American Airlines Center is an indoor sporting arena and concert venue in downtown Dallas. The venue is in the urban Victory Park neighborhood and acts as home to the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and the NHL’s Dallas Stars. It opened in the summer of 2001 with an elaborate ribbon-cutting ceremony. The next day, The Eagles performed the arena’s first event.
As the anchor of the Victory Park neighborhood, the American Airlines Center is an impressive building from the inside and outside. The arena has won a number of awards for its traditional design, arches and spacious entrance. AT&T Plaza leads visitors into the American Airlines Center with a large outdoor area, fountains, office buildings and retail shops. The arena and several office buildings have high-definition video displays attached to them. These displays are sometimes used for movie showings and outdoor events.
Inside the arena, visitors find public artwork, retractable seating and some of the latest technological features. Many fans refer to the building as The Hangar because of the building’s slightly rounded top and its affiliation with American Airlines. The arena holds more than 18,000 fans for hockey games, more than 19,000 fans for basketball events and 21,000 people at concerts. Seating is available on several levels, including the Plaza Concourse, Flagship, Platinum and Admiral areas. Architects designed the seats to be arranged as vertically as possible. This unique construction brings visitors closer to the live events and offers a better view.
In addition to regular Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars games, the American Airlines Center has also hosted a number of notable sporting events. The arena hosted several years of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament and the 55th NHL All-Star game. It also co-hosted the 2006 and 2011 NBA Finals alongside the American Airlines Arena of Miami. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) regularly holds events such as Survivor Series, Night of Champions and SmackDown at American Airlines Center.
Popular musical stars like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Madonna, Britney Spears and Rihanna often stop at the American Airlines Center during their regular concert tours. The venue’s convenient location, large seating capacity and renowned construction make it an ideal venue for live entertainment events.
Since its inaugural event in 2001, the American Airlines Center has received more than 20 awards from various magazines, newspapers and organizations for its unique design and modern technology. The arena received the Slam Dunk Award from the Harlem Globetrotters in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 along with the honor of The Dallas Observer’s Best Sports Venue in 2002 and 2003. In 2001, the arena received the Phoenix Award from the Environmental Protection Agency and the United Masonry Contractors Association’s Golden Trowel Award of Excellence. It has also been named as Best Sports Venue, Project of the Year, a Facility of Merit and Concert Venue of the Year by various media outlets and organizations.
American Airlines Center Schedule
American Airlines Center Seating Chart
Parking Information for American Airlines Center
The American Airlines Center has more than 5,000 parking spaces available within two blocks of the arena and an additional 3,000 parking spots that are also within walking distance. Parking typically ranges from $10 to $30 and attendees can purchase pre-paid passes in advance for concerts and family shows.
For Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks games, most parking spaces are reserved for guests who hold pre-paid passes. Visitors can choose from four color-coded passes in addition to the AudiPark garage. Additional spots payable by cash are available in the Purple and Orange lots, Lot H and AudiPark for $15 to $30. Visitors can also park along Field Street or in one of the additional parking lots on the east side of the arena.
Restaurants Near American Airlines Center
Dallas locals and tourists will enjoy the vast number of restaurants located near the American Airlines Center. Whether visitors are in the mood for a fine dining experience or a casual evening out, the local eateries have everyone covered. The following restaurants are just a few of the many fine establishments located near the American Airlines Center.
Located directly across from the American Airlines Center, Victory Tavern is undoubtedly one of the most popular choices for sports fans and concertgoers looking for something to eat. The stylish grill, bar and restaurant serves a wide selection of American dishes and classic comfort food such as pork chops, burgers and meatloaf.
With the largest garden patio in the Dallas area and a substantial art collection, Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar is one of the trendiest spots around. Visitors to the American Airlines Center often stop by on their way to big events and enjoy regular drink specials and delicious appetizers. Those with a little more time can sit down for stuffed trout, duck or roasted chicken.
Visitors hoping to get a taste of Tex Mex cuisine should stop by El Fenix, the restaurant where the popular style was invented. With a history dating back to 1918, El Fenix is a part of Dallas culture. Try the chalupas, tamale platters or one of the restaurant’s famous dips.
In 2006, the creators behind Ocean Prime set out to combine a high-quality seafood restaurant with a luxury steakhouse. Originally known as Mitchell’s Ocean Club, the restaurant has nine locations across the country. The staff treats visitors to an exceptional experience filled with attentive service, an ambient dining room, fresh ingredients and the finest wines.
Located inside the American Airlines Center, the Audi Club is an elegant destination for guests enjoying an evening out. The restaurant features a wide selection of more than 50 vintage wines and delicious, original desserts. Guests can select creative dishes from the chef’s personal menu or casual fare from the lounge menu.
The House of Blues Dallas is located in a historic building that used to be a coffee processing plant. Since 2007, the restaurant has brought a selection of artwork and music memorabilia to the Dallas area. For visitors attending concerts at the American Airlines Center, the House of Blues Dallas is an appropriate and lively choice for dinner before the show.
Avanti Ristorante is an intimate bistro-style restaurant that features both Northern and Southern Italian fare. The restaurant is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, fountains and seasonal flowers. Known for its level of exceptional service and delicious Mediterranean food, local visitors and guests to the Dallas area are always impressed when they leave.
Hotels Near American Airlines Center
Dallas is a popular city, and visitors can find plenty of places to stay during their trips. However, a few Dallas hotels stand above and beyond the rest. The following locations are all within a few miles of the American Airlines Center. Each hotel allows visitors to book their stays online and offers special amenities guaranteed to help them have a good time.
Just a few minutes away from the American Airlines Center and other attractions in downtown Dallas, the MCM Elegante Hotel offers visitors a full experience of the city. The hotel boasts nearly 200 luxurious guest rooms and a poolside cabana suite. Guests also enjoy free transportation to and from area destinations and the city’s airports.
Tourists and Dallas residents often stay at the Hilton Anatole after events at the American Airlines Center because the hotel is located less than two miles away. The elegant hotel features deluxe rooms with numerous amenities, fitness club passes, free Internet access and breakfast for two people.
The Hyatt House Uptown is also located within walking distance of the American Airlines Center and other attractions in downtown Dallas. Guests can take advantage of the free shuttle service, roomy suites and world-class amenities. Hyatt House visitors also enjoy evening social events, flat screen televisions and full kitchens.
This full-service hotel recently finished a $12 million renovation and now features amenities like a whirlpool, fitness center and business center. Each suite offers two rooms, a refrigerator, high-quality sheets and two flat screen televisions. Sheraton Suites Market Center is just a mile away from the American Airlines Center.
Visitors who are looking for a comfortable hotel that won’t break the bank will love the Hilton Garden Inn. The hotel features low rates and special pricing on a number of spacious rooms. Hilton Garden Inn is also still within close range of the American Airlines Center for concertgoers and fans of the Stars and Mavericks.
With more than 1,100 extravagant rooms and a revolving restaurant, the Hyatt Regency Dallas is known as one of the city’s finest hotels. Enjoy unique art, world-class dishes by Wolfgang Puck and iHome stereos in each room at this luxurious location.
