American Airlines Center Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Dallas.
Last updated: 3/3/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Wristlet, clutch, or wallet no larger than 4.5”x6.5” is permitted at all entrances. Purses no larger than 14”x14”x6” are allowed at designated X-ray entry points. Backpacks and large totes are prohibited. Medical bags and parenting bags are permitted and subject to search. |
|---|---|
| Doors open | Doors open times vary by event. Typically, doors open 90 minutes prior to tip-off for Dallas Mavericks games, 90 minutes prior to puck drop for Dallas Stars games, and one to one and a half hours prior for concerts and other events. |
| Cashless? | American Airlines Center is a completely cashless arena. Guests can pay for items using valid debit or credit cards, or mobile wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Cash is not accepted as a form of payment at any parking, merchandise, or concession locations. Reverse ATMs are available on the Plaza Level. |
| Rideshare zone | Designated rideshare pickup and drop-off areas are located on All-Star Way and Nowitzki Way. Pickup/drop-off is also often directed to Valor Place on the west side of the arena. |
| Re-entry | Re-entry is not allowed at any event at the American Airlines Center. For certain situations, such as medical needs, re-entry can be approved by the Guest Services Supervisor at the door. |
| Transit | Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Green and Orange Lines service Victory Station, adjacent to the arena, 7 days a week. Some DART Red and Blue line trains go directly to Victory Station prior to events. DART Bus Route 49 also services the American Airlines Center. Trinity Railway Express (TRE) services Victory Station six days a week (no Sunday service unless for special occasions), with extended service hours for some Mavericks and Stars games (westbound train departs 20 minutes after games starting after 6 PM). |
Parking
Over 5,000 parking spaces are available for American Airlines Center guests, many conveniently located within two blocks. The Lexus Garage (accessible from N. Houston Street) opens at noon on event days, and all other parking lots and garages open two hours prior to the start of each event. Parking passes can be pre-purchased, and credit cards are accepted at American Airlines Center managed lots. Accessible parking spots are located in various designated parking areas and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Family & accessibility
- Strollers: American Airlines Center offers stroller and wheelchair check-in services at Guest Relations.
- Family perks: Baby changing facilities are located in all public restrooms. American Airlines Center offers stroller and wheelchair check-in services at Guest Relations. For some concerts, a parent's lounge is set up to accommodate parents not attending the concert, and designated drop-off and pick-up zones are available during those events.
Culture layer
- Signature food: Offerings include classic arena favorites like pizza, nachos, and hot dogs, alongside Texas-inspired fare such as brisket sandwiches, BBQ, and Tex-Mex options. Specific selections include street tacos, burrito bowls, gourmet nachos from El Taco Tex, Chicken Tenders, Dallas Hot Chicken Sandwich, Signature Smashburger, and Niman Ranch Hot Dogs.
- Local tradition: For Dallas Stars games, fans have a tradition of loudly emphasizing 'Stars!' during the national anthem. After a Stars goal, the song 'Puck Off' by Pantera is played, followed by fans chanting 'Dallas' and 'Stars.' For Dallas Mavericks games, fans are often referred to as 'MFFLs' (Mavs Fan for Life), a term popularized by former team owner Mark Cuban. The Mavericks also feature the 'ManiAACs,' an all-male performance squad, and use The Who's 'Eminence Front' as their introduction song.
Verified places nearby
- HERO3090 Nowitzki Way, Dallas, TX · Victory ParkWhat to order: Large format drinks are highlighted, along with a diverse dining menu.
- Happiest Hour2616 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201 · Victory ParkWhat to order: Frozé, Nacho Tower, Ferris Wheel of Wings, chicken wings, pulled pork sliders, and loaded cheddar fries.
- The End of The Trail2901 Victory Park Ln, Dallas, TX 75219 · Victory ParkWhat to order: Queso, fried pickles, wagyu burgers, tacos, rice bowls, charcuterie boards, chicken tender basket with spicy ranch, pizookie, and Guinness.