# Dallas Stars: American Airlines Center Game Day Guide

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

Source: https://visityourteam.com/nhl/stars
League: NHL | Division: Central
Data source: Visit Your Team editorial

## Venue

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Name | American Airlines Center |
| Location | Dallas, TX |
| Capacity | 18,532 |
| Surface | Ice |
| 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: **$97** ($35 ticket + $50 parking + $7 food + $5 drink).

| Category | Lowest price |
| --- | --- |
| Ticket | $35 |
| Parking | $50 |
| Food item | $7 |
| Drink | $5 |

### Ticket tiers

| Tier | Price | Basis | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Terrace Level (300-Level) | $35 | secondary-market median | Upper deck with full-rink views, a great value for experiencing Dallas Stars hockey in a lively section |
| Suite Level (200-Level) | $95 | secondary-market median | Mid-level seats with wider chairs and access to premium concessions and lounges |
| Plaza Level Corners (100-Level) | $120 | secondary-market median | Corner lower bowl seats close to the ice with views of board play and goal-mouth action |
| Plaza Level Center (100-Level) | $185 | secondary-market median | Center ice lower bowl with ideal sightlines, the perfect spot to watch Dallas's fast-paced game |
| Glass Seats | $350 | secondary-market median | Behind the glass at ice level, hear every check, feel the speed, and watch the Stars up close |

### 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 | not published |
| Niman Ranch Hot Dog | Classic | not published |
| Sonoran Dog | Regional | not published |
| Beer Brat | Regional | not published |
| Chili Cheese Nacho | Classic | $11 |
| 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. Shared venue with NBA Mavericks. Victory Park has pregame restaurants and bars.

| Lot | Price | Distance | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| AAC Official Parking | $50 | 0.1-0.2 miles | Garages and lots at American Airlines Center. Advance purchase through Stars app. |
| Victory Park / Uptown Garages | $15 | 0.2-0.4 miles | Garages in the Victory Park development and Uptown Dallas. |

### 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. |

### Parking tips

- DART to Victory Station is the stress-free option. The walk to the arena is short and well-lit.
- Pre-book Platinum Lot parking online for playoff games and rivalry nights.
- Victory Park garages are the best value if you want to walk through restaurants pre and postgame.
- Post-game, I-35E (Stemmons Freeway) clears faster heading south. Avoid the Woodall Rodgers merge.
- Rideshare pickup is on Olive Street. Walk a block from the main exit for faster pickup.


## Seating

American Airlines Center names its levels Plaza, Suite and Terrace rather than by number, and gates its premium tier behind a Platinum Premier entrance on the northeast side open only to suite and platinum holders. Platinum Premier includes parking, in-seat wait service and a $30 per-ticket credit, on the same level as five bars and restaurants. For hockey the rink sits lower than the basketball floor, so the Plaza level looks down into the boards.

| Section | Price range | View | Pros | Cons |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Glass Seats | $280 - $800+ |  | 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 |
| Plaza Level Center (100-Level) | $140 - $350 |  | 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 |
| Plaza Level Corners (100-Level) | $90 - $240 | 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 |
| Suite Level (200-Level) | $70 - $200 |  | High enough to read the play as a shape | No platinum or club access at this price; A deck removed from the noise below |
| Terrace Level (300-Level) | $28 - $95 | 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 is on Victory Avenue near the main entrance. Post-game pickup on Olive Street. Expect moderate surge and 10-minute waits after games.

**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 Green/Orange Line to Victory Station | $3 | Victory Station is a short walk from the AAC entrance. DART runs from all over the DFW metroplex. |
| TRE Regional Day Pass (from Fort Worth) to Victory Station | $9 | The Trinity Railway Express connects Fort Worth to Dallas with a stop at Victory, great for Ft. Worth fans. |
| Rideshare (from Uptown/Downtown) | $12 | Uber/Lyft from Uptown or downtown Dallas, about 5-10 minutes to the AAC |

## Tailgating

Anyone arriving at a Stars game expecting a parking-lot scene should know the rule up front: grilling, open flames, food preparation and alcohol are all prohibited in every American Airlines Center parking area, at any time — which is a complete ban on tailgating however it is phrased. The lots themselves are straightforward. The colour-coded parking and the Commons and Comerica garages open two hours before puck drop and stay open two hours after the final whistle, with no in-and-out and no overnight parking. F-Lot and the 2601 Victory Avenue lot both take a credit card on arrival without a pre-bought pass.

### 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

The AAC embraces Texas food culture, and the arena publishes every stand's menu. Brisket is everywhere: Zavala's Barbeque on the plaza concourse outside section 121 for sliced brisket sandwiches, chopped brisket tacos and a smoked brisket dog, and DBQ at 334 for a chopped brisket or pulled pork sandwich and BBQ brisket mac and cheese. El Taco Tex has street tacos and an elote cup, Tostitos Cantina a Flamin' Hot elote dog, and the Ranch Water Bar pours the Texas cocktail. Karbach has a bar of its own, alongside 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

The American Airlines Center sits in the Victory Park development on the western edge of downtown Dallas. The area has transformed into a mixed-use district with restaurants, bars, and residential towers surrounding the arena. The Stars' fan base has grown significantly, Dallas embraced hockey after the 1999 Stanley Cup and the recent playoff runs have packed the building. Texas hospitality extends to hockey. Expect a warm, energetic crowd. Games run 2-2.5 hours in regulation.

| Time | What happens | Detail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 hours before puck drop | Victory Park pregame | Hit the restaurants and bars in Victory Park. The district was built around the arena and has solid pregame options within walking distance. |
| 2 hours before puck drop | Explore Deep Ellum (optional) | If you want a more eclectic scene, Deep Ellum is a short rideshare east. Live music, craft cocktails, and BBQ before the game. |
| 90 minutes before puck drop | Doors open | Enter the AAC and watch warm-ups. The building is modern and well-designed with great concourse flow. |
| 30 minutes before puck drop | Find your seat | Settle in for the pregame show. Stars fans bring the noise, the building gets loud for big games. |
| Puck drop | Game time | Three 20-minute periods. The Stars play a structured, physical game. The crowd roars on big hits and goals. |
| First intermission | Hit the concourse | Grab a Texas brisket sandwich or a Deep Ellum IPA. The concourse is wide with food options at every level. |
| Post-game | Victory Park nightlife | The bars in Victory Park and nearby Uptown stay open late. Or DART back to your hotel from Victory Station. |

## 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 |
| November | 68 | 48 | 2.9 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 when 12 minutes remain in the third period for Stars games.

Applies to: Dallas Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars games if they sit on an adult's lap and do not occupy a seat.

Applies to: Dallas Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 puck drop for Stars games.

Applies to: Dallas Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 Stars 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 NHL 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/nhl/stars
- Prices are researched per venue and represent typical published rates, not live market pricing.