Texas Stadium - The Farewell (1971-2008)

This past Sunday, December 21, 2008, I did something I had never done before even considering how big of a Dallas Cowboys fan I am. I had read on the Dallas Morning News the week before that today would be the last day that there would be tours offered of Texas Stadium since this is the last season the Cowboys will be playing here to move to the new stadium in Arlington.

Eva, David & I decided to brave the frigid (low 30s) temperatures and head out to Irving to go do the tour of such a magnificent, history holding building of America's team (yes, regardless of who disagrees)! We had to purchase our $12 tickets at the Pro Shop and on our merry way we were.

Our tour guide, nice little fellow, knew quite a bit of history about the stadium. Here are some little facts he gave us that I can remember (forgive me if I mess up on any). Texas Stadium ground breaking was in 1967. It opened up in 1969, but not for a football game. Instead it was for a Billy Graham crusade. The total cost to build it was $35 million back then which in now a day terms, just to put it in perspective, when Deion Sanders got signed he got paid $35 million. The new stadium in Arlington will cost right at $2 billion when it is all said and done - boy do times change. Just to put the cost of the new stadium into comparison, to build a space shuttle, you know the ones that go into space, it costs $1.7 billion.


Texas Stadium has a lot of history within its walls. Greats like the Eagles, Madonna, and others have played there to name a few. Not to mention the awesome memories the Cowboys leave there for games they've played and memorable retirements that have also been held and the recent naming to the Ring of Honor of Troy Aikman (8), Emmitt Smith (22) & Michael Irvin (88) in '05.

Anyways, considering the terrible loss the Cowboys had on Saturday night (12-20-08) to the Baltimore Ravens on their very last game at Texas Stadium, nothing could stop me from going to tour the stadium of the team I have been watching since I can remember.

Here are a few pictures. I'm hoping to not wait so long to tour the new stadium once it opens - that is for sure going to be a breathtaking place.





Beautiful, just plain beautiful!




"Sacred Ground" I'm not kidding - according to our tour guide and he could be wrong, but Texas Stadium was built on an Indian Reservation. Kind of funny if you think about it. Cowboys vs Indians.






The #1 coach to ever lead the Cowboys! Tidbit: Hometown: Mission, Texas (in the RGV - Rio Grande Valley)



Just look at the records!




Date of Demolition expected to be in March '09. According to our tour guide, because of a documentary, the plan is to demolish Texas Stadium & Reunion Arena (where Mavericks) used to play at the same time.






The sticker I purchased to go on the tour. So sad! :(




The view of the field from one of the luxury suites. At Texas Stadium these hold 10-15 people. At the new stadium they will hold 20-25. Tidbit - Texas Stadium is the stadium in the entire world that has the most suites of any stadium. The 2nd one is in Florida - the Tallaheda (racing) one.






My FAVORITE all time leading rusher and player and my sole reason for my love for #22!









Just some tips in the locker room for the players. Locker room tidbits - everything in there is original and only believe it or not 2 stalls and urinals for approximately 60 men inside the locker room at one time - crazy!



#1



The Cowboys have had a total of 8 Super Bowl appearances but have won 5 of those eight. Super Bowl VI (1972) was against the Miami Dolphins. Final score: Cowboys 24 - Dolphins 3.




Super Bowl XII (1978) was against the Denver Broncos. Final score: Cowboys 27 - Broncos 10.




Super Bowl XXVII (1993) was against the Buffalo Bills. Final score: Cowboys 52 - Bills 17.




Super Bowl XXVIII (1994) was against the Buffalo Bills. Final score: Cowboys 30 - Bills 13.




Super Bowl XXX (1996) was against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the final score was Cowboys 27 - Steelers 17.



Hopefully we can add to this list in the next coming year.




Here is where the greats come out of in preparation for the game.




This is "the tunnel" that leads the players directly unto the field. I swear, being here just sent chills down my spine.






The Salvation Army Kettle - the Cowboys kick of the Holiday season during the Thanksgiving game with a big to do for the Salvation Army - another highlight of just who the Dallas Cowboys are and what they stand for.



The Star!




When the owner back then was talking with the designer & engineer of the stadium, he made it clear that he wanted "a hole in the roof" where you could see the field from the top. This is a one of a kind stadium and idea and for which Texas Stadium will forever be remembered.



The best team that ever existed.




Just me - I seriously couldn't believe I was standing right there...so many great touchdowns have come together right on that spot!



The best field ever for the #1 team in the NFL!




One of the greats!




This was just a banner that was hanging - I'm almost certain it was left by a fan that attended the last game at Texas Stadium.



The three best players of all time.




The stadium seats (Texas Stadium holds approximately 65,000 people) New stadium will hold about 85,000.




This is me sitting on the stadium seats. People have paid buckos of money at an auction to own one of these!