AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, closed its curtains on Friday in preparation for the boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The decision follows recent criticism from Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb regarding the stadium’s persistent sunlight issues that have affected gameplay during afternoon matches.
During a disappointing 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Lamb experienced glare from the sun shining through the west-side windows, which hindered his potential touchdown catch. Following the game, he expressed strong support for the installation of curtains, stating he was “one thousand percent” in favor of a solution to the sun exposure problems.
Since the Cowboys began playing at AT&T Stadium in 2009, sun interference has been a recurring theme, impacting various games. In fact, during the 2022 NFC Wild Card game, wide receiver Cedrick Wilson also reported the glare affecting his ability to catch a crucial pass. Despite these concerns, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has consistently defended the stadium’s design, emphasizing that the intention was to allow natural light in to create an outdoor feel for fans, even while indoors.
Interestingly, the venue has previously utilized blackout curtains for events like concerts and wrestling matches, demonstrating that there is a workable solution to the sunlight problem without sacrificing the stadium’s aesthetic design.
As the curtains close for the Tyson-Paul fight this Friday, fans and players alike hope that a long-term solution can be found that balances both aesthetics and functionality during crucial game moments. This instance highlights the ongoing dialogue about enhancing athletes’ performance while maintaining the unique character of sports venues.
In summary, the decision to close the curtains at AT&T Stadium underscores the importance of balancing visual appeal with performance efficiency in sports venues, offering hope for changes that might enhance the playing experience for athletes in the future.