Arlington is scheduled to settle its AT&T Stadium construction loan on Friday, approximately a decade before the anticipated date.
Arlington Accelerates Debt Repayment for AT&T Stadium, Saving Millions
Arlington, Texas, is set to complete the early repayment of a $490.3 million debt for the construction of AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys, this week. The city's strategic decision to pay off the debt nearly ten years ahead of schedule has resulted in substantial savings and fiscal benefits.
The accelerated repayment is made possible through stadium-specific tax increases, including a half-cent sales tax, a 2% hotel occupancy tax, and a 5% car rental tax. These taxes, approved by Arlington voters starting in 2005, were dedicated specifically to covering the city’s $325 million contribution to the stadium's construction costs.
By making the final payment of $22.6 million in August 2025, Arlington will have saved over $150 million in interest and fees compared to the original debt service plan. This early repayment also frees up stadium-specific tax revenue, which will now be redirected to fund improvements at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.
The early repayment of AT&T Stadium's debt is expected to save Arlington around $151 million in interest costs. The city will also benefit from the freed-up tax revenue, which will be used to support roughly $1.2 billion in stadium-related infrastructure investments at Globe Life Field. Furthermore, the city is relieved of a long-term financial burden, improving its fiscal position and potentially allowing for greater investment flexibility going forward.
Trey Yelverton, City Manager of Arlington, stated that the city's early repayment of AT&T Stadium's debt will benefit Globe Life Field. The city expects to save almost $200 million by paying off Globe Life Field early, with the savings from AT&T Stadium's early repayment playing a significant role in this.
The news about the early repayment of the stadium debts was shared during a presentation on the proposed tax rate increase and next year's budget. The city of Arlington has made payments towards AT&T Stadium's debt for 15 years, with the final payment scheduled for this Friday.
AT&T Stadium cost $1.2 billion to construct, with the city of Arlington funding $325 million of that. The city's contribution came from a bond approved by voters in 2004, with the Dallas Cowboys paying any expenses over that amount.
Interestingly, Globe Life Field is also expected to have its debt paid off 14 years early, by 2034. Those taxes generate around $55 million a year, according to a news release from the city.
References:
- Arlington Voice
- Dallas Morning News
- Star-Telegram
- Fort Worth Business Press
- Arlington Today
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