Not So Fan-Friendly: My Struggles with Accessibility at AT&T Stadium

Attending a football game is often an exciting experience, especially when it’s a Thanksgiving Day game featuring the Dallas Cowboys. However, as a wheelchair user, my visit to AT&T Stadium proved to be more stressful than enjoyable due to significant accessibility challenges. While the stadium has some positive features, the overall experience highlighted areas in desperate need of improvement.

Entering the Stadium

Getting to the stadium and passing through security was smooth and straightforward. The walk to the entrance was easy, and entering the venue itself didn’t present any major issues aside from the expected crowding. Once inside, however, the real struggles began.

Accessibility Issues on the Concourses

Walking along the concourses was a major challenge due to the sheer number of people. Maneuvering through the crowds was difficult, and the congestion made navigating in a wheelchair stressful. Elevator access was particularly frustrating. Despite clear signage stating that ADA guests have priority, my family and I were made to wait while a non-ADA group used the elevator first. Adding to the frustration, we weren’t allowed to join the group despite there being ample room.

Customer Service Miscommunication

The most stressful part of the experience was dealing with customer service to change our seats. Before the game, I called the AT&T Stadium Box Office to inquire about options for ADA seating for our group of ten. Over the phone, I was assured that some of us could be moved to an ADA row, with the rest seated directly in front of us. However, I was told this could only be arranged at the stadium on game day.

Arriving early, we headed straight to a customer service desk, only to be told the information I received over the phone was incorrect. The staff member explained that only two of our tickets could be changed to ADA seats, and these were placed in a section far from our original group. This completely defeated the purpose of attending the game together. When we sought assistance at another customer service desk, we were again met with conflicting information and told there was nothing more they could do. This lack of clear and consistent communication made the entire process unnecessarily stressful.

Seating and Concessions

While the ADA seats provided a great view of the game, they were located on the opposite side of the stadium from the rest of our group. It was disappointing not to be able to share the experience as planned. On a positive note, ordering concessions and merchandise was easy, as they could be delivered directly to the seat. However, the menu for both was limited.

Leaving the Stadium

After the game, leaving the stadium was relatively easy. Instead of waiting for a crowded elevator, we opted to use the ramp to get to the main concourse. This made the departure process smoother and less stressful.

A Personal Story: Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium

With Thanksgiving and affordable ticket prices due to the Cowboys’ recent performance, my cousins and I decided to attend the Thanksgiving Day game. Our group of ten was excited to share this experience together, but the lack of accessible seating options for large groups quickly became a problem. Despite planning ahead and following instructions from the stadium’s box office, we faced significant challenges.

After arriving early and dealing with miscommunication at multiple customer service desks, my ADA seats were ultimately located far from the rest of my group. Elevator access was another hassle, with priority policies not being enforced. While the game itself was enjoyable and the halftime show featuring Lainey Wilson and surprise guest Jelly Roll was a highlight, the overall experience left much to be desired. It’s disappointing that such a large and well-known venue struggles to accommodate ADA guests properly.

Final Thoughts

AT&T Stadium has some positive features, such as easy entry and a great view from ADA seats, but these are overshadowed by significant accessibility challenges. From miscommunication with staff to issues with crowd management and elevator access, the experience was far from fan-friendly. While I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend the game, the overall experience was stressful and disappointing.

Accessibility Rating: 2 out of 5