cost overruns. The new arena was to be built just north of Woodall Rodgers Freeway near Interstate 35E on the site of an old power plant.

American Airlines announced that it would be acquiring the naming rights for the arena for US$195 million. American Airlines is headquartered in Fort Worth and is based at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

The first event occurred the next day with an Eagles concert. On the next night, the arena hosted the last show of Michael Flatley’s Feet of Flames tour. The first sporting event took place on August 19, 2001, with the Dallas Sidekicks of the World Indoor Soccer League taking on the San Diego Sockers.