Big games and bright lights are nothing new for Arlington. But now, the city’s sports footprint is earning national recognition once again.
Sports Business Journal recently ranked Arlington as the No. 24 sports business city in America, highlighting the city’s impressive collection of venues, marquee events, and growing influence in the sports industry.
Much of Arlington’s standing comes from its concentrated lineup of venues. AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Choctaw Stadium and Texas Live! sit within easy reach of one another, creating an entertainment district unlike almost anywhere else in the country. AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field are, of course, the home venues for the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers, respectively.
Arlington will also host nine matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most of any host city worldwide, further cementing its place on the global sports stage.
Beyond professional teams and major venues, Arlington has quietly built a strong sports business résumé. The city serves as home to the United Football League, the Western Athletic Conference and the Bowling International Training & Research Center, headquarters of the United States Bowling Congress. Its' calendar remains equally packed, with events ranging from the Big 12 Football Championship and Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic to esports championships and national sports industry conferences.
Perhaps most impressive, Arlington’s teams and venues drew a combined 16 million attendees in the study, SBJ reports.