Skip to content

Questions about American Airlines Center

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When did American Airlines Center open?

American Airlines Center opened on the 17th of July, 2001. The first event was an Eagles concert, followed the next night by the final show of Michael Flatley's Feet of Flames tour.

How much did American Airlines Center cost to build?

American Airlines Center was built at a cost of $420 million. Dallas taxpayers approved a hotel tax and rental car tax to cover part of the funding, with the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars covering the remainder including cost overruns.

How much did American Airlines pay for the naming rights to American Airlines Center?

American Airlines paid $195 million for the naming rights, announced on the 18th of March, 1999. The airline is headquartered in Fort Worth and operates out of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Who designed American Airlines Center?

The principal design was carried out by David M. Schwarz, a New Classical architect based in Washington D.C. and winner of the Driehaus Prize. The arena features sweeping brick facades, smooth arches, and a Quonset hut-like roof that led fans to nickname it "The Hangar."

What NBA Finals games were played at American Airlines Center?

American Airlines Center hosted the 2006, 2011, and 2024 NBA Finals. In 2006 and 2011, the Dallas Mavericks played the Miami Heat; Miami won 4-2 in 2006 and Dallas won 4-2 in 2011. In 2024, the Boston Celtics defeated the Mavericks in five games.

What teams play their home games at American Airlines Center?

The Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League and the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association both use American Airlines Center as their home arena. The Mavericks' lease runs through 2031.