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The Texas Rangers gameday experience has undergone remarkable transformation over the years as the Arlington Entertainment District has evolved from concept to reality.
This district now boasts the presence of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Live!, multiple hotels, and the new Rangers ballpark, signaling ongoing growth, according to city leaders speaking to NBC 5.
For longtime Rangers fans like Kimberly Branch, the changes are stark compared to previous years when exiting the ballpark didn’t lead to the vibrant atmosphere seen outside Globe Life Field today.
Branch noted the emergence of a bustling entertainment hub, drawing not only game attendees but also individuals seeking the district’s lively ambiance and diverse offerings.
City officials revealed that the district’s vision dates back to the early 2000s, with initial plans revolving around constructing a shopping center near the former Rangers stadium, Globe Life Park (now Choctaw Stadium).
Despite setbacks, such as the financial challenges of 2008, the district saw significant developments, including the arrival of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in 2009.
Subsequent additions to the district include two Loews hotels, entertainment venues at Texas Live!, the Arlington Convention Center, and the state-of-the-art Globe Life Field, representing a collective investment of $3.9 billion from public and private sectors in recent years.
City leaders emphasize the expanding array of experiences available to Rangers fans before games, attributing this to the district’s growth and development.
Future plans include the introduction of luxury apartments through the One Rangers Way project and the opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum in March 2025, further enhancing the district’s appeal.
Arlington’s annual tourism revenue has surged to $2.6 billion, a figure twice as high as a decade ago, reflecting the district’s growing prominence as a tourist destination, according to Brent DeRaad, President of the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Baseball enthusiasts express optimism about the continued enhancement of Rangers game days amid the district’s ongoing expansion, foreseeing positive impacts for the community and the area as a whole.