The start of the NFL season is coming up fast. Around these parts, that means millions of eyes will be on the Dallas Cowboys. The team has struggled the past couple of seasons, but the Cowboys have the promise of a new year—and some exciting playmakers—to bring some hope into 2026.
Whether you need a preview of the squad, want to know the ins and outs of AT&T Stadium, or are looking for a place to catch a game, our Dallas Cowboys 2026 guide has you covered.
How did the Dallas Cowboys do last year?
The Cowboys finished last season with a 7-9-1 record. Technically, it was an improvement over the 2024 campaign, when the team went 7-10. Still, it was another year of not winning the division, and another season of missing the playoffs.
Offensively, the team was quite strong, finishing with the second-best offense in the league in terms of total yardage. The special teams unit was another consistently great area. However, the defense was the worst the Cowboys have ever seen, allowing 30.1 points per game and 60 touchdowns. Both are franchise highs, which is not a good thing.
There were several individuals worth highlighting, too. Kicker Brandon Aubrey and receivers George Pickens and KaVontae Turpin were named to the Second Team All-Pro roster, and eight players received Pro Bowl nods, including quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Will the Cowboys be any better this season?
That depends on how optimistic you feel. 2024 and 2025 were the first time since 2002 that Dallas has had consecutive losing seasons. That drought lasted for three years. Could this cold spell follow suit?
The core of the Cowboys is returning, including all of the players we’ve previously mentioned. Dallas is continuing to roll with running back Javonte Williams, who joined the team in 2025 and signed a three-year contract extension shortly after the season ended. The Cowboys are also bringing in a handful of offseason acquisitions, including veteran defensive end Jonathan Bullard and safety Jalen Thompson.
Recognizing its defensive deficiencies, Dallas went heavy on that side of the ball during the 2026 NFL Draft. Six of the team’s seven draft picks were defenders, highlighted by first-round picks Caleb Downs (a safety from Ohio State) and Malachi Lawrence, a defensive end out of Central Florida. The Lawrence pick originally belonged to Philadelphia, so if he turns into a star, there are some potential bragging rights over Eagles fans.
If the defense improves to even an average level, the offense is explosive enough to win several games, assuming everyone can stay relatively healthy. Pencil in the Cowboys to go 10-7 or 11-6 and contend for an NFC East division title.
Biggest games on the Dallas Cowboys 2026 schedule
Die-hard Cowboys fans will plan to catch every snap of the 2026 season. But hey, it’s a long year, and sometimes life gets in the way. If you can only watch a bit of the action, circle these games on your calendar:
Week 1, 9/13, 7:20 p.m. CDT: at New York Giants
The Giants were not a very good football team last season, and we don’t expect them to contend for a division title this year, either. But it’s Week 1 of the NFL season and “Sunday Night Football!” You have to tune in. It’s the week when every team in the league has limitless potential and hope.
Week 6, 10/18, 7:20 p.m. CDT: at Green Bay Packers
Dallas and Green Bay played last season, and the big storyline was star DE Micah Parsons facing off against his old team after he left the Cowboys to join the Packers. The game wound up being one of the more entertaining contests of the season, ending in a 40-40 tie. We wouldn’t count on another tie this go-around, but a “Sunday Night Football” contest between two of the NFL’s most popular franchises should be a grand time.
Week 12, 11/26, 3:30 p.m. CST: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas and Philadelphia have two primetime matchups this season. First, they face off on “Monday Night Football” in Week 7. Then, the Cowboys welcome the Eagles as their Thanksgiving Day matchup. You’re likely tuning into both, but we’re giving this one the nod. Just in case things go awry, it’s nice to console yourself with ham, stuffing, sweet potato pie, and all the other Thanksgiving dishes you can handle.
Week 13, 12/7, 7:15 p.m. CST: at Seattle Seahawks
Dallas hasn’t reached the NFC Championship since 1995, which is the longest drought among NFC teams. We’re not saying a matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champions is an automatic ticket for the Cowboys to return to postseason glory, but it couldn’t hurt, right? Either way, Seattle’s stout defense will be a fun battle against the Dallas offense.
Week 15, 12/20, 3:25 p.m. CST: at Los Angeles Rams
The Seahawks played the Rams in the NFC Championship Game, and you got the feeling that if Los Angeles had won, they’d be the team celebrating a Super Bowl victory instead. Dallas will be visiting a Rams team that has the reigning league MVP in quarterback Matthew Stafford, and it made a massive acquisition this offseason in trading for Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett, who had an NFL record 23 sacks last season. At this point in the year, Aaron Donald may have come out of retirement to re-join the Rams as they head to the playoffs, which would be another star to watch on the field.
AT&T Stadium guide: What to know when attending a Cowboys game
Now that you’ve got the scoop on the team, maybe you’re itching to check out a Cowboys game in person. AT&T Stadium, which opened in 2009, is one of the most expensive stadiums ever built. It got a warm-up for the NFL season by hosting several matches of the other kind of football during the World Cup. With a capacity of 80,000 people (up to 111,000 with standing room) and massive video screens, it’s earned the nickname “Jerry World” after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Here’s how to make the most out of your visit.
Parking and pre-game
If you have virtual tickets, download them before you arrive at the stadium. Wi-Fi and cell service can be spotty, and you don’t want to run into the issue of not being allowed inside because you can’t pull up your tickets on your phone.
AT&T Stadium has 15 lots with about 12,000 parking spaces. You’ll need to purchase a parking pass ahead of time, which generally runs anywhere from $60 for lots further from the stadium, and up to $120 for spots right by the entrances. If you’re taking a rideshare, you’ll get dropped off and picked up at Lot 15, which avoids some of the stadium congestion. Prefer a cab? Head to the far west end of Miller LiteHouse, at North Collins St and Cowboys Way.
The parking lot opens four to five hours before game time, though the stadium doesn’t allow people in until two hours (for most games) or two hours and 25 minutes (for 3:25 start times) prior to kickoff. Tailgating is generally discouraged within AT&T Stadium parking lots, though people in some of the lots further around the perimeter will set up chairs, grills, and coolers and toss footballs around. The Miller LiteHouse, which typically opens four hours before kickoff, is the team’s official tailgate party, with DJs, vendors, and plenty of pre-game fun. The Miller LiteHouse will also host watch parties during away games.
Finally, be patient. Whether you’re heading to the stadium via I-30 or taking any of the Texas state highways, there’s going to be traffic and a lot of slow-moving vehicles (including many oversized trucks). Once you arrive, the parking attendants are super friendly, so if you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What you can bring inside
AT&T Stadium has a fairly strict bags policy. Clear totes made from plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceeding 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, as are plastic storage bags, as long as they’re clear, one gallon or less, and resealable. Smaller clutch purses are also allowed if they’re 4.5” x 6.5” or smaller.
Meanwhile, larger-sized purses, backpacks, camera cases, binocular cases, computer bags, briefcases, fanny packs, seat cushions, coolers, and luggage of any kind are all prohibited. There’s no long-term storage at the stadium, so you’ll have to leave anything else in your car or at home.
Outside food and beverage are prohibited, too. Polish off that last tailgating drink or hot dog before heading inside.
Got a question once you’re inside the stadium? Guest Services booths are throughout the stadium, behind sections 219, 244, 420, and 451.
Where to sit at AT&T Stadium
Where to sit at AT&T Stadium depends on the type of view you’d prefer. Unlike an NBA or NHL game, the teams won’t go in the same direction in the same quarters or periods every game, so you can’t always, say, sit by the end zone where the Cowboys are trying to score during the fourth quarter.
Seats on the sideline will give you a wider view of the field, while seats toward the end zone feel a bit more condensed and tighter on the action when it’s coming your way. Of course, things are more distant when teams are moving toward the other end of the field. The corner seating areas, such as those in sections 215–220, are a nice way to split the difference between the sidelines and directly behind the end zone.
As with just about every stadium, the 100-level seats are more expensive, while seats on level 400 are generally cheaper. That 400 level gets pretty high up, though, so if you suffer from vertigo or have a fear of heights, it’s better to stick to a lower level. There are also several club-level seat options, which include perks like cushioned seats, private entrances and lounges, and gourmet food and beverage packages. As you might expect, those seats are often pretty pricey, though you can occasionally find a deal on a game day.
AT&T Stadium has had some notable “sunburst” moments, where the sun has gotten in the players’ eyes on the field. Unfortunately, that sun can also impact the fans. This isn’t an issue during nighttime games, but the 3:25 p.m. start times can be rough for fans who are facing west. You’ll typically want to avoid seats in sections 145–150, 245–250, and 445–450 when the game kicks off at 3:25.
If you have a strong bladder and don’t mind feeling a bit like you’re in a mosh pit, you can opt for a Standing Room Only ticket. This option gets you into the stadium and grants you access to six decks where you can stand and watch the game and walk around public concourses and concession areas. The plus side is it’s a cheaper ticket, and you get the sights and sounds of a live game. On the other hand, the actual views can be pretty limited unless you’re one of the first people there and secure a good spot, which you’ll immediately lose if you head to the bathroom or go buy food or drinks.
Ultimately, opt for a seat that fits in your budget. Sometimes, you’ll check a site like SeatGeek or StubHub and find a steal at the last moment, or you can secure your seats months in advance. Worst-case scenario, the Jumbotron makes for decent-enough viewing.
All about the jumbotron
As soon as you walk into the stadium, your eye will catch the massive video boards hanging above the field. It features two sideline-facing screens that are 160 feet wide and 72 feet tall, and two end-zone screens that are 29 by 51 feet. Over 30 million LEDs combine to deliver a clear, 1080p HD viewing experience.
The jumbotron takes up an enormous amount of space, spanning from about one 20-yard line to the other. It weighs nearly 600 tons and hangs 90 feet in the air. And it is an absolute delight when a punter manages to strike the video board with the ball during a punt. The league has changed the rules so that when such an event happens, the ball is still in play.
The design of AT&T Stadium is unique in that it has a retractable roof that doesn’t fully cover the field. So, even when the roof is up, there’s still some nature peeking through.
Unique foods to try
Some people are perfectly content going to a football game and not ordering a single thing. For the rest of us, it’s time to snack attack. Here are five unique things to try at a Cowboys game:
- Texas Burrito: It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Texas Burrito is enormous. The tortilla itself is nearly a foot-and-a-half in diameter, and it’s stuffed to the brim with chicken or beef, fries, guacamole, queso fresco, and crema. As an alternative, try the Lineman Burrito, which swaps out the Texas variant’s toppings for brisket, sausage, mac and cheese, and candied jalapeños.
- Frito Pie Burger: Can’t decide between a Frito pie or a burger? Get the best of both worlds with this massive combo. Grab a few extra napkins, because spillage is almost a certainty with how high these burgers are stacked.
- Cowboys Cheesesteak: Philly might be home of the cheesesteak, but Dallas makes a mean alternative. The sirloin steak is topped with onions and queso, rather than Cheez Whiz, offering a hearty howdy to your taste buds.
- Touchdown Tots: For a lighter (and vegetarian-friendly) option, the Touchdown Tots are among the best plant-based foods in AT&T Stadium. The tots are drizzled with jalapeño jack cheese, guac, and sour cream, plus plant-based chicken tossed in Cholula Hot Sauce for some extra kick.
- Dessert Nachos: The Cowboys’ star logo at midfield is eye-catching. You can bring some stars to your seat with these dessert nachos. They’re essentially star-shaped churros, complete with strawberry and cream cheese dipping sauces. Warning: You might be licking your fingers for quite a while after snacking on these.
5 fun Cowboys watch parties in DFW
Not able to check out a game in person, or perhaps you don’t want to be in a crowd of up to 100,000 people? The good news is that just about every place across Dallas-Fort Worth will be showing the Cowboys when they’re on. Here are five watch parties and places to check out during the season.
J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill
J. Gilligan’s is a longtime staple of the Arlington sports scene, having opened in 1979. Its Irish Nachos remain one of the most foundational gameday meals. And since it’s located just a mile south of AT&T Stadium, J. Gilligan’s offers shuttles to and from Cowboys games (and Rangers games, during baseball season). That makes it a nice spot to pregame if you’re headed to the stadium later on.
407 E South St, Arlington, TX 76010
Game Day at the Star
Located in Frisco, The Star is the official practice facility of the Dallas Cowboys. And while the team is playing during the season, whether in Arlington or on the road, The Star regularly hosts game day events that keep up the energy for all four quarters. Fans can dive into interactive photo opportunities and activities, with classic tailgate games, game day bites, and $5 Miller Lites. When the Cowboys are on the road, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will make appearances, as well.
1 Cowboys Way, Frisco, TX 75034
Happiest Hour
Happiest Hour is always a good spot to catch a game and bond with your fellow fans, and they’re kicking off the season in style with the Cowboys Opening Game Watch Party on Sept. 13. Alongside the traditional fun vibes of Happiest Hour, you can enjoy themed drink specials and watch the game on a giant screen on the garage patio and rooftop. The event is free to attend, though tables are first-come, first-served. Guests can use the code “101” on the Fetti app to get three free rides.
2616 Olive St, Harwood, Dallas, TX 75201
Frankie’s Sports Bar
Voted best sports bar multiple times by the Dallas Observer, Frankie’s provides a good time during just about any sporting event. There are several TVs showing the action, with comfortable seating at tables and the bar. Over 20 beers on tap complemented by a surprisingly extensive menu (Frankie’s Burger and the Sticky Pork Ribs are among our favorites) mean you’ll never be hurting for a satisfied stomach while watching the Cowboys play.
1303 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202
Cafe Gecko
Cafe Gecko has locations in Plano, Richardson, and Fairview. While each offers a slightly different vibe, the core mission remains the same: support local sports and communities while serving up tasty food to create an inviting neighborhood spot. The Baja-inspired menu has no shortage of solid options, like the Shrimp & Mushroom Enchiladas or the Chichinitza pizza, which is just as much fun to say as it is to eat. You’ll find a wide variety of games here throughout the season, so it’s always worth popping in. When the Cowboys are on, Cafe Gecko transforms into a hotspot, broadcasting the game’s audio so you can cheer along with your fellow fans.
Multiple locations
Still have a lingering question? The Dallas Cowboys A-Z Guide has an entire alphabet’s worth of additional advice to dish out. Otherwise, we’ll see you at the game!
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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