# Dallas Mavericks: American Airlines Center Game Day Guide

> Prices, parking, seating and transit for NBA games at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. This guide covers the 2026-27 NBA Season, last updated 2026-09-05. See Provenance for which figures were independently verified.

Source: https://visityourteam.com/nba/mavericks
League: NBA | Division: Southwest
Data source: Visit Your Team research, American Airlines Center official site, Mavs.com

## Venue

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Name | American Airlines Center |
| Location | Dallas, TX |
| Capacity | 19,200 |
| Surface | Hardwood (Maple) |
| Roof | Indoor |
| Opened | 2001 |
| Coordinates | 32.7905, -96.8103 |
| Official site | https://www.americanairlinescenter.com |

## Game Day Cost

Cheapest realistic single-person game day at American Airlines Center: **$77** ($25 ticket + $40 parking + $7 food + $5 drink).

| Category | Lowest price |
| --- | --- |
| Ticket | $25 |
| Parking | $40 |
| Food item | $7 |
| Drink | $5 |

### Ticket tiers

| Tier | Price | Basis | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Upper Level (300-Level) | $25 | secondary-market median | Upper deck seats with full-court view |
| Upper Baseline (300-Level) | $45 | secondary-market median |  |
| Terrace Level (200-Level) | $110 | secondary-market median | Mid-level seats with good elevation and sightlines |
| Lower Bowl Sideline (100-Level) | $200 | secondary-market median |  |
| Courtside / Floor Seats | $900 | secondary-market median | Floor-level seats steps from the court, Luka territory |

### Concession prices

| Item | Category | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sloppy Juan Tacos, Sandwiches and Nachos | Regional | not published |
| Chopped Brisket Tacos, Sandwiches and Nachos | Regional | not published |
| Sliced Brisket Sandwich | Regional | not published |
| Smoked Brisket Dog | Regional | not published |
| Zavala's BBQ Popcorn | Snacks | not published |
| Chopped Smoked Brisket or Pulled Pork Sandwich | Regional | not published |
| Loaded BBQ Nachos | Regional | not published |
| BBQ Beer Brat | Regional | not published |
| BBQ Brisket Mac and Cheese | Regional | not published |
| Street Tacos with Carne Asada, Pork Pastor or Chicken Carnitas | Regional | not published |
| Vegan Tacos | Healthy | not published |
| Vegan Nachos | Healthy | not published |
| Elote Cup | Regional | not published |
| Churros | Snacks | not published |
| Texas Cheese Steak Sandwich Basket with House Fried Potato Chips | Regional | not published |
| Cheese Steak Nachos | Regional | not published |
| Quarter Pound Corn Dog | Classic | not published |
| S'mores Nachos | Snacks | not published |
| Signature Smashburger Basket with Fries | Classic | not published |
| Thick Cut Bacon Smashburger Basket with Fries | Classic | not published |
| Chicken Tenders by Spring Chicken Basket with Fries | Classic | not published |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Classic | not published |
| Made from Scratch Cheese Pizza | Classic | not published |
| Made from Scratch Pepperoni Pizza | Classic | not published |
| Frozen Margarita | Cocktail | $15 |
| Niman Ranch Hot Dog | Classic | not published |
| Sonoran Dog | Regional | not published |
| Beer Brat | Regional | not published |
| Chili Cheese Nacho | Classic | not published |
| Texas Chili Cheese Dog | Regional | not published |
| Artisan Soft Pretzel | Snacks | not published |
| Cotton Candy | Snacks | not published |
| Tostitos Salsa Verde Street Corn Nachos | Regional | not published |
| Cheetos Flamin' Hot Elote Dog | Regional | not published |
| Fresh Deli Sandwiches | Classic | not published |
| Handmade Salads | Healthy | not published |
| Vegan Power Bowl | Healthy | not published |
| Fruit Cups | Healthy | not published |
| Gelato Cups | Snacks | not published |
| Bottomless Popcorn | Snacks | not published |
| Peanuts | Snacks | not published |
| Cinnamon Glazed Almonds | Snacks | not published |
| Cinnamon Glazed Cashews | Snacks | not published |
| Cinnamon Glazed Pecans | Snacks | not published |
| Slurpee | Non-Alcoholic | not published |
| Karbach Craft Beer | Beer | not published |
| Texas Craft Beer | Beer | not published |
| Ranch Water | Cocktail | not published |
| Modelo | Beer | not published |
| Michelob Ultra | Beer | not published |
| Bud Light | Beer | not published |

## Parking

American Airlines Center is in the Victory Park district of Dallas. DART light rail Victory Station is adjacent. Victory Park development has pregame restaurants and bars. Garages $15-25.

| Lot | Price | Distance | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| AAC Official Parking | $40 | 0.1-0.2 miles | Garages and lots at American Airlines Center. Advance purchase through Mavs app. |
| Victory Park / Uptown Garages | $15 | 0.2-0.4 miles | Garages in the Victory Park development and Uptown Dallas. Walk through shops and restaurants. |

### Getting here without a car

Not parking. These are transit fares, walks and drop-off points.

| Option | Cost | Distance | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| DART Light Rail | $3 | 0.2 miles from station | DART Victory Station is adjacent to American Airlines Center. Green and Orange lines. $2.50 fare. |

### Parking tips

- Pre-purchase parking for big games, the Platinum lot sells out.
- DART rail from Victory Station is the stress-free option at $3 each way.
- If driving from the north, approach via I-35E South to Wycliff Avenue.
- Post-game traffic on I-35E and Stemmons (I-35E) gets congested. Wait 20 minutes or take DART.
- Rideshare pickup is on Houston Street. Walk a block from the arena for faster pickups.


## Seating

American Airlines Center runs its premium tier on a Platinum level with its own entrance on the northeast side, admitting only suite and platinum ticket holders. That level carries five bars and restaurants — The Wine Press, The Zone, The Platinum Club, El Taco Tex and DBQ Barbecue — and Platinum Premier seats include parking, in-seat wait service and a $30 per-ticket food and drink credit. Below it the Mavericks bowl runs 100, 200 and 300.

| Section | Price range | View | Pros | Cons |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Courtside / Floor Seats | $650 - $2,200+ |  | The closest seats in the building to the action; Level with the players | From this low the far side of the play is hard to read |
| Platinum Premier | $350 - $1,000+ | Seating on the Platinum level, the same floor as the arena's premium bars and the Lexus Platinum Club. | Parking, in-seat wait service and a $30 per-ticket food and beverage credit are all included; Its own entrance on the northeast side, open only to suite and platinum ticket holders; On the same level as The Wine Press, The Zone, The Platinum Club, El Taco Tex and DBQ Barbecue | Sold as a season plan rather than a single game; Platinum height, so the action is below rather than in front of you |
| Loge Boxes (Germania Insurance Club) | $300 - $900+ | The lowest and most exclusive suite level, reached through the attached Germania Insurance Club. | The lowest suite level in the building, so the views are the best of any box here; Its own club attached rather than a walk to one | Sold as a box for a group; Priced as a suite product |
| Admiral Theater Boxes | $250 - $800+ | Box seating for four to six or eight to twelve, in a suite environment. | Covers all pre-season and regular season Mavericks AND Stars games; A suite's environment at box-seat scale | Fixed party sizes; Sold as a season product covering both tenants |
| Lower Bowl Sideline (100-Level) | $150 - $400 |  | The best ordinary sightline in the arena; Close to the benches and the noise | The dearest ticket with no platinum access; No parking or food credit at this price |
| Upper Baseline (300-Level) | $35 - $110 | The lower ring at the corners and ends. | The best angle on play developing in the near end | The far end is a long way off; Corner positions foreshorten the play |
| Terrace Level (200-Level) | $80 - $250 |  | High enough to read the play as a shape | No platinum or club access at this price; A deck removed from the noise below |
| Upper Level (300-Level) | $20 - $70 | The top ring, high above the bowl with the whole surface below you. | The clearest view of how a possession is organised | Steep, and a long way up |

Official seat map: https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/events-tickets/seating-maps

## Getting There

American Airlines Center has a DART station named after it — Victory Station at American Airlines Center — served by two light rail lines seven days a week, with a third and fourth reaching it directly just before events. The detail worth planning around is the commuter train: the TRE does not run on Sundays, but after evening games it holds a westbound departure until 20 minutes after the final whistle.

**Driving.** The arena is at 2500 Victory Avenue. From I-35E southbound, exit at Oaklawn, left on Oaklawn, right on Harry Hines Boulevard, right on Payne Street then right on Akard Street; or continue to the Continental exit, left on Continental and left on Victory Avenue. From I-35E northbound and I-30 west, take the Continental exit, right on Continental then left on Victory Avenue, or take Woodall Rodgers Freeway to the Field Street exit, left on Field, left on Broom, right on Lamar and right on Victory. From the Dallas North Tollway, follow it as it becomes Harry Hines Boulevard, then right on Payne Street and right on Akard for Platinum parking, or stay on Harry Hines and follow signs to Field Street then right on Nowitzki Way. From Highway 75, go south to Woodall Rodgers and exit at Pearl or Field Street. From I-45, go north to Woodall Rodgers, exit Field Street, right on Lamar then right on Victory Avenue.

**Public transit.** DART's Green and Orange Lines run directly to Victory Station at American Airlines Center, seven days a week. From the Red or Blue Lines, change at West End Station — though just before events some Red and Blue trains run through to Victory. Victory Station is also a regular stop on the Trinity Railway Express between Fort Worth's T&P Station and Dallas Union Station, running six days a week with no Sunday service; for games starting after 6pm a westbound train toward Fort Worth leaves Victory 20 minutes after the game. DART bus Route 49 runs seven days a week from Rosa Parks Plaza at Elm and Lamar to the Houston at Payne stop, across the street from the east arena entrance.

**Rideshare.** Uber/Lyft drop-off and pickup on Houston Street. Post-game surge pricing is moderate. Walk a block from the arena for faster pickups.

**Walking.** The Houston at Payne bus stop is on Houston St; the east arena entrance is directly across the street from it.

### Transit options

| Option | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DART Light Rail (Victory Station) | $3 | Green and Orange lines stop at Victory Station, a 5-minute walk from the arena |
| Rideshare (from DFW Airport) | $35 | Uber/Lyft, ~30 min from DFW without traffic |
| Rideshare (from Uptown) | $12 | Uber/Lyft, ~10 min from Uptown Dallas |

## Tailgating

Tailgating is not permitted at American Airlines Center, and the ban is unusually complete: grilling, open flames, food preparation and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are all prohibited in any parking area at any time. What is left is the logistics of arriving. The colour-coded lots and the Commons and Comerica garages open two hours before tip-off and close two hours after, with no in-and-out privileges and no overnight parking. If nothing was booked ahead, F-Lot needs no pass at all and takes a credit card at the gate, and the lot at 2601 Victory Avenue does the same.

### Rules

- For the safety of all Center patrons and guests, grilling, open flames, food preparation and consumption of alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any parking area at any time.
- Additional parking lots open two hours prior to the start of each event and remain open two hours after the end of each event.
- Overnight parking and in-and-out privileges are not permitted.
- The lot at 2601 Victory Ave. opens two hours prior to events for credit card paying guests.
- F-Lot does not require a parking pass for entry, and can be paid for by credit card on arrival.


### Best areas

| Area | Description |
| --- | --- |
| The colour-coded lots and garages | Inspiration Lot, Blue, Orange, Gold, Purple, Brown and Green parking, plus the Commons and Comerica garages. Additional lots open two hours before the event and stay open two hours after, with no in-and-out privileges once you are in. |
| The 2601 Victory Avenue lot | A lot on Victory Avenue that opens two hours before events for guests paying by credit card, so no pass has to be arranged in advance. |
| F-Lot | The lot that requires no parking pass for entry at all — you pay by credit card on arrival, which makes it the fallback when nothing was booked ahead. |

## Food & Drink

American Airlines Center offers a solid mix of classic arena fare and Texas specialties, and it publishes every stand's menu. Zavala's Barbeque is on the plaza concourse outside section 121 with sliced brisket sandwiches, chopped brisket tacos and a smoked brisket dog; DBQ is upstairs at 334 with a chopped brisket or pulled pork sandwich and BBQ brisket mac and cheese. El Taco Tex runs street tacos and an elote cup at 105 and 117, High Steaks does a Texas cheese steak at 108 and 120, and frozen margaritas pour at Bonanno Brothers and High Steaks. Six specialty beer bars include a Karbach bar and a Texas Craft Beer bar.

### Nearby restaurants

| Name | Cuisine | Price range | Rating |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rodeo Goat | Hamburger Restaurant | $$ | 4.6 |
| Las Palmas Tex-Mex | Tex-Mex Restaurant | $$ | 4.5 |
| The Dallas World Aquarium | Aquarium | $$ | 4.4 |
| Fairmont Dallas | Hotel | $$$ | 4.4 |
| The Henry | American Restaurant | $$ | 4.4 |
| Katy Trail Ice House | Restaurant | $$ | 4.2 |
| Chick-fil-A | Fast Food Restaurant | $ | 4.2 |
| Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas Victory Park | Movie Theater | $$ | 3.9 |

## Game Day Timeline

American Airlines Center sits in the Victory Park district, a mixed-use development just north of downtown Dallas. The arena hosts both the Mavericks and Dallas Stars and has been home to the Mavs since 2001. Victory Park has restaurants, bars, and a walkable entertainment area surrounding the arena. Dallas is a car-centric city, but DART rail provides an easy alternative. NBA games run about 2.5 hours. Texas heat is a factor for early-season games, October can still be in the 80s.

| Time | What happens | Detail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 hours before tip-off | Arrive at Victory Park | Park in a Victory Park garage or take DART rail. Explore the shops and restaurants surrounding the arena. |
| 2 hours before tip-off | Pregame dining | Eat at one of the Victory Park restaurants, Happiest Hour, Hero, or Meso Maya. |
| 90 minutes before tip-off | Doors open | Enter the arena to watch warm-ups. The Mavs team store is on the main concourse. |
| 30 minutes before tip-off | Find your seat | Settle in. The arena's sound system and video board are excellent. |
| Tip-off | Game time | Dallas fans are energized, especially for big matchups. Total game time is about 2-2.5 hours. |
| Halftime | Halftime break | The brisket sandwich and Tex-Mex nachos are the must-try concession items. |
| Post-game | Post-game scene | Victory Park bars stay open after games. Uptown Dallas is a 10-minute walk for more nightlife. |

## Lodging

| Hotel | Per night | Distance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas | $180 | 0.4 miles |
| Fairmont Dallas | $180 | 0.6 miles |
| Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown by IHG | $180 | 0.8 miles |
| JW Marriott Dallas Arts District | $180 | 0.8 miles |
| The Adolphus, Autograph Collection | $180 | 0.9 miles |

## Typical Weather

| Month | High (F) | Low (F) | Precipitation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| October | 80 | 59 | 4.8 inches |
| December | 59 | 40 | 3.2 inches |
| January | 58 | 38 | 2.6 inches |
| March | 70 | 49 | 3.5 inches |
| April | 77 | 57 | 3.1 inches |

## Verified Venue Policies

### Accessible entry

Free interior wheelchair escorts are available on request at every entry point.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Arrange assistance in advance at 214-665-4299 or guestservices@americanairlinescenter.com; during events, call 214-665-4535.

Source: [American Airlines Center Accessibility](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/ada-accessibility-information)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Accessible seating

Wheelchair and companion seating with appropriate sight lines is available on every level.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- One accessible seat and up to three adjacent companion seats may be purchased, subject to availability; call the box office at 214-665-4797 with questions.

Source: [American Airlines Center Accessibility](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/ada-accessibility-information)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Alcohol sales cutoff

Alcohol sales stop at the end of the third quarter for Mavericks games.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

Source: [American Airlines Center Food and Beverage Policies](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/food-beverage/food-and-beverage-policies)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Assistive listening

Complimentary Listen-system receivers are available at Guest Relations near Sections 104 and 326.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- A valid form of identification is required to borrow a receiver.

Source: [American Airlines Center Accessibility](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/ada-accessibility-information)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Bag policy

Wristlets, wallets, and clutches up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches are allowed at all entrances; larger purses up to 14 x 14 x 6 inches must use a main X-ray entrance.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Backpacks and large totes are prohibited. Medical and diaper bags accompanying a small child must be under 14 x 14 x 6 inches and are inspected.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Bag storage

American Airlines Center does not provide storage or a check area for oversized bags or luggage.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Tickets for children

Children younger than 2 do not need a ticket for Mavericks games if they sit on an adult's lap and do not occupy a seat.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Children who have reached their second birthday need their own ticket and ticketed seat.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Dietary options

The arena publishes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-limited options and asks guests to tell staff about food allergies or restrictions before ordering.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- For medical or religious dietary needs, contact Guest Services in advance; baby food, formula, and plastic baby bottles are permitted after inspection.

Source: [American Airlines Center Food and Beverage Policies](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/food-beverage/food-and-beverage-policies)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Family restrooms

Gender-neutral family restrooms are beside the public restrooms in the corners of every concourse on all levels.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Baby-changing facilities are available in all public restrooms.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### First aid

First Aid stations staffed by certified medical professionals are near Sections 111 and 313.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Contact the nearest arena employee for emergency assistance; AEDs are installed throughout the building.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Gate opening

Doors typically open 90 minutes before tipoff for Mavericks games.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Check the individual event page because opening times can change.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Guest services

Guest Relations is across from Section 104 on the Plaza Concourse and Section 326 on the Terrace Level.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- It opens one hour before each event and remains open until one hour afterward; during those hours call 214-665-4535 or use TellAAC.com for immediate assistance.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Mobile tickets

All tickets are digital and must display the live Ticketmaster barcode in Account Manager, Apple Wallet, or Google Wallet; screenshots are not accepted.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Guests without a smartphone should bring their confirmation email and photo ID to the box office for assistance; no tickets are held at Will Call.

Source: [American Airlines Center Ticket Information](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/ticket-information)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Nursing and lactation

A private nursing room is across from the Modelo Golden Lion Bar & Grill on the Plaza Level.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- The locking room includes an ottoman, outlet, side table, and privacy curtain.

Source: [American Airlines Center Accessibility](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/ada-accessibility-information)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Outside food and drink

Outside food and beverages, including bottles, cans, thermoses, and coolers, are prohibited.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Baby food, formula, and plastic baby bottles are permitted after inspection; contact Guest Services about medical or religious dietary needs before the game.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Parking payments

American Airlines Center parking is cashless and accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and prepaid parking passes.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Parking passes are available for advance purchase; overnight parking and in-and-out privileges are not allowed.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Prohibited items

The arena prohibits weapons and knives, outside alcohol or illegal drugs, outside food and drink, aerosols, drones, professional cameras and recording gear, hard containers and flasks, fireworks, lasers, coolers, noisemakers, backpacks, large totes, and other dangerous items.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- A prohibited item must be returned to the vehicle or discarded; event-specific restrictions can change, so review the current official list.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Re-entry

Re-entry is not allowed; a Guest Services Supervisor at the door may approve an exception for a medical need.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

Source: [American Airlines Center Ticket Information](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/ticket-information)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Service animals

Task-trained service dogs and service animals in training are permitted; emotional-support and comfort animals are not.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Service animals must remain leashed or harnessed. The relief area is in Lot F.

Source: [American Airlines Center Accessibility](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/ada-accessibility-information)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Smoking and vaping

The building is smoke-free and vape-free; smoking is limited to the Patron Tequileria Patio and ULTRA Club Patio.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Guests using those designated patios must be screened again before returning inside.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

### Venue payments

The arena is cashless at concessions, merchandise, and parking and accepts credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Applies to: Dallas Mavericks games

- Fee-free ReadySTATION kiosks near the Modelo Golden Lion and Michelob ULTRA clubs convert up to $500 cash to a prepaid card.

Source: [American Airlines Center FAQs](https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/arena-faq)
Checked: 2026-08-30

## Provenance

- Season: 2026-27 NBA Season
- Last updated: 2026-09-05
- Independently verified: concession menu, game day timeline, getting there, lodging, nearby restaurants, parking guidance, parking prices, pregame, seating, transit, value menu, venue facts, venue policies, weather
- Recorded but not independently verified: drink prices, food prices, ticket prices
- Canonical page: https://visityourteam.com/nba/mavericks
- Prices are researched per venue and represent typical published rates, not live market pricing.