AT&T Stadium in Dallas has faced ongoing criticism from players regarding the glaring sun that impacts performance during games. Notably, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has yet to address this issue, despite calls for a solution.
During the Thanksgiving game, Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens highlighted the challenge posed by the sun, suggesting that installing curtains could alleviate the problem of catchable balls slipping from receivers’ sight. “Yeah, I mean, definitely. But that’s up to Jerry. But definitely curtains would help,” Pickens remarked, emphasizing the difficulties he faced during the game, including an instance where he couldn’t see a pass from quarterback Dak Prescott due to the sun’s glare.
Pickens reflected on his experience, stating, “It definitely did. Some of the guys told me, too. That was my first time having that… the sun was beating in my eyes, so I couldn’t see.” Despite the clear impact on player performance, Jones has publicly stated that he has no intention of implementing a curtain solution at the stadium.
This ongoing situation raises questions about player safety and performance in outdoor venues, as teams continue to weigh the pros and cons of various stadium features. With the holiday games attracting significant viewership, the need for an environment that optimally supports athletic performance remains a pressing concern for players and fans alike.