Game Day and Beyond

NHL team guides

Dallas Stars

Venue and travel guide

Venue and location

Address

2500 Victory Avenue

Source statement; not independently verified.

City

Dallas

Source statement; not independently verified.

State

TX

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue name

American Airlines Center

Source statement; not independently verified.

Zip code

75219

Source statement; not independently verified.

Parking

Cheapest

Farther surface lots (e.g., Lot K at 2235 Victory Ave, ~0.3 mi) and advance-prepaid options are cheapest; DART rail is the lowest-cost alternative

Source statement; not independently verified.

Guide url

https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/parking (official parking via JustPark; Stars also link to ParkWhiz)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Accessible parking

Lot F at 2721 N. Houston St (directly across from North entrance) is ADA parking only; first-come, first-served, ~105 spaces, no pass required (pay by card on arrival)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Hours

Lexus Garage opens at noon (12:00 PM CT) on event days; all other lots/garages open 2 hours before the event and remain open 2 hours after. No overnight or "in and out" privileges

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overnight

Not permitted

Source statement; not independently verified.

Payment

Cashless — credit/debit cards and pre-paid passes only; no cash accepted at any AAC-managed lot

Source statement; not independently verified.

Premium

Yes — Stars Players Reserved Lot (Lot A) and pass-only lots (E); Gold Garage parking pass grants access to the Gold VIP entrance. Lexus drivers get limited priority spots in Lexus Garage

Source statement; not independently verified.

Prepaid

Yes — recommended; reserve via JustPark (official) or ParkWhiz; passes accepted at Comerica Garage and other lots

Source statement; not independently verified.

Prices

Approximately $15–$40 depending on lot, event, and advance purchase; Inspiration Lot (bus parking) is $50 for Stars events. Premium close-in garages (Lexus) run highest

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

American Airlines Center offers multiple parking options including the Lexus Garage, the Silver Garage, and the Lexus Parking Lot. Pre-paid parking is strongly recommended through ParkWhiz. Event rates range from $15-$30. ADA parking available in all garages.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Public transport

DART Green and Orange light rail lines to Victory Station (across from West entrance); TRE commuter rail; DART Bus Route 49

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tailgating

N/A — indoor arena. Grilling, open flames, food preparation, and alcohol consumption are prohibited in all parking areas

Source statement; not independently verified.

Traffic

Dallas North Tollway / Harry Hines, I-35E exits (Continental, Medical District), and Woodall Rodgers Freeway (Spur 366) near Victory Park; AAC recommends Waze for real-time routing

Source statement; not independently verified.

Types

Surface lots (A, E, F, K, D Garage) and garages (Lexus, Comerica/formerly Silver, Commons); 5,000+ spaces within two blocks plus 3,000+ more to the south and east

Source statement; not independently verified.

Rideshare

Distance

Zones are adjacent to the arena's north and west entrances (short walk)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Lyft dropoff

Same north-side zone / Valor Place per official parking page

Source statement; not independently verified.

Lyft pickup

Lyft is the Official Rideshare Partner; pickup/drop-off on the north side of the arena, often directed to Valor Place on the west side

Source statement; not independently verified.

Other services

Taxis — post-event staging on east side at curb of Houston St (south of Payne St) and a taxi stand on the south side of Nowitzki Way; call assistance via Guest Relations

Source statement; not independently verified.

Peak notes

Heavy demand and surge pricing immediately post-game; expect congestion on All-Star Way and Nowitzki Way

Source statement; not independently verified.

Post game tips

Walk a block or two away from the designated zones to reduce wait/surge; consider DART Victory Station instead

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Designated Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up zone located on Victory Avenue and Houston Street near the arena. Post-game, the zone is well-organized. DART light rail at Victory Station is a faster post-game option.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Uber dropoff

Same — All-Star Way and Nowitzki Way; all non-bus/non-limo drop-offs are on All-Star Way

Source statement; not independently verified.

Uber pickup

Two designated Uber pickup/drop-off areas on All-Star Way and Nowitzki Way (north side of arena)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Wait area

All-Star Way and Nowitzki Way rideshare zones; PNC Plaza serves as the general car/limo/bus drop-off and pick-up area

Source statement; not independently verified.

Public transportation

Airport connection

DART Orange Line connects to DFW International Airport; Dallas Love Field is reachable via transfers

Source statement; not independently verified.

App

DART GoPass app and DART.org schedules; TrinityRailwayExpress.org for TRE

Source statement; not independently verified.

Best option

DART Green or Orange Line to Victory Station — cheapest and closest, running 7 days/week

Source statement; not independently verified.

Bus routes

DART Bus Route 49 (Rosa Parks Plaza/West End to Houston @ Payne stop near east entrance); area also served by routes 52 and 408

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fare

DART fares via GoPass app or station ticket machines; standard DART local/regional fares apply

Source statement; not independently verified.

Ferry

N/A — inland arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Nearest station

Victory Station — on Victory Avenue, directly across from the arena's West entrance

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

DART Light Rail Green and Orange Lines: Victory Station is directly adjacent to the arena. TRE (Trinity Railway Express) also stops at Victory Station, connecting Dallas and Fort Worth. DART bus routes serve the downtown/Victory Park area. DART fare: $3.00 (day pass).

Source statement; not independently verified.

Rail lines

DART Green Line and Orange Line (7 days/week); Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail (6 days/week, no Sunday service). Red/Blue Line riders transfer at West End Station

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tips

For Stars games starting after 6:00 PM, a westbound TRE train toward Fort Worth departs Victory Station 20 minutes after the game (no Sunday TRE service)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Walking distance

Victory Station is across the street (under 2-minute walk) from the West entrance

Source statement; not independently verified.

Shuttles

Accessibility

DART offers paratransit services via its Para-transit Division (214-515-7272)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Cost

N/A — no official arena shuttle published

Source statement; not independently verified.

Dropoff

N/A — no official arena shuttle published

Source statement; not independently verified.

Frequency

N/A — no official arena shuttle published

Source statement; not independently verified.

Notes

AAC promotes DART rail and TRE commuter rail rather than a venue-operated shuttle

Source statement; not independently verified.

Operator

N/A — no official arena shuttle published

Source statement; not independently verified.

Pickup

N/A — no official arena shuttle published

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

No dedicated shuttle service needed. DART light rail serves the arena directly at Victory Station. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) also stops at Victory Station for fans from Fort Worth and the Mid-Cities.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Schedule

N/A — no official arena shuttle published

Source statement; not independently verified.

Bicycles

Overview

Bike racks available on the Victory Plaza and around the arena perimeter. Limited dedicated bike infrastructure in the Victory Park area.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tips

Bikes may not be brought inside the arena (listed among prohibited items); plan to lock up outside or in a garage

Source statement; not independently verified.

Accessibility

Accessible parking

Lot F (2721 N. Houston St), directly across from the North entrance — ADA parking only, ~105 spaces, first-come first-served, pay by card

Source statement; not independently verified.

Assistive listening

Yes — "Listen" assistive listening system; receivers free with valid ID at Guest Relations (Plaza Concourse, Section 104)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Contact

Guest Services 214-665-4299 (or 214-665-4535 during events); sign-interpreter requests via Box Office 214-665-4797 (30 days advance)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Dropoff

PNC Plaza accommodates accessible vehicle drop-off/pick-up; North entrance is the ADA-parking-adjacent entry

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

AAC provides free wheelchair escort service throughout the building and an Auto Assistance Program (jump-starts, flat tires) at Guest Relations

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

American Airlines Center is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating on all levels. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve every level. Assistive listening devices and sensory kits at Guest Services.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Restrooms

All restrooms meet or exceed ADA specifications; men's, women's, and gender-neutral family restrooms in the corners of every concourse on all levels

Source statement; not independently verified.

Service animals

Service dogs (and service animals in training) welcome on leash/harness; emotional-support/comfort animals prohibited. Relief area provided in Lot F. Advance notice encouraged via 214-665-4299

Source statement; not independently verified.

Wheelchair seating

Accessible/wheelchair seating available on all concourses; contact the Box Office (aacbox@americanairlinescenter.com) for accommodations. The arena meets or exceeds ADA requirements

Source statement; not independently verified.

Food and vendors

Cashless

Yes — completely cashless since November 1, 2022 (credit/debit and Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay; Cash-to-Card ReadySTATION kiosks available)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

AAC uses Cash-to-Card "ReadySTATION" reverse-ATM kiosks so cash-only guests can load a Visa card to spend in the cashless arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Local

Local partners include Zavala's Barbecue and Fluellen Cupcakes; stands such as Chef's Corner, AvoEats, DBQ, El Taco Tex, and High Steaks (Texas cheesesteaks)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Notable stands

Chef's Corner, AvoEats, DBQ, El Taco Tex, Bud and Burger, High Steaks; premium clubs include Modelo Golden Lion, Michelob Ultra Club, RYSE Energy Club, Regions Bank Champions Club

Source statement; not independently verified.

Outside food policy

No outside food or beverages permitted; bottles, cans, thermoses, and coolers prohibited

Source statement; not independently verified.

Parking Apps Accepted

JustPark (official) and ParkWhiz for prepaid parking

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

American Airlines Center features a Texas-focused food program with local BBQ, Tex-Mex options, craft beer from Dallas-area breweries, and premium dining. The Stars Hangar Team Store is on the main concourse.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Signature food

Signature Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich; other signatures include the Signature Smashburger and Dallas Hot Chicken Sandwich

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue history

Architect

David M. Schwarz Architects (design), with HKS, Inc. and Johnson/McKibben Architects, Inc

Source statement; not independently verified.

Construction cost

Approximately $420 million

Source statement; not independently verified.

Famous moments

Hosted the 2020 NHL postseason "bubble"-era context and Stars playoff runs; home ice through the Stars' 2020 Stanley Cup Final appearance era. (Stars won their only Cup in 1999 at the predecessor Reunion Arena.)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

The arena anchors Victory Park, a mixed-use district built to revitalize the area north of downtown Dallas

Source statement; not independently verified.

Original capacity

~18,500 for hockey / ~19,200 for basketball at opening

Source statement; not independently verified.

Original name

American Airlines Center (naming rights held by American Airlines since opening)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Opened July 17, 2001. The Stars won the Stanley Cup in 1999 (their first season at Reunion Arena). The arena anchors Victory Park, a mixed-use development north of downtown Dallas, and features Victory Plaza with restaurants, bars, and event space.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Renovations

~$20 million in upgrades in summer 2023 — new SHD LED center-hung scoreboard, side video screens, an outdoor PNC Plaza screen, and all-new seating (first replacement since 2001)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue details

Climate

Indoor, climate-controlled; ~72°F for most events, ~60°F for ice events (layers recommended). GBAC STAR accredited; AACWIFI free Wi-Fi

Source statement; not independently verified.

Elevation

Approximately 430–450 ft above sea level (Dallas)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Levels

Multiple — Plaza Concourse (101–124), Platinum/Flagship suite levels, Admiral suite level, and Terrace Concourse (301–334)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Premium

~105 luxury suites, 78 theater boxes, and 2 Ford party boxes; premium clubs include RYSE Energy Club, Regions Bank Champions Club, Modelo Golden Lion, Michelob Ultra Club, and Yuengling Flight Club

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Hockey seating capacity: 18,532. Ice surface: 200 ft × 85 ft. Modern arena with premium seating, suites, and the iconic Victory Plaza outdoor gathering space.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Scoreboard

New 2023 super-high-definition LED center-hung scoreboard (~44 ft long x 31 ft wide x 26 ft high, continuous-surface) plus side screens and an outdoor PNC Plaza screen

Source statement; not independently verified.

Shared tenants

NBA Dallas Mavericks (co-primary tenant); also hosts concerts and other events (~21,000 concert capacity)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Surface

NHL regulation ice sheet, 200 ft x 85 ft

Source statement; not independently verified.