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American Airlines Center Information
Ground was broken for a new facility, now known as the American Airlines Center, in September 1999. Earlier that same year, in March 1999, American Airlines made the announcement that it would acquire the naming rights for the soon to be constructed venue. Two years later, in July, Houston welcomed the new 72 acre, $420 million complex. In July 2001, the largest ribbon cutting ceremony ever held was conducted as American Airlines Arena officially opened it's doors. Designs by David M. Schwarz/Architectural Services Inc. and HKS, Inc. came together to form a combination of modern amenities in a state-of-the-art facility with a fan friendly atmosphere.
Retractable seating, sweeping arches and easy access are among the characteristics that make America Airlines Center one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in America. Upon arrival, fans will enjoy the vision of beautiful construction featuring brick, limestone and granite. Four entrances, dramatic outdoor balconies and breathtaking views of downtown Houston offer fans plenty of photo opportunities.
American Airlines Center features a unique, patented retractable seating design that reduces the time spent between configurations for different events. The venue's seating bowl also offers a unique 150,000 square foot roof structure, which is only supported at it's four corners. Columns are secured to one another at the corners through the use of steel rods in the floor of the upper concourse in order to resist forces of the roof's weight. Each of American Airlines Center's five concourses are designed with immaculate décor. Each level has various views of the downtown area, plenty of space and impressive lobbies. American Airlines Center also features a popular display of 'Public Art' located throughout the venue. The owners strongly supported this project and committed to matching the City Of Dallas' with offering $3 million toward it's inclusion. Rather than adding the artwork after the venue was built, the decision was made to incorporate the art during construction and making it an integrated part of the new project.
The American Airlines Center is home to NBA franchise team, Dallas Mavericks, the NHL's Dallas Stars and the AFL's Dallas Desperados. Seating capacity for basketball is just over 19,000 fans while seating for hockey fans is approximately 18,000. In addition to sports, many events are held here each year. Among them, concerts, family shows and other entertainment.
The American Airlines Center is often confused with American Airlines Arena, which is located in Miami, Florida. It's important to note that these two venues are completely different and are located in different states.
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