Arlington, Texas, is at the centre of a debate after the city council proposed committing to a $273M in public funds to extend the Dallas Cowboys' lease at AT&T Stadium, keeping them until 2055.

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about the deal during an interview on April 9.

“Under the new agreement, the Cowboys would invest at least $750 million into “maintenance, operation, and improvement of the complex” through 2055. Additionally, the city would invest up to $273 million over a 20-year period into a ‘maintenance and operation account’, per Clarence Hill Jr.

The upgrades mentioned would cover security, pedestrian safety, and event operations, with the Cowboys paying upfront costs and drawing from the city's account for reimbursements.

The Dallas Cowboys organization released a statement reflecting favorably on 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", per WFAA.

Ross is being vocal about his support for the Cowboys, saying, “We have the best stadium in the world, and we want to make sure we remain the best stadium in the world.” 

As per Arlington’s official website, they paid off its debt a decade early, settling $490.3 million in total by last August. Now, with that obligation cleared, the city is looking to redirect those same venue taxes toward a new commitment.

Many fans and public figures will be happy about this new agreement. However, there are some who are pushing back against this idea.

The Deal is Facing Some Pushback

Mayor Ross has been adamant that a fresh vote for allocation of such investment is not necessary since the funding comes from a half-cent sales tax that Arlington voters approved in 2004.

However, Arlington lawyer Warren Norred wants the public to have a say in this

“The fight is, are they going to fool themselves into thinking that this means that they can do whatever they want forever?” Norred asked. “If this theory is right, then they never have to go back to the City Council, to the voters, for any permission for any new bonds concerning a stadium.”

Norred revealed that if the city approves the proposal and staff report on April 21’s agenda, he will pursue taking legal action.

It remains to be seen if the voters get a say in this proposal or not.

Do you think this is a good proposal for the fans?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi