The American Airlines Center lies deep in the heart of Texas, and it is considered to be the country’s top arenas. Since it was opened in 2001, the arena has been the venue for both live entertainment and sporting events. It was able to bring in a wide variety of shows such as Beyonce, The Eagles, Garth Brooks, Madonna, Billy Joel, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, and so much more iconic artists. The American Airlines Center always strives to give the people an excellent service each and every year. That is why this place always belongs to the list of busiest arenas in the world. In this article, we are going to learn about the history of the American Airlines Center and the nearby places you should visit while you are in the area.

History of the American Airlines Center

In 1998, the Dallas Mavericks, who was owned by H. Ross Perot Jr., and the Dallas Stars wanted a new arena that will replace the old and undersized Reunion Arena. Luckily, the people of Dallas approved a new rental car tax and hotel tax so that they could earn funds to cover a portion of funding along with the two benefiting teams in order to build a new arena. They all agreed that the new arena should be built just north of Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

In March 1999, American Airlines declared that they would be acquiring the naming rights, which is why they paid a whopping $195 million. This is because American airlines are headquartered in Fort Worth.
The first event on the arena was an Eagles concert. The night after that, it hosted the last show of Michael Flatley’s Feet of Flames tour. The first-ever sports event that took place in the American Airlines Center was in 2001, and it was a game of World Indoor Soccer League where the Dallas Sidekicks played against the San Diego Sockers.

Places You Should Go To When You’re in the American Airlines Center

If you have tickets to any upcoming shows in the American Airlines Center, then we suggest that you should consider exploring the area because it is packed with world-renowned attractions, too. You can come early or stay late after the event you’re going to and take the time to visit these great places.

• Dallas World Aquarium

  If you are looking for an attraction near the AA center and you don’t want to go that far, then the Dallas World Aquarium is the perfect place to be. Here you can see exotic birds soaring freely, mesmerizing Mayan dance performances, a 40-foot waterfall, and frenzied crocodile feedings. Aside from that, there are also sloths, car-sized catfish, New World monkeys, as well as a 400,000-gallon shark tank.

• Dallas Museum of Art

  If you are an art lover and you are staying near the American Airlines Center, then you should go to the Dallas Museum of Art. This museum is the number one stop if you want to explore art in Dallas. Here you can see more than 23,000-item collection of artworks from Pacific Island sculptures and European paintings. The Dallas Art Museum also has several international exhibitions on display.

• John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

  The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza is one of the most unique places you can go to when you’re near the American Airlines Center. The JFK Memorial Plaza was made as a tribute to John F. Kennedy. Since then, the plaza became an essential part of Dallas’ urban landscape and cultural heritage. Here you can see the square-shaped roofless cenotaph memorial, which stands 30 feet high and 50 feet wide.

• Klyde Warren Park

  If you want to relax before watching a game at the American Airlines Center, then we suggest that you go to Klyde Warren Park. This park is located between Uptown and Downtown. It has a green space where you can see a children’s playground, croquet play area, fitness area, dog park, and so much more. If you are lucky, you will also be able to watch some great shows such as concerts and scheduled events here in Klyde Warren Park. There is also a food truck station if you want to have some snacks while you are taking in the fresh Dallas air.