Arlington Mayor Pushes for Inclusive World Cup Venue Naming

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross has expressed his discontent over the temporary name change of AT&T Stadium to Dallas Stadium for the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches, stating that Arlington's 400,000 residents should not be erased from the host city title.

As the stadium prepares to host several World Cup matches, Ross has proposed a compromise name, "Arlington-Dallas Stadium," to give both cities equal recognition for their roles in hosting the event. According to Ross, the name change to Dallas Stadium does not accurately reflect the fact that Arlington residents will be directly impacted by the event, and the partnership between the two cities should be acknowledged.

Dallas was selected as one of the hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas serving as the International Broadcast Center. The center will host around 2,000 journalists from around the world, providing 24/7 access for FIFA during the 39-day event. The city of Dallas is investing up to $15 million in the facility to meet the contract's terms.

The World Cup's economic impact is estimated to be around $2 billion for the North Texas region, and has brought significant attention to the area. The tournament will be a major showcase for the region's hospitality, infrastructure, and tourism capabilities.

Mayor Ross's proposal reflects the importance of inclusivity and representation in the branding of the event, and highlights the unique partnership between the cities of Arlington and Dallas. The outcome of this proposal will be closely watched, as the city works to balance FIFA's sponsorship rules with the needs and expectations of its residents.