Dallas Cowboys: Financing a New Stadium

Steven Louis

Dallas Cowboys: Financing a New Stadium

Case research in sports & rec management

2/7/2011

Matthew Donovan

Dallas Cowboys: Financing a New Stadium

In 2003, Jerry Jones the owner of the Dallas Cowboys football team wanted to build a new stadium complex. I guess Mr. Jones felt that the existing stadium was getting pretty old and wanted to take on a knew challenge, and a new stadium offered enhanced revenue potential for one of the NFL's premier teams. The team wanted taxpayer assistance in financing the stadium, and the state legislature voted to put the matter to voters. Most people would think it’s ridiculous to have taxpayer to pay a portion of the new stadium. I took a trip out to Dallas and yes; Texas Stadium had a few pros and cons. It had turf and two end zones really this is all you need! People don't need two 80-yard video screens, and the best technology money can buy, they want a good football team. I would go rather go to a game in a bad stadium with a horrible odor; no elbow space and bad food then not go at all. 
This new ticket price will also make home field advantage a thing of the past. This might sound stereotypical, but the majority of die-hard, down to the bone Cowboy fans are not people able to pay a $50,000 PSL and still buy the tickets, especially with the economy the way it is. 
This just shows the way the Cowboys are headed. Jerry made the stadium to make money, plain and simple; the Cowboys are now more a media team then a football team. The drama of Tony Romo, Jerry Jones and his new toy of technology, has turned the franchise toward nothing good, and people are sad to see that happen. Jerry Jones is a pretty smart businessman the revenue from business conventions and concerts such as NBA all-star game, NCAA basketball tournament and the NFL super-bowl will be needed to help pay the bills on what has been a hugely expensive project.

The cost of a new Cowboys stadium in Arlington was estimated at $1.15 billion,...