Before AT&T Stadium transformed the Arlington landscape, this patch of land was a thriving, living neighborhood—complete with homes, streets, and small businesses arranged in a tight suburban grid. The shift began in 2005, when Arlington voters approved hikes in sales, hotel, and car-rental taxes to finance a new football stadium, according to historical records.
But public funding wasn’t the only lever. Arlington proceeded with eminent domain to acquire and clear dozens of properties—some residents resisted, but their efforts were overwhelmed by the political machinery and the promise of civic payoff, as analyzed in a legal review of the project’s development.
AT&T Stadium, which opened in 2009, is the home of the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL’s most valuable franchise. Built at a reported cost of $1.3 billion, it seats over 80,000. It has hosted events including Super Bowl XLV, the College Football Playoff, WrestleMania, and is set to welcome matches during the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The stadium features a retractable roof and a center-hung video board that once held the title of the world’s largest.
This post uses satellite imagery from 2001 to 2025, sourced from Google Earth, to show how this stadium—and everything around it—came to be. From demolition to full buildout, here’s how this site in Arlington was completely reshaped.
Aerial Timeline of AT&T Stadium’s Transformation
2001
The site still shows no hint of what’s to come. Houses, parks, and businesses cover the future footprint of AT&T Stadium. This is the last period of stability before major change.
2005
The neighborhood remains, but its days are numbered. This is one of the final aerial snapshots of the area before demolition clears the land for construction.
2007
Construction is in full swing. The massive stadium’s outline is clearly visible, with steel and concrete rising. Most of the surrounding land has been cleared or regraded.
2008
The stadium shell is nearly complete. The iconic roof system is being installed, and roadwork is intensifying. AT&T Stadium is taking over the Arlington skyline.
2009
AT&T Stadium is fully built and operational. Parking lots, walkways, and entry plazas are in place. The Cowboys wrapped up their first season here the same year.
2025
Nearly 16 years after opening, the stadium looks settled into its role as a Texas icon. The area around it is cleaner, more defined, and likely preparing for World Cup-level events.
Last Updated on August 8, 2025 by F.E.M