Facts On American Airlines Center in Dallas

The American Airlines Center in Dallas is a live-entertainment venue primarily used by professional basketball and professional hockey teams local to the area. The arena also hosts other sporting events, music concerts and a variety of entertainment.

  1. History

    • The facility was built primarily to service the needs of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL). Construction began in 1999, and it opened in summer 2001. Its design was intended to complement Dallas' larger Victory Park, a massive conglomeration of newly renovated residencies and office spaces.

    Capacity and Amenities

    • The arena can host up to 21,000 people for concerts and other events requiring a smaller floor. Basketball capacity is 19,000 and hockey is 18,500. The exterior of the building is made of arches of brick with four primary entrances. Outdoor balconies offer sweeping views of the city. The interior is highlighted by a retractable seating system unique to Dallas, which makes transitions between events smooth and efficient. Numerous concourses and video screens comprise the off-ice and off-court area.

    Teams

    • The arena's most notable tenets are the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and the NHL's Dallas Stars, who have been competing there since their 2001 seasons. The arena also hosts a pair of Arena Football League teams, the Dallas Desperadoes and the Dallas Vigilantes.

    Recognition

    • Since its completion, American Airlines Center has received a variety of recognitions, including awards for top ticket sales, top sports venue, best engineering design and best concert venue, among other titles.