American Airlines Center

Background

The arena's construction was driven by the Dallas Mavericks, then owned by H. Ross Perot Jr., and the Dallas Stars, who sought a modern facility. Built on the site of an old power plant north of Woodall Rodgers Freeway near Interstate 35E, the arena was designed by Driehaus Prize winner David M. Schwarz in a conservative, traditional style with brick façades and smooth arches. Its Quonset hut-like roof and American Airlines naming rights led some fans to call it 'The Hangar.' The naming rights deal, announced on March 18, 1999, cost $195 million; the arena's logo changed in 2013 to reflect American Airlines' updated branding.

The first event was an Eagles concert the day after opening, followed by Michael Flatley's Feet of Flames tour. The first sporting event was a World Indoor Soccer League game between the Dallas Sidekicks and San Diego Sockers on August 19, 2001. The arena includes a practice court for the Mavericks, used until 2017 when a separate facility was built nearby. The Mavericks' lease runs through 2031, after which the team could move to a proposed new arena in Irving. In 2026, the Dallas Wings (WNBA) will temporarily move to the AAC for at least the 2027 season due to renovation delays at their usual venue.

Notable incidents include a glass installation error weeks after opening, where bathroom glass allowed clear views from outside, quickly corrected. Two Mavericks games in early 2022 were delayed due to a roof leak. The arena is built on the former site of Dallas's Little Mexico neighborhood, reflecting the area's Mexican American heritage.

Did You Know?

• The first event was an Eagles concert on July 18, 2001, the day after the arena opened.
• The arena hosted the first PWHL game in Dallas on December 28, 2025, with the New York Sirens defeating the Seattle Torrent 4–3.