The Arlington Entertainment District has two of the most impressive sports venues in the country sitting within walking distance of each other. Globe Life Field is home to the Texas Rangers. AT&T Stadium is home to the Dallas Cowboys and a host venue for the 2026 international soccer tournament. If you are visiting the area, you might attend events at both, and knowing what makes each one different helps you plan your days.
Here is how they compare.
AT&T Stadium is the larger of the two. It seats over 80,000 for soccer configurations and can expand past 100,000 for special events. The building is massive by any standard, with a center-hung video board that stretches from one 20-yard line to the other.
Globe Life Field seats about 40,300 for baseball. The design brings fans closer to the field, and even the upper deck feels connected to the action. The stadium was built for baseball-first sightlines, which gives it a more intimate atmosphere despite its size.
Both venues have retractable roofs and full air conditioning. This is a significant advantage during the Texas summer, when outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you are inside either building, the heat is not a factor.
Globe Life Field’s roof is typically closed during the summer months to maintain climate control. AT&T Stadium operates the same way for tournament matches.
The bag policies are different, and this is important if you plan to attend events at both venues.
AT&T Stadium uses the NFL’s clear bag policy. Only clear totes (plastic, vinyl or PVC, no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches), one-gallon clear resealable bags and small clutch purses (no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches) are allowed. Backpacks, fanny packs and non-clear bags are prohibited.
Globe Life Field allows soft-sided bags up to 16 by 16 by 8 inches. They do not need to be clear. Single-compartment drawstring bags and manufactured diaper bags are also permitted. Backpacks are still prohibited. Globe Life Field also allows outside food in a sealed, clear, quart-sized plastic bag and one sealed bottle of non-flavored water up to one liter.
If you are attending both venues on the same trip, plan your bag around the stricter AT&T Stadium policy. A clear tote within the 12 by 6 by 12-inch limit will pass security at both stadiums.
Globe Life Field has one of the strongest food lineups in Major League Baseball. Hurtado Barbecue at Section 141 serves brisket, birria tacos and beef ribs. The Boomstick (a two-foot-long loaded hot dog) is the signature item near Section 132. Whataburger is near Section 105, and Blue Bell ice cream stands are spread across the concourse. Wednesday home games feature Dollar Dog Night with discounted hot dogs at concession stands throughout the ballpark.
AT&T Stadium has a wide range of concessions, including premium dining options, craft beer stations and regional food vendors. Pricing tends to be higher than Globe Life Field, and outside food is not permitted.
Both stadiums offer guided tours on non-event days.
Globe Life Field tours run about 90 minutes and take visitors through premium seating areas, the field and behind-the-scenes spaces. The tour is fully air-conditioned. Booking information is available at globelifefield.com.
AT&T Stadium tours cover the field, locker rooms, luxury suites and the venue’s extensive art collection. The building’s sheer scale makes the tour feel different from most stadium experiences.
AT&T Stadium on a tournament match day is a high-capacity, high-energy experience. Over 80,000 people, massive screens and an enclosed environment create an atmosphere that builds as kickoff approaches.
Globe Life Field on a Rangers game night is a different rhythm. Baseball unfolds over about three hours without a clock. The crowd is more relaxed, the food options are part of the experience and the seventh-inning stretch gives the whole building a communal moment.
Both atmospheres are worth experiencing. They are different sports in different buildings, and the contrast is part of what makes the Arlington Entertainment District unique.
The two stadiums are 0.3 to 0.7 miles apart depending on which gates you use. The walk takes 8 to 13 minutes along Cowboys Way or Nolan Ryan Expressway. Both paths are flat, paved and well-marked on event days. Texas Live! sits between the two venues and is a natural stop for food or drinks before moving from one to the other.
About 0.3 to 0.7 miles. The walk takes 8 to 13 minutes through the Arlington Entertainment District.
AT&T Stadium seats over 80,000 for soccer events. Globe Life Field seats about 40,300 for baseball.
Globe Life Field allows outside food in a sealed, clear, quart-sized plastic bag and one sealed bottle of non-flavored water up to one liter. AT&T Stadium does not allow outside food.
Yes. Both have retractable roofs and climate control, keeping the interior comfortable regardless of outdoor temperatures.
AT&T Stadium. Its clear bag policy requires all totes to be transparent. Globe Life Field allows non-clear soft-sided bags up to 16 by 16 by 8 inches.
It depends on the tour schedules, which vary by day and event calendar. Check both venues’ websites for availability and plan accordingly.
