The Dallas Cowboys reached an agreement with Arlington after a heated debate over extending the Cowboys’ lease at AT&T Stadium through 2055, using public funds.

The funds are allocated for maintenance, operations, and infrastructure improvements at the stadium complex, with the Cowboys investing at least $750M. The city is expected to contribute up to $273M over 20 years, funded through existing revenue taxes.

“Contract extension is now in place to keep the Cowboys in AT&T Stadium in Arlington until at least 2055. The officials say it could bring in $32M revenue for the life of the new term. Mayor Jim Ross says this deal is about securing the economic development for Arlington and protecting residents and visitors", per CBS19 news.

The agreement was formally taken up at the City Council meeting on April 21, listed as Item 11.1 under Construction of Resolutions. 

The Cowboys organisation released a statement previously during the discussions of the proposed extension, 

"The long, impactful partnership we've had with the City of Arlington represents the fulfilment of a mutual vision we had years ago. It has exceeded the high expectations we all shared right from the beginning," the team noted.

The debate regarding the utilization of public funds escalated further when Mayor Jim Ross thought seeking voters' approval wasn't necessary. 

He argued that the city is simply operating within the framework that Arlington residents authorised when they approved the half-cent sales tax back in 2004.

Though the extension is settled now with Arlington being approved for such allocation of public funds, it was met with serious criticism from legal advisors and the public.

Criticism Around Fund Allocation

Attorney Warren Norred of Norred Law PLLC issued a direct warning to the council, "The fight is, are they going to fool themselves into thinking that this means that they can do whatever they want forever?" Norred told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

He threatened legal action in case the council approves the proposal without calling for a public vote.

Warren also did not mince words in his Facebook post, made before April 21's council meeting.

"[The council is] looking to give new dollars to the Cowboys without voter approval, based on the idea that the voters already approved this money", Norred noted. 

"We'll see if the council thinks that is a good idea… then we may see if the courts agree. Here's hoping that our council has more respect for the voters than this," he said. 

Despite the legal threats and political opposition, Arlington moved forward. The upgrades are expected to be completed by 2043. They cover everything from modern infrastructure to improved traffic flow, thereby elevating the game-day experience.

Do you think this deal will have any consequences?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi