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American Airlines Center Guide

NBA · Dallas

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Last updated: 3/3/2026

The American Airlines Center sits right in Dallas' Victory Park neighborhood. Public transit is a breeze; DART's Green and Orange lines and the Trinity Railway Express all connect directly to Victory Station next to the arena. Drivers will find plenty of parking—over 5,000 spots, in fact—with most lots just two blocks from the entrance.

At a glance

Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
Re-entry allowed
Gates open
Gates open 90 min before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Green and Orange Lines service Victory Station, adjacent to the arena, 7 days a week.
Family friendly
Baby changing facilities are located in all public restrooms.
Home teams:Dallas MavericksDallas Stars

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Where to stay for American Airlines Center

Victory Park is an ideal neighborhood, as it is home to the American Airlines Center and features a variety of restaurants and retailers, including the W Dallas-Victory Hotel. Downtown Dallas is also easily accessible via DART public transit.

Victory Park

Victory Park is considered the entertainment epicenter of Dallas, with a contemporary atmosphere featuring restaurants, bars, and shops surrounding the American Airlines Center. It is popular with young professionals and offers high-end dining and beverage options, sports bars, and sidewalk cafes.

Victory Station, adjacent to the American Airlines Center, is served by DART Green and Orange Lines seven days a week. Red and Blue Line riders can transfer to Green or Orange Lines at West End Station. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) also serves Victory Station on weekdays and Saturdays.

Downtown Dallas

Downtown Dallas is the city's central neighborhood, offering a mix of modern architecture, museums, historical sites, shopping, and diverse dining and entertainment options. It's often recommended for first-time visitors due to its centrality and accessibility.

All DART Rail lines (Red, Blue, Green, Orange) pass through Downtown Dallas. Direct tram service from Akard Station in Downtown to Victory Station (American Airlines Center) takes approximately 6 minutes. The Green Line also provides direct access to Fair Park.

Uptown

Uptown is an upscale, lively, and trendy neighborhood known for its diverse bars, restaurants, and chic boutiques. It's considered safe and central, making it a good choice for a fun weekend with friends or families. The Katy Trail provides scenic paths and green spaces.

Uptown is well-connected by public transport. DART's Orange Line and Red Line serve the underground Cityplace/Uptown station. The free M-Line Trolley operates along McKinney Avenue, which is Uptown's main hub. This allows for connections to other DART lines for venue access.

Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum is a historic entertainment district renowned for its vibrant street art, galleries, bars, breweries, cafes, and numerous dining options. It has a lively independent spirit and is well-known for its nightlife and live music venues.

Deep Ellum Station is directly served by the DART Rail Green Line. A direct tram from Baylor Station in Deep Ellum to Victory Station (American Airlines Center) takes approximately 15 minutes. This Green Line connectivity also makes it convenient for reaching Fair Park.

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Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

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).

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: 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.

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.

After the event

Popular post-game and late-night spots near the arena include HERO Bar and Grill, Happiest Hour, Te Deseo (known for its rooftop bar and bottle service options), and Poco Fiasco (which offers pizza slices from a side-hustle window after games).

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: The American Airlines Center is located in the Victory Park neighborhood in downtown Dallas, just north of the historic West End.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is not permitted. Grilling, open flames, food preparation, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are not allowed in any parking areas at any time.
  • 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.
  • Fan 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.
  • Pregame institution: HERO Bar and Grill (3090 Nowitzki Way, Dallas, TX 75219)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • HERO
    3090 Nowitzki Way, Dallas, TX · Victory Park

    The closest hangout to the American Airlines Center, offering a massive space with indoor/outdoor seating, arcade games, and a large drink menu. It's ideal for pre-game and post-game activities and is known for its big playoff sports energy.

    What to order: Large format drinks are highlighted, along with a diverse dining menu.

  • Happiest Hour
    2616 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201 · Victory Park

    A top-notch viewing experience with over 40 big-screen TVs, known for hosting Dallas Mavericks watch parties. It features a rooftop, a massive beer garden, over 50 beers on tap, and "Texas-sized" drinks, making it a lively spot with great views.

    What to order: Frozé, Nacho Tower, Ferris Wheel of Wings, chicken wings, pulled pork sliders, and loaded cheddar fries.

  • The End of The Trail
    2901 Victory Park Ln, Dallas, TX 75219 · Victory Park

    Opened just in time for Mavs and Stars season, this spot is steps from the American Airlines Center and the Katy Trail. It offers a laid-back space with TVs, a patio, plenty of seating, late-night bites, and is known for pouring one of the best Guinness pints in Dallas.

    What to order: Queso, fried pickles, wagyu burgers, tacos, rice bowls, charcuterie boards, chicken tender basket with spicy ranch, pizookie, and Guinness.