American Airlines Center – Arena
#14 of 100 things to do in Dallas
American Airlines Center is a multi-purpose arena, located in the Victory Park neighborhood, near downtown Dallas, Texas. Wikipedia
Dallas, Texas is home to one of the most exciting and versatile entertainment venues in the United States: the American Airlines Center (AAC) . Located in the vibrant Victory Park neighborhood, this state-of-the-art arena hosts over 150 events annually, including Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Stars (NHL), major concerts, WWE wrestling, family shows, and more.
Whether you are a basketball fanatic, a pop music lover, a parent bringing a child to see Dude Perfect or WWE, or a tourist wanting to catch a world-class event, this guide provides everything you need to know—from ticket purchasing and seating maps to parking, DART access, bag policies, and activities for all ages.
The American Airlines Center opened in 2001 and has a seating capacity that varies by event:
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Basketball (Mavericks): 19,200+
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Hockey (Stars): 18,500+
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Concerts: Up to 21,000 (depending on stage configuration)
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End-stage concerts: Approximately 14,000
The arena is also a frequent host of NCAA tournaments, Professional Bull Riders (PBR), Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, and WWE Monday Night Raw.
Key Details at a Glance:
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Address: 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, TX 75219
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Phone: +1-214-665-4200
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Official Website: https://www.americanairlinescenter.com
Hours & Ticket Information
Box Office Hours
The American Airlines Center box office is typically open:
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Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (or until event start time on show days)
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Saturday – Sunday: Open only on event days, 2 hours before the event
Note: Hours vary based on event schedules. Always check the website’s “Events” page for specific day-of information.
Ticket Purchasing
Tickets for all events are sold through Ticketmaster (official partner). Do not buy from third-party resellers unless verified by the arena.
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Price Range: Varies wildly by event. For example:
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Dallas Mavericks regular season: $25 – $500+
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Major concerts (Doja Cat, Kacey Musgraves): $50 – $400+
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Family events (WWE, Dude Perfect): $30 – $150+
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Tips for Best Prices:
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Buy directly from the AAC website’s ticket link.
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Sign up for the venue’s newsletter for presale codes.
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For families, look for “Family Four Packs” on select events (e.g., Stars games or Disney on Ice).
Activities for Adults & Children: Sports, Music & Family Shows
👨🖥️ Adults: Pro Sports & Major Concerts
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Dallas Mavericks (NBA) – October through April
Experience NBA basketball with one of the league’s most passionate fan bases. Adults enjoy the fast-paced action, halftime entertainment, and the numerous bars and lounges inside the arena (e.g., the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Club). -
Dallas Stars (NHL) – October through April (including playoffs)
Hockey fans love the intense energy of Stars games. The arena’s lower bowl offers excellent sightlines for checking, goals, and fights. -
Major Concerts
The AAC hosts A-list artists across all genres. Upcoming examples (from the website as of this guide):-
Don Toliver (June 13, 2026)
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A$AP Rocky (June 18, 2026)
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aespa (September 29, 2026)
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Don Omar (October 1, 2026)
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Kacey Musgraves (October 11, 2026)
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Doja Cat (November 4, 2026)
Adult amenities at concerts include multiple full-service bars, VIP lounges, and premium seating with in-seat service.
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Premium Clubs & Suites
For a high-end experience, book a suite or club-level seat. Options include:-
Platinum Level – Private restrooms, upscale food, and dedicated entrance.
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Lexus Lounge – All-inclusive food and drink for lower-bowl ticket holders.
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👧 Children & Families: WWE, Dude Perfect & Family Shows
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WWE Monday Night Raw (July 13, 2026 – example)
Families with children aged 6+ love the theatrical action of WWE. The arena’s upper bowl offers affordable seats, and kids enjoy seeing their favorite superstars live. -
Dude Perfect (July 11, 2026 – example)
The famous trick-shot comedy group brings a high-energy, family-friendly show with stunts, audience participation, and positive messages. Perfect for children 5 and up. -
Recurring Family Events (check the website’s calendar)
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Disney on Ice – Typically twice per year (winter and spring). Ages 2+ enjoy skating princesses and Mickey Mouse.
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Monster Jam – Giant monster trucks crushing cars. Kids (and many adults) love it. Ear protection recommended for young children.
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Sesame Street Live – Occasional visits for toddlers and preschoolers.
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Dallas Mavericks or Stars Games for Kids
Children under 2 are usually free if sitting on a parent’s lap (no ticket required). Many games feature:-
Kids’ post-game autograph sessions (select Sunday afternoon games)
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Face painting and balloon artists on the concourse
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Mascot appearances (Mavs Man, Stars’ Victor E. Green)
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Know Before You Go: Bag Policy & Prohibited Items
The American Airlines Center enforces a clear bag policy for all events to ensure safety and speed entry.
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ | Backpacks (even clear ones) |
| Small clutch purses (4.5″ x 6.5″) with or without a strap | Diaper bags (must use clear bag) |
| One-gallon clear resealable plastic bags (Ziploc style) | Large purses, totes, or camera bags |
| Medically necessary bags (subject to inspection) | Coolers, laptops, tablets, selfie sticks |
Pro Tip for Families: Bring a clear bag with spare diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. There is no bag check.
Other Prohibited Items:
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Outside food and drink (except medical or infant needs)
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Weapons, knives, pepper spray
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Laser pointers, noisemakers, air horns
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Professional cameras with detachable lenses
Parking & Public Transportation
🚗 Driving & Parking
There are over 20,000 parking spaces within a 10-minute walk of the AAC. Prices vary by event (concerts and playoff games cost more than regular-season games).
| Parking Option | Approximate Cost | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus Garage (attached to arena) | $30 – $50 | On-site |
| Victory Park garages (multiple) | $15 – $25 | 2–4 blocks |
| Surface lots near I-35 | $10 – $15 | 5–10 minute walk |
Arrival Time: For sold-out concerts or Mavericks/Stars playoffs, arrive 60–90 minutes before event start. For family events (Disney on Ice, WWE), 45 minutes is usually sufficient.
🚆 DART Rail (Best for Avoiding Traffic & Parking Costs)
The Victory Station (on the DART Light Rail) is located directly across the street from the American Airlines Center. It serves:
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Green Line and Orange Line
From anywhere in Dallas:
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Take any train to Victory Station. The walk is less than 5 minutes via a covered pedestrian bridge.
Cost: Standard DART fare (adult $3 for all-day pass; children under 5 free; reduced fare for seniors/students).
Schedules: Trains run every 15–20 minutes on weekdays, every 20–30 minutes on weekends. After major events, extra trains are added.
Dining & Concessions Inside the AAC
The arena offers a wide range of food and drink, from quick bites to full meals.
| Type | Examples | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Local Favorites | Whataburger, Pecan Lodge BBQ | Main concourse |
| Kid-Friendly | Pizza Hut, hot dogs, chicken tenders | Upper concourse |
| Premium | Jack Daniel’s Club (steak sandwiches, craft beer) | Lower level |
| Sweets | Dippin’ Dots, churros, ice cream | Various carts |
Pro Tip: Many stands accept credit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Cash is also accepted, but exact change is helpful.
Accessible Seating & Services
The American Airlines Center is fully ADA-compliant:
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Wheelchair-accessible seating available on all levels (purchase directly via Ticketmaster, filter by “Accessible Seats”).
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Assistive listening devices available at Guest Services (free with ID).
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Sensory bags (containing fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones) available at Guest Services for guests with autism or sensory sensitivities. First come, first served.
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Elevators to all levels located near each main entrance.
Tips for a Great Visit
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Buy tickets early – Major concerts (Doja Cat, Kacey Musgraves) and playoff games sell out weeks in advance.
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Check the clear bag policy – Arrive with a clear bag or you will be turned away. Medical and diaper bags must be inspected.
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Use DART – Parking prices surge for big events. Victory Station is free to park at many DART stations (e.g., Parker Road, LBJ/Central) then ride in.
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Bring ear protection for young kids – For monster trucks, WWE, or loud concerts, disposable earplugs or child-sized headphones are a good idea.
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Arrive early for family events – Disney on Ice and Dude Perfect have pre-show activities (face painting, photo ops) on the concourse starting 60 minutes before showtime.
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Download your tickets – The AAC is largely paperless. Add tickets to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before leaving home to avoid cell service lag.
Upcoming Events
The American Airlines Center calendar is always full. Below is a snapshot of real upcoming events from the website, to show the variety you can expect year after year:
| Date | Event | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 13, 2026 | Don Toliver | Adults (hip-hop fans) |
| Jun 18, 2026 | A$AP Rocky | Adults (hip-hop) |
| Jul 11, 2026 | Dude Perfect | Families (all ages) |
| Jul 13, 2026 | WWE Monday Night Raw | Families (kids 6+) |
| Aug 14, 2026 | Megan Moroney | Adults (country) |
| Sep 29, 2026 | aespa | Teens & young adults (K-pop) |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Don Omar | Adults (reggaeton) |
| Oct 11, 2026 | Kacey Musgraves | Adults/teens (country/pop) |
| Nov 4, 2026 | Doja Cat | Adults/teens (pop/rap) |
Seasonal Recurring Events (check website for exact dates):
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Dallas Mavericks (NBA) – October to April
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Dallas Stars (NHL) – October to April
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Disney on Ice – Winter & Spring
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Monster Jam – Typically January/February
Stay Connected
Follow the American Airlines Center for presale codes, event announcements, and real-time traffic or parking updates.
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YouTube: American Airlines Center – Virtual venue tours, event highlights, and behind-the-scenes
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Facebook: American Airlines Center – Daily event reminders, giveaways, and fan photos
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X (Twitter): @AACenter – Real-time gate changes, weather delays, and parking alerts
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Instagram: @americanairlinescenter – Staging photos, artist arrivals, and behind-the-scenes reels
If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!