The Architecture of The Superbowl

Cowboys Stadium during Super Bowl XLV

Although it is common to see lackluster design in sports-oriented architecture, this Super Bowl Sunday we couldn't help but outline some of the more interesting features of the recently completed Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. And it doesn't hurt to mention that we are outspoken fans of America's most hated and loved football team too!

Cowboys Stadium is a fully enclosed domed stadium with a retractable roof. It was designed by Dallas based architecture firm HKS. Construction was completed on May 27, 2009. Some notable 

• World's largest fully enclosed stadium.
• World's largest column-free interior.
• World's largest high definition display which hangs from 20 yard line to 20 yard line. 
• The original estimated construction cost was to be $650 million. The final price came in at $1.15 billion, making it one of the most expensive sports venues ever.

The dominant structural element of the building is comprised of a pair of nearly 300 ft tall steel arches that span the length of the stadium anchoring to the ground at each end.

Expansive glass doors allow for either of the endzones to be completely opened up.

The centrally hung LCD display was developed by Mitsubishi Diamond Systems measures in at a 175' diagonally or 152' wide by 72' wide. When the stadium is used for basketball games, the screen is actually larger than the entire basketball court.