AT&T Stadium in Dallas has installed blackout curtains ahead of the highly anticipated fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, following ongoing issues with sunlight interference during past NFL games. Diversions caused by sunlight have previously hindered Dallas Cowboys wide receivers, including a notable incident when CeeDee Lamb experienced glare that affected his ability to catch a potential touchdown pass during a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.
After that game, Lamb voiced his strong support for curtains, stating he would be “one thousand percent” in favor of the measure. This isn’t the first time the Cowboys have faced challenges related to their stadium’s design. The location of windows on the stadium’s west side has long been a concern, particularly during afternoon games, with other players also citing issues with sunlight glare hindering their performance.
Despite repeated calls for a change, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has maintained the stadium’s openness to natural light was intentional, aimed at creating an outdoor atmosphere for fans inside. He believes it enhances the experience, stating, “It was built to have the sunlight coming in.”
In addition to the Tyson-Paul fight, the temporary use of curtains has catered to various events at AT&T Stadium, including concerts and other sports competitions, demonstrating the venue’s adaptability.
This move to block sunlight could be seen as a proactive step by the Cowboys management to ensure that player performance and viewer experience are prioritized in their iconic stadium, catering not just to boxing fans but potentially signaling a willingness to adapt for the football season ahead.
In summary, while the ongoing sunlight problems have prompted debate, the installation of curtains illustrates a positive response to feedback from players and could lead to improvements for future games at AT&T Stadium.