AT&T Stadium construction debt repayment scheduled for this Friday, approximately ten years earlier than initially planned in Arlington.
Arlington Accelerates Stadium Payments, Saving Taxpayers Over $350 Million
The city of Arlington, Texas, made a significant financial stride this week, announcing the early repayment of its debt for AT&T Stadium. The final payment of $22.6 million will be made on Friday, marking a decade ahead of the initial 2035 target[1][2][5].
This accelerated payoff, which was first approved by voters in 2004 through a half-cent sales tax increase, a 2% hotel occupancy tax, and a 5% rental car tax[6], has resulted in savings of over $150 million in interest and fees compared to the original 30-year schedule[1][2].
Initially, Arlington contributed $325 million to the $1.2 billion construction cost of AT&T Stadium, with the Dallas Cowboys covering any additional expenses[3]. Over the years, total payments amounted to approximately $490.3 million in principal, interest, and fees[1][2]. However, the early repayment, enabled by revenues exceeding projections from stadium-specific sales taxes, hotel occupancy fees, and rental car taxes[2], has significantly reduced this figure.
The early repayment of AT&T Stadium debt also has implications for the city's future financial commitments. With the AT&T Stadium debt fully retired early, the funds previously allocated from the stadium-specific sales tax are now redirected to pay off the debt for Globe Life Field[1][2]. This reallocation of resources improves the city's financial position related to the Globe Life Field project.
In fact, the city expects to save almost $200 million by paying off Globe Life Field's construction debt 14 years early, with a target date of 2034[4]. This expected savings is in addition to the $150 million already saved from the early repayment of AT&T Stadium debt.
Trey Yelverton, City Manager of Arlington, stated that early payment saves on interest and fees[5]. "This is a testament to the strong economic performance of our city and the success of our sports facilities," Yelverton said in a news release[7].
The news about the final payment on AT&T Stadium's debt was shared in a news release from the city[7]. With AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, being paid off this week, Arlington continues to demonstrate its commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient use of public funds.
[1] City of Arlington News Release, August 13, 2025. [2] Arlington Today, August 14, 2025. [3] Dallas Morning News, August 15, 2025. [4] Arlington Today, July 1, 2025. [5] Arlington City Council Meeting Minutes, August 10, 2025. [6] Arlington Today, October 1, 2004. [7] City of Arlington News Release, August 15, 2025.
Read also:
- Foreign financial aid for German citizens residing abroad persists
- "Germany appears less environmentally friendly compared to Texas, according to Harald Lesch's climate documentary"
- Investing 1 billion funds into the police force of North Rhine-Westphalia for battling rodents and mold issues
- Tesla resurrects transferred Full Self-Driving feature amid other promotional offers
