(VIDEO) AT&T Stadium controversy continues, piece of the roof falls
A large metal piece from the retractable roof of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, detached and fell near the field just hours before the Week 11 finale between the Cowboys and the Houston Texans.
“We can confirm that a metal piece came loose and fell onto the field with some smaller debris while the roof was opening. No injuries were reported,” the Cowboys’ management wrote in a statement.
The stadium, the most popular in the NFL, can hold up to 80,000 spectators and was built at a cost of $1.3 billion, making it the most expensive NFL stadium when it opened in 2009.
Among its main features are the retractable roof and a giant screen that covers 1,090 square meters, allowing fans to follow the game from every angle.
With clear skies expected in Arlington, Texas, where the stadium is located, the decision was made to open the roof for the traditional Monday Night Football game. However, a panel from the structure detached and fell.
“The functionality is being further analyzed, and a decision will be made on whether it’s safe to open the roof again in the future,” the Cowboys added. As a result, they decided to close the roof for the Texans game.
The stadium’s east-west orientation has been criticized by local players, as during evening games, the setting sun creates a glare over the west end zone, which intensifies as it passes through the stadium’s glass panels.
Last week, Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb complained about being blinded by the glare, causing him to lose sight of a pass he couldn’t catch. Jerry Jones, owner of the stadium and the Cowboys (the most valuable sports franchise in the world at $10.32 billion), dismissed the complaint.