Game Weekend
Fans in Dallas Stars jerseys cross the plaza in front of the lit entrance arch of American Airlines Center at night

Dallas Mavericks / Dallas Stars

American Airlines Center

Dallas, Texas

A Mavericks or Stars night at American Airlines Center.

Plan my tripJust find a hotel

The local take

An arena in Victory Park, across Victory Avenue from its own DART Rail stop, Victory Station, and near Uptown’s McKinney Avenue, the Arts District and downtown Dallas.

Most Mavericks and Stars home games start at 7 p.m. Central, and more than half fall Monday to Thursday, so plan for a game night as often as a weekend. Doors open 90 minutes before tip-off or puck drop, and there’s no re-entry.

American Airlines Center

Your Dallas weekend

Pick your game, then your hotel, food and things to do, or let a quick start choose them with you.

Which game are you going to?

Dallas Mavericks & Dallas Stars

Exploring the weekend before choosing a game. Dates stay open.

Find your places.

Find your stay, your local pub, and everything around the game.

Each one picks a hotel and food that work together. Change anything below.

My weekend

7 hotels

Dallas places

HotelSuggested

Victory Park and the Harwood District · 0.18 mi from the arena

The arena lists it as one of its preferred hotels, “just steps from American Airlines Center”, with Bliss Spa, an infinity-edge pool, Cook Hall and the Living Room Bar.

There’s no train, car or parking to plan: the arena lists the hotel as steps from American Airlines Center. Mercat serves dinner from 5 p.m. every night, and Black Tap stays open until 10 p.m. or later.

  • Fees not published here
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Details

Keep in mind: Parking, fees and breakfast weren’t confirmed for this guide, so ask the hotel before you book. Victory Park is crowded right before and after a game.

On game day: Victory Park stay: walk to the nearest of the arena’s four main entrances. The Lyft zone is on the north side, and taxis wait on Houston St and Nowitzki Way if you’d rather ride back.

2440 Victory Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75207

0.18 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for W Dallas - VictoryOfficial details for W Dallas - Victory
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Hotel

Victory Park and the Harwood District · 0.28 mi from the arena

The arena’s preferred-hotels page puts it a five-minute walk from American Airlines Center, with the rooftop restaurant Léonie, Stillwell’s steakhouse and Babou’s cocktail lounge.

  • Valet only
  • Destination fee $45 per day
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Details

Keep in mind: Parking is valet only, and the FAQ doesn’t publish the overnight guest rate. A $45 daily destination fee applies.

On game day: Victory Park stay: walk to the nearest of the arena’s four main entrances. The Lyft zone is on the north side, and taxis wait on Houston St and Nowitzki Way if you’d rather ride back.

2575 McKinnon Street, Dallas, TX 75201

0.28 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Hôtel SwexanOfficial details for Hôtel Swexan
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Hotel

Uptown and McKinney Avenue · 0.59 mi from the arena

A boutique hotel in Uptown with Dragonfly restaurant, a day spa and a Magic Carpet Ride shuttle service.

  • Valet; price varies
  • Magic Carpet Ride shuttle
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Details

Keep in mind: Valet is the only parking listed, and the FAQ says fees vary with length of stay. It doesn’t give the shuttle’s hours or area, so ask whether it can take you to the arena.

On game day: Uptown stay: take a rideshare to the arena’s north-side Lyft zone, or ride the M-Line to McKinney & Harwood or McKinney & Pearl and walk over.

2332 Leonard Street, Dallas, TX 75201

0.59 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Hotel ZaZa Dallas UptownOfficial details for Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown
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Hotel

Downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum · 0.62 mi from the arena

An Arts District hotel one block from the McKinney Avenue trolley, with valet parking that includes unlimited access.

  • Valet $56 per night
  • Breakfast with Gold rooms or a package
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Details

Keep in mind: Valet is $56 plus tax a night. Breakfast comes only with Fairmont Gold rooms or a bed-and-breakfast package.

On game day: Downtown stay: every DART Rail line runs through downtown. Green and Orange Line trains stop at Victory Station; change at West End from the Red or Blue Line.

1717 North Akard Street, Dallas, TX 75201

0.62 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Fairmont DallasOfficial details for Fairmont Dallas
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Hotel

Downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum · 0.97 mi from the arena

A downtown hotel in the 1922 Magnolia Petroleum Company Building, which the hotel calls Dallas’ first skyscraper, with the red Pegasus sign on its roof.

  • Valet $45 per night
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Details

Keep in mind: Overnight valet is $45 a night, and pets cost $55 plus tax a night. You ride a train or a rideshare to the arena.

On game day: Downtown stay: every DART Rail line runs through downtown. Green and Orange Line trains stop at Victory Station; change at West End from the Red or Blue Line.

1401 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75201

0.97 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Magnolia Hotel Dallas DowntownOfficial details for Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
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Hotel

Downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum · 1.1 mi from the arena

A downtown hotel on Commerce Street, a base for riding DART Rail to Victory Station.

  • Valet $60 overnight
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Details

Keep in mind: Parking is valet only, at $60 plus tax overnight. You ride a train or a rideshare to the arena.

On game day: Downtown stay: every DART Rail line runs through downtown. Green and Orange Line trains stop at Victory Station; change at West End from the Red or Blue Line.

1914 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75201

1.1 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The StatlerOfficial details for The Statler
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Hotel

DFW Airport and Irving · 12.2 mi from the arena

An airport hotel off TX-183, three miles from DFW, with a free 24-hour airport shuttle and a free buffet breakfast.

  • Free 24/7 DFW shuttle
  • Free buffet breakfast
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Details

Keep in mind: The shuttle serves the airport, not the arena. The hotel page doesn’t say whether parking is free.

On game day: Airport stay: ride the hotel shuttle to DFW and the DART Orange Line to Victory Station, or drive and reserve arena parking ahead.

4440 West Airport Freeway, Irving, TX 75062

12.2 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Wyndham DFW AirportOfficial details for Wyndham DFW Airport
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Your weekend

2 adults, 1 room
Stay
Not chosen
Food
None chosen
Do

Choose a hotel first

Travel & full itinerary

The full plan, stop by stop

2 adults · 1 room

Choose a hotel to plan travel.

Your home base

No hotel chosen yet

Your hotel sets the area, both arena journeys and the travel between your stops.

Nothing is in your plan until you choose it. A quick start above the list can choose one for you.

Make time for a good meal

Food for the weekend

Compare and choose food

No food picks yet. Add places in the comparison above when you’re ready.

Check opening hours for your dates and reserve directly where needed.

The reason for the trip

American Airlines Center

Pick your game when you’re ready.

Nights open · 2 adults, 1 room

A different hotel?

Your arena travel updates to match. Any food you picked yourself stays.

Get to know the areas

Victory Park and the Harwood DistrictWalking to the game and a pregame drink

Stay beside the arena and walk to the game, with bars and restaurants on the same blocks.

Arena-side sports bars and rooftop dining

To the arena
Walk to the arena from your hotel. Doors open 90 minutes before tip-off or puck drop.
After the game
Walk back with the crowd. The Lyft zone is on the arena’s north side, often moved to Valor Place on the west side, and taxis wait on Houston St south of Payne St and on the south side of Nowitzki Way.
The tradeoff
The hotels here publish valet parking only or no parking details at all, and Hôtel Swexan adds a daily destination fee. The blocks around the arena are busiest right before and after a game.

Hotels in this area

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Uptown and McKinney AvenueA lively base with dinner on McKinney Avenue

Stay among Uptown’s restaurants and ride the free M-Line trolley or a rideshare to the game.

Restaurant patios, a vintage trolley and Tex-Mex on Lemmon Avenue

To the arena
Ride the M-Line trolley south to McKinney & Harwood; MATA lists Victory Park and the arena 12 minutes from that stop. Or take a rideshare.
After the game
Take a rideshare from the Lyft zone, or ride the trolley back if it’s still running.
The tradeoff
It’s a ride or a longer walk to the arena. The trolley stops at 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, so plan a rideshare back after a game on those nights.

Hotels in this area

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.
Downtown Dallas and Deep EllumA train ride to the game and barbecue in Deep Ellum

Stay downtown and ride DART Rail to Victory Station, across Victory Avenue from the arena.

The 1922 Magnolia Building, the Arts District and Deep Ellum barbecue

To the arena
Walk to a downtown DART Rail station and ride a Green or Orange Line train to Victory Station.
After the game
Board a southbound Green or Orange Line train at Victory Station. The last Green Line train toward Buckner leaves at 12:04 a.m. on weeknights and 12:24 a.m. on weekends.
The tradeoff
Downtown hotels publish valet parking only, at a nightly charge. Red and Blue Line riders usually change trains at West End.

Hotels in this area

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.
DFW Airport and IrvingEarly flights and a car

Stay near DFW with a free airport shuttle and breakfast, and ride the Orange Line or drive in.

Airport hotel corridor off TX-183 in Irving

To the arena
Ride the Orange Line from DFW Airport Station to Victory Station with no change, or drive to an arena garage. Lots open two hours before the event.
After the game
Catch an Orange Line train signed DFW, or walk back to your garage. Lots close two hours after the event.
The tradeoff
You’re a long way from the arena. The last Orange Line train to DFW Airport leaves Victory Station at 11:44 p.m. on weekends, and the arena’s garage prices aren’t published on its site.

Hotels in this area

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.

Upcoming games at American Airlines Center

Visiting with the away team? Each game has its own page.

To the game and back

Choose a route from the area you’re staying in.

From Victory Park on footVictory Park and the Harwood Districtwalk
Getting there
Walk to the nearest of the arena’s four main entrances. Doors open 90 minutes before tip-off or puck drop, and the arena has no bag check, so leave backpacks at the hotel.
Getting back
Walk back with the crowd. To ride instead, the Lyft zone is on the north side, often moved to Valor Place on the west side; taxis wait on Houston St south of Payne St and on the south side of Nowitzki Way.

Bags larger than 14 × 6 × 14 inches and all backpacks aren’t allowed, and there’s no re-entry once you’re inside.

Route information
From Uptown by rideshareUptown and McKinney Avenuerideshare
Getting there
Set your drop-off at the arena. Lyft is the arena’s official rideshare partner, with pickups and drop-offs on the north side, often directed to Valor Place on the west side.
Getting back
Walk to the Lyft zone and follow the signs, or take a taxi from Houston St south of Payne St or the south side of Nowitzki Way.

Post-game prices and wait times are set by the app. The arena publishes the zones but no pickup times.

Route information
From Uptown on the M-Line trolleyUptown and McKinney Avenuetransit
Getting there
Ride the free M-Line trolley south on McKinney Avenue to McKinney & Harwood. MATA lists Victory Park and American Airlines Center as 12 minutes from that stop, or 13 minutes from McKinney & Pearl northbound.
Getting back
Trolleys typically run every 17–20 minutes, until 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. After a weeknight game, plan a rideshare back.

The trolley doesn’t stop at the arena itself. Check the service end time against your game before you rely on it for the return.

Route information
From downtown on DART RailDowntown Dallas and Deep Ellumtransit
Getting there
Buy a $3 3-hour pass or a $6 day pass from a station machine or the GoPass app, and ride a Green or Orange Line train to Victory Station. From the Red or Blue Line, change at West End to a train signed N CARROLLTON, BACHMAN or DFW. Right before events, some Red and Blue trains run straight to Victory Station.
Getting back
Board a southbound Green or Orange Line train. The last Green Line train toward Buckner leaves Victory Station at 12:04 a.m. on weeknights and 12:24 a.m. on weekends.

Some events get one post-event Red Line and one Blue Line train, about 15 minutes after the event ends; otherwise change at West End. Check DART’s event listing for your game.

Route information
From DFW Airport on the Orange LineDFW Airport and Irvingtransit
Getting there
Ride the hotel’s free shuttle to DFW, then take the DART Orange Line from DFW Airport Station to Victory Station with no change.
Getting back
Board an Orange Line train signed DFW. The last one leaves Victory Station at 12:14 a.m. on weeknights and 11:44 p.m. on weekends.

The hotel page doesn’t say where its shuttle stops at DFW, so ask the front desk before you go. A 3-hour local pass is $3 and a day pass $6.

Route information
From DFW Airport by carDFW Airport and Irvingdrive
Getting there
Drive in and park at an arena garage, such as Comerica Garage (2503 Victory Ave) or D Garage (2400 Victory Ave, 8 ft 2 in clearance). Reserve through JustPark or the event page on the arena’s site. Lots open two hours before the event.
Getting back
Walk back to your garage and drive out. Lots close two hours after the event.

The arena’s parking page doesn’t list car parking prices. Overnight parking and in-and-out aren’t allowed, and the arena’s lots take credit cards.

Route information

At American Airlines Center

Bag policy

Small wristlets, wallets and clutches up to 4.5 × 6.5 inches are allowed at every entrance, and purses up to 14 × 6 × 14 inches at the main entrances. Medical and diaper bags within that size are allowed. Backpacks and large totes aren’t, and there’s nowhere to check them.

Arena information
Doors open 90 minutes before the game

Doors open 90 minutes before tip-off for Mavericks games and 90 minutes before puck drop for Stars games. There’s no re-entry at any event, apart from medical cases a Guest Services supervisor approves.

Arena information
Cashless arena and mobile tickets

The arena takes cards and mobile wallets only. Cash-to-Card kiosks on the Southwest and Northeast Plaza Levels turn cash into a fee-free Visa card, up to $500. Tickets are mobile only, in your Ticketmaster account or Apple Wallet; screenshots aren’t accepted.

Arena information
Parking at the arena

Lots open two hours before an event and close two hours after. The parking page doesn’t list car parking prices; reserve through JustPark or the event page. Overnight parking and in-and-out aren’t allowed. Lot F (2721 N. Houston St) is ADA only, first come, first served.

Arena information
Trains after the game

Green and Orange Line trains serve Victory Station, beside the arena, seven days a week. For Mavericks and Stars games that start after 6 p.m., a westbound Trinity Railway Express train toward Fort Worth leaves Victory Station 20 minutes after the game. The TRE has no scheduled Sunday service.

Arena information

Find your game & tickets

Use the team schedule for home dates and start times.

Dallas Mavericks scheduleDallas Stars schedule

Useful things to know

Is there a train to American Airlines Center?

Yes. DART Green and Orange Line trains stop at Victory Station, on the arena’s west side. From the Red or Blue Line, change at West End. A 3-hour local pass is $3 and a day pass is $6.

Can I get from DFW Airport to the arena by train?

Yes. The DART Orange Line runs between DFW Airport Station and Victory Station with no change. The last train back to DFW leaves Victory Station at 12:14 a.m. on weeknights and 11:44 p.m. on weekends.

Can I leave and come back in, or pay with cash?

No to both. There’s no re-entry at any event, and the arena is cashless. Cash-to-Card kiosks convert cash to a Visa card with no fee, up to $500.

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