The Arlington City Council will vote next week on spending up to $273 million to upgrade AT&T Stadium and extend the Dallas Cowboys’ lease through 2055.
The team’s current agreement with the city expires in 2040. Under the proposal, the Cowboys would contribute at least $750 million toward the improvements, while the city’s share would come from revenue generated by already voter-approved venue taxes tied to the 2004 Cowboys Complex Development Project and the 2016 Texas Rangers Complex Development Project, reported WFAA. Those taxes have exceeded expectations, creating additional capacity for new investment.
The upgrades would include security enhancements, road improvements around the stadium, pedestrian bridges, a dedicated ride-share parking lot, more digital signs, and plaza enhancements such as a shade cover, per CBS News.
The city originally invested $325 million to help build the stadium and lure the Cowboys from Irving. An economic analysis cited in the proposal estimates the team generates about $342 million in annual economic impact for Arlington, or $4.9 billion over the extended lease term and a cumulative $9.7 billion over the next 30 years.
Council members say state law allows them to extend the existing taxes to cover the city’s contribution without placing the matter before voters in a referendum. Councilmember Bowie Hogg told CBS News Texas the deal would benefit the city, but he believes that residents should have a direct say.
“It’s a good thing for the city. It’s going to continue the partnership through 2055,” Hogg said. “I think the big question is how we say yes. I think the citizens should have a say in this.”
The proposal comes as Arlington faces a $25 million budget deficit. The council has approved tax increases for the past two years to address prior shortfalls.
The council is scheduled to take up the item at its meeting on Tuesday.