American Airlines Center: Home to Perpetual Mavs Mania

Official Review by Taylor Smith, Stadium Journey Correspondent

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The American Airlines Center (home to the Dallas Mavericks and Stars) is something of a hidden gem for North Texas sports.

Ask any sports fan in the area about their favorite venue and they’ll fondly refer to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, an old-timey, traditional stadium that has been home to the Rangers since 1993.

You may have also heard about the spaceship-like structure that sits right next to the Ballpark that houses the Cowboys. That stadium isn’t too shabby, either.

However, frequently lost in that mix is the American Airlines Center, completed in 2001.

The Mavericks have won at least 50 games and qualified for the playoffs in each of their nine seasons playing at the AAC, and their fans have turned it into one of the NBA’s premier home-court advantages.

Food & Beverage   5/5

To say that the AAC offers a bevy of different options for food and drink would be an understatement.

Along with your standard hot dog-nachos-pizza-soft drink-beer concession counters (such as Fast Break, Grill Zone, State Fair, and Pizza Patron), the arena also features a collection of other restaurants and bars, such as the famous Old No. 7 Club.

If you’re fortunate enough to enjoy the game from the area known as the Platinum Level, you’ll find several exclusive specialty bars and food areas known as “Chef’s Corners”.

As is standard for an entertainment arena, prices for standard concessions typically run between $5 and $10.

Atmosphere   4/5

Aside from providing a quality on-court product, the Mavericks and the AAC are proficient at gaining and maintaining fan interest and interaction throughout the game.


Since Mark Cuban’s purchase of the team in January 2000, the Mavericks have gone from perennial doormat to one of the NBA’s best teams year-after-year.

The atmosphere in the arena certainly has plenty to do with that.

During timeouts, there are always fan-involved contests and giveaways, as well as plenty of on-court entertainment, featuring “Mavs Man”, “Champ”, and the self-proclaimed “best dance team in the NBA”, the Mavericks Dancers.

In a late-season game with postseason implications (such as the recent game with the Denver Nuggets), a loud, raucous, playoff-like atmosphere typically brings out the best in the Mavericks.

Huge high-definition screens and scoreboards cover the upper walls behind each basket, making it incredibly easy to find replays and in-game statistics.

They certainly delivered in this regard.

Neighborhood   2/5

While there are a few apartment buildings in the surrounding area, there isn’t much else going on in the immediate vicinity of the arena.

Fans   4/5

As mentioned previously, the Mavericks have one of the most distinctive home court advantages of any team in the league, and that has everything to do with the fans.

One of the Mavericks’ mottos is “Rowdy, Proud, and Loud”, and no phrase sums the fans up more appropriately.

When the team is playing well, I have not been to a louder venue.

For the most part, Mavericks’ fans are knowledgeable, friendly, and they show up. The Mavs are one of the hottest tickets in town, and they support their team as well as any fans in the league.

Access   5/5

The American Airlines Center is conveniently located right off of the I-30 freeway, making it easy to find and easy to access.

While there is ample parking to accommodate commuters by car, the best way to get to and from the game is by train.

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) runs from Fort Worth directly to the arena, with several stops along the way.

On game nights (for games that start after 6:00 pm), a special train will run back to Fort Worth that leaves 20 minutes after the end of the game. It’s an extremely easy way to get to and from the arena, especially without having to worry about any traffic or parking whatsoever.

Return on Investment   4/5

The AAC is one of the most aesthetically appealing venues in which I’ve ever enjoyed a basketball game, and it’s clear that Mark Cuban and company work as hard as they can to optimize fan experience.

There are no bad seats in the house, and, with TV’s just about everywhere, you can keep up with the game even as you move throughout the concourses.

Extras   5/5

These points go to the stellar product the Mavericks put on the court year-in and year-out. They are to be applauded for giving the fans plenty of reason to come out to the arena.

The building itself is an absolute gem right in the heart of Dallas, and the Mavs will be calling the beautiful American Airlines Center home for many, many years.

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