As AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas prepares for the much-anticipated boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, the stadium’s curtains were drawn on Friday to mitigate sunlight issues that have plagued Dallas Cowboys games. This decision comes after wide receiver CeeDee Lamb highlighted the difficulties the team faced in a recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, where bright sunlight resulted in an incomplete pass that could have been a touchdown.
Lamb expressed his strong support for installing curtains to improve visibility during afternoon games, stating he would be “one thousand percent” in favor of the change. The Cowboys have faced challenges related to the stadium’s west-side windows, which have interfered with multiple plays over the years. Reports indicate that players, including Cedrick Wilson during the 2022 NFC Wild Card game, have previously struggled with the distracting glare from the sun just above the end zone.
Despite ongoing concerns raised by players regarding the sunlight interference, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has consistently defended the stadium’s design. He believes that the open windows serve to enhance the atmosphere, stating that the stadium was constructed to bring the feeling of the outdoors inside.
Interestingly, AT&T Stadium has previously utilized curtains for various events, such as concerts and wrestling matches, showcasing that the venue is adaptable for different circumstances. The decision to close the curtains for the Tyson-Paul event is a proactive measure to ensure a flawless experience for both fighters and spectators, showing that even the home of America’s Team can be flexible in accommodating various events.
As the fight approaches, it remains hopeful that solutions such as these can pave the way for better performance for the Cowboys in future games, allowing players like Lamb to focus fully on their game without environmental distractions.
In summary, while sunlight issues have historically affected the Cowboys’ performance, the upcoming fight indicates a willingness to adapt and innovate within AT&T Stadium, signifying a potential shift that may benefit the team in future seasons.