American Airlines Center

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14

American Airlines Center 2500 Victory Ave Dallas, TX 75219

Year Opened: 2001

Capacity: 18,532

Dallas Stars – American Airlines Center

In 1993 the NHL saw a seismic shift in the landscape, when the Minnesota North Stars packed up and moved south to Dallas. The newly rechristened Dallas Stars became the first – and, to date, the only – NHL franchise in the Lone Star State. The learning curve for hockey in Texas was admittedly steep, but the love affair was an immediate one.

The Stars rewarded their fans virtually immediately, as they captured the Stanley Cup in 1999 and made a return trip to the finals the following season. They would also make a return trip to the Stanley Cup Finals at the end of the 2019-20 season; the team has consistently been a winning organization virtually its entire existence in Big D.

In 2001 the Stars would move into their brand-new home, American Airlines Center. Located in the heart of Dallas’s vibrant downtown, the Hangar helped revitalize the Victory Park area of the city. Even with Dallas having so much going on entertainment-wise, the Stars continue to draw big numbers each and every season, due in no small part due to its fantastic home ice. Read on to learn more.

Food & Beverage 5

I can’t say enough good things about the food and drink options at American Airlines Center. While you should expect a certain level of quality for a venue that’s home to an NHL and an NBA franchise, the Hangar exceeds those marks.

Some of the unique options here include cheesesteak and tri-tip steak sandwiches, carne asada and carnitas street tacos, Niman Ranch plain and chili cheese hot dogs, smashburgers, chopped brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, green chili pork mac and cheese, and made from scratch pizzas. The variety and quality are incredible.

On the beverage side, there are no fewer than seven craft beer, wine, and cocktail bars sprinkled throughout the venue for fans to visit; there are even 7-Eleven Slurpee stands if you’re in the mood for that. Again, incredible.

The inverse of that, however, is the cost – you can expect to pay premium prices for some of these items, so just know that going in. However, if you’re just looking to go the traditional route, a nice feature is the bottomless popcorn and fountain drink options at most stands, which are a tremendous bargain.

Atmosphere 4

When it comes to the atmosphere here everything again is top-notch, starting right from the get-go, as most fans will head into the game through the PNC Plaza entrance. This event space is lined with water features, team stores, bars, and other assorted businesses, and is buttressed by statues of Mavericks all-time great Dirk Nowitzki and Stars Hall of Famer Mike Modano.

There is music playing and fans tending to congregate, bringing a very carnival-like, almost college sports-level atmosphere. Once inside, again things are done very well.

The Stars championship banners hang from the rafters, along with the retired jersey numbers of their great players. Team stores are everywhere for fans to get souvenirs. Signage and photo ops also abound inside the Hangar, so fans should be on the lookout.

In addition, there seems to have been great thought put into everything about the team and its pre-game festivities, from the neon-light Stars logo being lowered from the rafters, for the team to skate through during introductions, to the ability to light everything (and I mean everything) green. No stone is left unturned.

My one issue is the hallways in the upper concourse areas; these narrow in certain spots and get incredibly bottlenecked during breaks in the action and after the game.

Neighborhood 5

As mentioned earlier, Dallas has a ton of things going on for visitors to do; the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is home to all major professional and college sports teams. With the hockey season being as spread out over the calendar as it is, visitors coming in to see a Stars game will more than likely have an opportunity to also catch a Dallas Cowboys game, a Dallas Mavericks game, a Texas Rangers game, an FC Dallas match, or even a Dallas Wings game.

There are also a host of other options if for some reason your schedule doesn’t line up with another game – these include the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas World Aquarium, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Each one of these attractions is world-class in its scope and size.

The Victory Park area also offers a wealth of dining options for fans, many within walking distance of American Airlines Center; these offerings include Doc B’s (think a pub with burgers, sandwiches, and salads), Haywire (which bills itself as offering “sophisticated” Texas fare), and Mi Cocina (traditional Tex-Mex offerings).

Downtown Big D is also home to a multitude of lodging options, as well, the only limit being your budget. Some spots within walking distance of The Hangar include W Dallas and Hyatt House Dallas/Uptown. You’re going to have a great time during your visit to American Airlines Center, and at Dallas Stars games.

Fans 4

The Dallas Stars average around 18,500 fans a game, putting them in the top 10 in the NHL. Also, the fans that come to games can be counted on to be decked out in Stars green and black gear, including sweaters featuring greats like Modano and Brett Hull, or current stars like Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Jake Oettinger, among others.

As mentioned, the attendance is at near capacity for nearly every home game. The crowds are also loud and engaged – they love their Stars.

The only thing keeping this score from being higher is the sheer number of visiting fans in the building. On my most recent visit it might have had to do with the specific opposing team, but that fan base was audibly noticeable throughout the game.

Access 4

American Airlines Center is easily accessible in downtown Dallas. Interstate 35 (it turns into I-35E as you get close to Big D) is a major highway that runs north and south through Texas, connecting Dallas with Austin and San Antonio, and running the rest of the way to the Rio Grande Valley. If you’re driving in from one of these spots, that’s going to be the best way to get to your Stars game.

If you’re flying in, the arena is 25 minutes from DFW International Airport and just over 10 minutes from Love Field. In the area parking is plentiful in numerous surface lots and parking garages. Just keep in mind these get pricier the closer you get to the venue.

If you don’t want to drive, I highly recommend using the Metroplex’s mass transit option, the DART Rail System. The DART light rail trains have stops that are just a short walk from American Airlines Center and are very affordable.

Return on Investment 3

Single-game tickets for the Dallas Stars honestly vary wildly depending on the opponent, day of the week, and time of the season. On average you can get one through the club for around $90, or for as little as $19 to $20 on the secondary market. This is pretty much on par with the rest of the NHL.

Concessions and parking are what really keep this score from being higher – you’re going to spend a bit to get both when you attend a Stars game. If you’re looking for bargains, the bottomless popcorn and fountain drinks I mentioned earlier will pay for themselves after one refill each. Other items are not inexpensive, but you’re paying for quality.

Parking will cost you; I saw prices starting at $45 and just going up and up the closer I got to the arena.

Extras 4

As mentioned in the atmosphere section, the Stars really go all out for home games at American Airlines Center, and this carries over to the Extras as well. For example, a neon-lit stage is set up on the south end of the arena where a DJ performs throughout the game, flanked by a bevy of the Dallas Stars Ice Girls. In addition to dancing, cheering, and taking photos with fans, this talented group also takes to the ice to scoop up loose ice during breaks in the action.

The club also boasts their own costumed mascot, Victor E. Green, who runs the aisles, slams into the glass, and fires up the fans throughout games. An alien from far, far away, he is alleged to be roommates with a Zamboni, and has what appear to be hockey sticks for antennae. Needless to say, he’s very popular with young fans and frequently stops to take photos with them.

Lastly, one of the coolest (no hockey pun intended) parts about going to see a Stars game is hearing them blast their fight song, “Puck Off”, which is played by legendary Texas heavy metal band Pantera. I have a hard time thinking everyone won’t be caught up in the driving beats!

Final Thoughts

I admit I’ve not got much experience with the NHL outside the handful of Stars games I’ve been fortunate to attend over the years. With that being said, I would really be unable to compare it to any of the other hockey facilities out there. What I can say is that American Airlines Center, despite it being nearly a quarter of a century old, is still spectacular.

If you’re a hockey fan, The Hangar needs to be a stop on your bucket list, and if you’re a sports fan, add it as well. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed either way.

Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477.

American Airlines Center – Dallas Stars