ARLINGTON, Texas — One city in North Texas has a big weekend planned!
Arlington will host the Texas Rangers' opening series, an Arlington Renegades XFL game at Choctaw Stadium, and Taylor Swift's sold-out Eras Tour is happening at AT&T Stadium…so yeah, it’s going to be packed!
First, let's take a look at the key traffic tips you need to know:
If you're driving to any of those events, "no parking zones" activate Thursday and last through Sunday. Be sure to check out the maps on the city’s website before you leave.
The Rangers also have a parking map (with prices and opening times for day and night games) on their website here
If you're taking an Uber or Lyft, there are specific drop-off and pick up locations for each venue.
Rideshare services for Globe Life Field will be Chapman Cutoff, which is just east of the ballpark off of Stadium Drive near lot C. The rideshare designation for drop-off and pick-up for AT&T Stadium is lot 15, which is just west of the stadium off Randol Mill Road.
A spokesperson for AT&T told WFAA since our investigation into its rideshare lot aired in October 2022, they've made changes to make the rideshare lot more safe and organized, including:
- Increased static signage to the rideshare lot
- Sending a push notification in the Cowboys/SeatGeek app on how to get to the rideshare lot towards the end of events
- Started doing an egress PA loop with info on how to get to ride share (attached audio)
For Taylor Swift's show weekend, AT&T Stadium will:
- Add lights along the street to rideshare Lot 15
- Have an increased police presence in lot 15
- Have increased presence from taxi companies
Whatever you do, never accept a ride from a driver who asks if you need one. You should only get into a marked taxi or car that you can confirm is being driven by a legit rideshare driver.
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to Arlington this weekend, you don't want to miss any of your event -- and its going to get very congested. Parking lots open several hours ahead of each event.
Another tip, figure out where you want to park before you leave, so you don't waste any time driving around before the game or show. The stadiums have maps of available lots on their websites.
If you're bringing a bag, make sure you know what’s allowed! The last thing you want is to be turned away at the gate for trying to bring something in that's not allowed.
One of the most important reminders: Always use the crosswalks when you're getting to and from the stadiums. Your safety is the most important thing at the end of the day.
Tim Ciesco, a police spokesman for the Arlington Police Department, urged event-goers to plan ahead and watch out for the thousands of people who will be walking from parking lots to the different venues in the area.
"We have officers posted at every single one of those to make sure that everybody can get safely across those roadways and get to their events in time," Ciesco said.
And of course, for the folks who live in Arlington – or simply have to travel through the area this weekend – here's what you should avoid during this weekend if you're trying to stay away from the crowds.
If you can, find a route that avoids I-30 from 360 to Cooper Street. Same for Division and Randol Mill between those same areas.
What about the surrounding neighborhoods?
Big events are nothing new for Arlington, though it's rare to have three at once, especially one as big as a Taylor Swift concert.
Darrell Canwright, a nearby resident, says he's learned, after years of big events, that it takes some navigation to get around on those days.
His neighborhood next to AT&T Stadium is a weekend traffic magnet. Often people will drive on his street looking for a safe place to park, especially when there are multiple events in one weekend in the Arlington entertainment district.
But don't get any ideas.
Canwright's neighborhood has "no parking" warning signs that unfold. During those events not even residents can park on the street.
"And if there's cars there, they'll at least early on, they'll warn you and give you a warning to get your car off the street," Canwright said.
More information on all events in the Arlington Entertainment District can be found on the city website here.
