The Star Facility

Lore & Background

The construction of The Star marked a significant evolution in the Dallas Cowboys' history, moving the organization away from its long-time training grounds at Valley Ranch in Irving to a state-of-the-art facility purpose-built for modern football excellence. Designed by HKS Architects with input from legendary figures like Jerry Jones and Frisco Mayor David Neeley during development, the complex was conceived not just as a workplace, but as a destination that reflects the grandeur associated with 'America's Team.' The centerpiece of the campus is the massive stainless steel star, which stands as a beacon visible for miles, echoing the team's branding while anchoring the Frisco skyline.

Within these walls, the daily grind of NFL preparation takes place. The facility includes multiple indoor and outdoor practice fields, allowing players to train in any weather condition, a necessity for maintaining the high standards expected by the franchise. Beyond the field, the campus houses the team's administrative offices, where the front office manages one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. It also integrates a luxury hotel, dining venues, and a retail store, creating an ecosystem where business, sport, and fan culture intersect seamlessly.

In Their Own Story

Morning mist clings to the pristine turf of the indoor practice field as Texas sunlight glints off the chrome surface of the towering star outside. Inside, the air vibrates with the rhythmic thud of pads and the sharp, echoing commands of coaches. A veteran linebacker adjusts his helmet, casting a glance upward at the massive structure looming over the complex—a silent, steel reminder of the legacy he carries onto the field. Here, in this cathedral of football, legends aren't just remembered; they are forged.

Reader's Guide

For the devoted Dallas Cowboys supporter, The Star is less a corporate campus and more a pilgrimage site offering an intimate glimpse into the team's daily life. Unlike the distant view from the stands at AT&T Stadium, The Star invites fans to witness the raw, unfiltered grind of preparation during open practice sessions. Walking through the facility, supporters can explore a museum rivaling the Pro Football Hall of Fame, chronicling the franchise's journey from its 1960 founding to its five Super Bowl triumphs. The atmosphere is electric yet accessible, blending high-stakes sports with the warmth of a community hub.

Did You Know?

• The massive stainless steel star monument stands 125 feet tall and is visible for miles from US Highway 75 (Central Expressway) and the Dallas North Tollway.
• The complex features the Ford Center at The Star, an indoor arena used for events, while Cowboys preseason games are primarily held at AT&T Stadium.
• Built on previously undeveloped land, The Star fundamentally reshaped the Frisco skyline upon its completion in 2016.
• Fans can watch NFL practices through floor-to-ceiling glass windows lining the indoor facility, offering an up-close view of the action.

Origins and Development

The Ford Center at The Star emerged from a strategic partnership announced in 2013 between the City of Frisco and the Dallas Cowboys, serving as a cornerstone of the ambitious "$5 Billion Mile" initiative within Frisco Station. This 91-acre complex represents the team's significant relocation from their historic Valley Ranch headquarters to a state-of-the-art facility designed for modern training and community engagement. The stadium itself boasts a 12,000-seat capacity and features Hellas Matrix Helix Turf, a synthetic surface versatile enough to be marked for regulation soccer or lacrosse pitches alongside football. In 2015, the venue secured its identity through a ten-year naming rights agreement with Ford Motor Company. Beyond the main arena, the broader development includes an Omni Hotel with 300 rooms, retail and dining spaces, and the Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research center, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for athletic performance and public events.

Primary Function as Cowboys Hub

Serving primarily as the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility, the Ford Center is integral to the franchise's daily operations and preparation. It replaced Valley Ranch as the central hub where the team conducts its training games and rigorous physical conditioning. The complex is not merely a stadium but a multifaceted headquarters that supports the organization's extensive needs, including specialized sports medicine research through its dedicated therapy center. While the facility hosts high-profile events, its core identity remains tied to supporting the NFL team's competitive edge. The venue also plays a vital role in local youth development by hosting Whataburger's Friday Night Stars every week during the football season, showcasing varsity teams from the Frisco Independent School District. This dual purpose allows the Cowboys to maintain their professional standards while deeply embedding themselves within the community fabric of Frisco.

Professional Sports Tenure and Challenges

The arena has served as a temporary home for several professional franchises, though with varying degrees of success. Major League Lacrosse made history here when the Rochester Rattlers relocated to become the Dallas Rattlers in late 2017, playing their inaugural home game on April 29, 2018. That match against the Denver Outlaws drew a crowd of 7,217 and ended in an overtime victory for the Rattlers, marking the first professional team to utilize the facility for regular season play. However, the franchise ceased operations following the 2019 season. Similarly, the Texas Revolution of Champions Indoor Football signed a lease for the 2019 season but faced immediate financial instability; after just three home games, they were evicted and subsequently folded due to ownership failing to meet financial obligations. These episodes highlight the venue's potential as a professional sports host while underscoring the economic volatility inherent in such partnerships.

Diverse Event Portfolio and Legacy

Beyond team-specific activities, The Star has established itself as a premier destination for major sporting tournaments and entertainment spectacles. It hosted the Conference USA men's and women's basketball tournaments annually from 2018 through 2023 in partnership with local institutions. The venue also attracted high-stakes boxing matches, including Errol Spence Jr.'s IBF title defense in 2018 and a WBO light heavyweight championship bout between Eleider Álvarez and Sergey Kovalev the following year. Music events have featured performances by legends like Bob Seger. Additionally, the facility was selected to host the East–West Shrine Bowl for its 2024 and 2026 editions after the game moved from Allegiant Stadium. Although planned events like the Alliance of American Football championship were cancelled due to league suspensions, the arena continues to secure significant contracts, such as hosting the relocated Dallas Open tennis tournament.

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