American Airlines Center

American Airlines Center sits in the Victory Park district of downtown Dallas, Texas. It opened for business in July 2001, with the first performance by the Eagles taking place on the 17th of that month. For the Dallas Stars, the seating is arranged in tight tiers around the ice, while the Mavericks spread the stands wider for the basketball court. The capacity shifts accordingly, reaching 18,532 for hockey and 19,200 for basketball. The ice is kept at a steady 20-22 degrees Fahrenheit by a refrigeration system that pumps water and glycol through the floorboards. This is the only venue in the city to host the NBA Finals for both the Mavericks and the Lakers, with games played here in 2006 and 2011. It also hosted the 2007 NHL All-Star Game. The atmosphere inside is quiet until the puck drops or the tip-off happens, then it fills with the noise of the crowd and the echo of the rink.

The building stands next to the American Airlines Center, which is the main hub for the city's sports teams. The surrounding area includes a parking lot and a few small shops, but the arena itself is the main focus. The exterior is simple and functional, with no decorative elements or historical significance beyond its role in the city's sports history. The interior is modern and efficient, with clear sightlines and good acoustics. The arena is a testament to the city's investment in sports, and it has become a staple of the Dallas community.