Texas Stadium
Where the sky met the gridiron and legends were forged under an open roof.
Texas Stadium was the iconic home of the Dallas Cowboys from 1971 until its demolition in 2009. Located in Irving, Texas, just northwest of Dallas, it served as the stage for some of the franchise's most defining moments, including two Super Bowl victories and countless NFC Championship games. Known universally by fans as 'The House That Switzer Built' or simply 'The Hole,' the stadium was instantly recognizable for its distinctive open-air roof design that left the playing field exposed to the elements while sheltering the stands.
- Location
- Irving, Texas
- Tenure as Cowboys Home
- 1971–2009
- Primary Design Feature
- Open-air roof over center field
- Final NFL Game Date
- January 3, 2010 (Playoffs)
- Demolition Status
- Completed in 2010
Lore & Background
The stadium witnessed the zenith of the Cowboys' dynasty era under coaches Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson. It hosted Super Bowl VI in 1972, though the game was played there only because the Superdome was not yet ready; the Cowboys' first true home Super Bowl victory occurred here in spirit if not in name during their golden years. The venue became a fortress for the 'America's Team,' filled with the roar of the 'Cowboys Cheerleaders' and the intense atmosphere that defined NFL football in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled through the open throat of Texas Stadium, swirling snowflakes down onto the frozen turf of the 50-yard line. Quarterback Troy Aikmar wiped a layer of ice from his helmet, looking up at the gray sky framed by the concrete arches above. The stands were a sea of blue and silver, but the silence was heavy, broken only by the crunch of cleats on snow. Here, under that open roof where nature played its part, the game wasn't just about strategy; it was a battle against the elements as much as the opponent. As the clock ticked down in a playoff clash, the cold bit deep, but the spirit of the franchise burned hot within those walls.
Reader's Guide
For generations of Dallas Cowboys fans, Texas Stadium was more than just concrete and steel; it was a pilgrimage site where history breathed. The unique atmosphere created by the open roof meant that every game carried the unpredictable drama of the Texas weather. Fans cherished the memory of watching snow fall directly onto the field while sitting comfortably under the canopy, a visual metaphor for the Cowboys' ability to thrive in any condition.
The stadium's culture was deeply rooted in tradition and resilience. It was where Roger Staubach led comebacks, where Michael Irvin made his legendary catches, and where Emmitt Smith ran into immortality. The 'Hole' became a symbol of the team's identity: exposed yet protected, vulnerable yet dominant. Even after the team moved to AT&T Stadium in 2009, the memory of Texas Stadium remains a cherished part of the fan psyche, representing an era when football was raw, gritty, and intimately connected to the elements.
Visiting the site today, where the stadium once stood, evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. While the structure is gone, its legacy lives on in the stories shared by older fans and the artifacts preserved in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It stands as a testament to the enduring bond between a team and its home, reminding supporters that true greatness is built not just on wins and losses, but on the memories made under an open sky.
Did You Know?
- The stadium's open roof design was intended to showcase the Dallas skyline and allow natural light onto the field, but it famously let snow fall directly onto the playing surface during games.
- Texas Stadium hosted the first-ever NFL playoff game played in a dome-like structure with an open roof, creating unique weather conditions that affected gameplay strategy.
- The final regular-season game at Texas Stadium was played on December 20, 2009, against the New York Giants, marking the end of an era for the franchise.
- The demolition of Texas Stadium was a carefully orchestrated event in 2010, with the iconic 'Hole' being the last section to be taken down.