FIFA's decision to block the stadium’s sun glare with blackout curtains has once again put Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' stance on the issue in the spotlight. 

The AT&T Stadium has a unique east-west orientation and massive west-facing glass windows that allow late-afternoon sun glare to enter the stadium, affecting games. Jones had consistently refused to install curtains for NFL games, arguing that such glare is a manageable condition. 

"FIFA may have inadvertently provoked Jerry Jones by introducing a long-requested modification to AT&T Stadium that the Dallas Cowboys owner strongly opposes," Matthew Neschis, US Sports Reporter, and Myriam Toua of Irish Star wrote on June 28.

The curtains were evident during the recent June 25th World Cup game between Japan and Sweden. 

“By the way, we know where the sun is going to be when we decide to flip the coin or not,” Jones said, per Jon Machota’s X post in 2024. “We do know where the damn sun is going to be in our own stadium. Well, let’s tear the damn stadium down and build another one? Are you kidding me?”

The curtains have been used previously for other events, including WWE's WrestleMania and the 2024 boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, according to Matthew Neschis, US Sports Reporter, and Myriam Toua of Irish Star.

Cowboys wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have mentioned missing the ball during the late-afternoon games due to the sun glare.

Lamb couldn't see a throw that went behind him, though he was open in the end zone during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. While Pickens couldn't see a pass thrown in his way in last season's Thanksgiving Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

While they both attributed the issue to the blinding glare from the west end, Jones dismissed the issue as irrelevant, saying players can prepare for it a year in advance.

"Everybody has got the same thing," Jones said back then, per Jon Machota's X post. "Every team that comes in here has the same issues. I'm saying, the world knows where the sun is. You get to know that almost a year in advance."

With eight remaining World Cup matches set in early afternoon or evening, in the stadium, the curtains won't be necessary. Jones had also refused to back down regarding the grass versus turf debate, citing the financial benefits of maintaining the turf surface.

Jerry Jones refuses to budge in the NFL turf vs. grass debate

The NFL players, including the Cowboys, have advocated for installing a grass surface on the stadiums instead of synthetic turf, citing injury concerns. Jones dismissed such concerns, stating the economic benefits of turf.

"We have no belief that it's any safer to play on a grass [field] or a turf," Jones said during the 2026 NFL Owners Meetings in April, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN. "The turf, actually, like many things, improves the economics of being able to play this game, and our players are the biggest benefactors of all."

He further said that he is 'comfortable' in installing the grass to meet the FIFA standards and regulations, but will install the turf back as soon as the soccer matches are done.

While the World Cup has briefly transformed the AT&T Stadium, Jones remains firm in returning to the turf and open glass windows, once the tournament concludes.

Should Jerry Jones agree to install permanent blackout curtains for Cowboys games, or is the sun glare just part of the home-field advantage? What do you think?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore