DALLAS

AT&T Stadium will host matches in the following tournament stages:

The Arlington Entertainment District around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field is the natural fan zone hub with restaurants, bars, and open plazas. In Dallas proper, the Victory Park area and Deep Ellum entertainment district are expected to host official FIFA Fan Fest events or large-scale watch parties.

Fan zone locations are based on historical precedent. Official FIFA Fan Fest details will be confirmed closer to the tournament.

Dallas in June-July is seriously hot — average highs of 96°F (36°C) with high humidity. Heat advisories are common. AT&T Stadium's retractable roof will likely be closed with air conditioning running, making it one of the most comfortable match-day experiences. Outside the stadium, stay hydrated constantly, wear a hat and sunscreen, and seek shade when possible. Evening matches are slightly more bearable but still warm. Thunderstorms are possible but typically brief.

Dallas-Fort Worth is BBQ country, and you owe it to yourself to try the best. Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum is the crown jewel — arrive early because the line is long and they sell out. Terry Black's Barbecue on Commerce Street is excellent with shorter waits. For Tex-Mex, head to Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village or El Fenix, a Dallas institution since 1918. The Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff has trendy restaurants and craft cocktail bars. Near the stadium in Arlington, Texas Live! is an entertainment complex with multiple restaurants and bars designed for pre-game crowds.

Arlington (where the stadium is) has the closest hotels — the Live! by Loews hotel is literally steps from AT&T Stadium. Other chains along I-30 in Arlington offer budget-friendly options ($120-200/night). Downtown Dallas (about 20 miles east) has more upscale options and nightlife but requires driving or rideshare to the stadium. The Fort Worth Stockyards area offers a unique Texas experience with boutique hotels. Since there's no rail transit to the stadium, staying in Arlington minimizes transportation headaches. Book well in advance — the Dallas metro fills up fast for major events.

AT&T Stadium's retractable roof and air conditioning make it a refuge from the Texas heat. The entertainment district around the stadium has bars and restaurants that open hours before kickoff — Texas Live! is the main pre-match gathering spot. Since there's no rail service, plan for driving or rideshare with heavy traffic. Parking lots open 4+ hours before kickoff, and tailgating is a beloved Texas tradition — expect grills, coolers, and cornhole games everywhere. Inside, the massive video board (one of the largest in the world) creates a jaw-dropping visual experience. After the match, traffic can take 60-90 minutes to clear, so plan to linger at nearby bars.

Texas BBQ is a must — try Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum or Terry Black's. The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the US, and the Fort Worth Stockyards offer a genuine Texas experience with live rodeo events.

The Dallas-Fort Worth metro is generally safe. The Arlington Entertainment District around AT&T Stadium is well-maintained and policed during events. Deep Ellum (popular for nightlife) requires typical urban awareness after midnight. Texas heat is the biggest safety concern — heat exhaustion and dehydration are real risks during outdoor tailgating. Drink water constantly, even if you don't feel thirsty. Rideshare is the safest option if you're drinking at pre-match gatherings, since there's no rail to the stadium.