Arlington Texas
The Entertainment Capital of North Texas
Nestled comfortably between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, the City of Arlington is known as the entertainment capital of the North Texas region. Founded in the 1870s as a stop along the journey from Dallas to Fort Worth, Arlington has grown into one of the largest suburban communities in the United States. The 2020 census demonstrated that the population of this community has grown to nearly 400,000, making it an economic and demographic heavyweight in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Even during the 1920s and ’30s, Arlington was known as an entertainment destination with speakeasies, a horse racing track, and
an underground casino giving the city something of a “Vegas in Texas” vibe. Those days are long gone, but the dynamic Arlington spirit continues to attract people to the city, which has undergone explosive growth in the decades following World War II.
Today Arlington is known for certain high-profile attractions. Two of the biggest are the professional sports teams, the Texas Rangers, and the Dallas Cowboys. The Rangers play at Globe Life Field, and the Cowboys make their home in the spectacular AT&T stadium. Another prominent venue is the Six Flags Theme Park, which attracts millions of visitors yearly, as does its sister park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Most people who have visited the city are aware of these top attractions, but Arlington offers many others that you may not be aware of; for example, Arlington is home to the headquarters of the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame. In search of a bowling mecca? Arlington is your go-to
destination.
The city also hosts the University of Texas at Arlington, a major research university and one of the largest public universities in Texas. Shopping options include the Parks Mall, which houses numerous stores, restaurants, an ice-skating rink, and a movie theater. The Arlington Highlands, completed in 2007 and serves as a hub of entertainment and dining options. The highlands are located just off interstate 20 and Matlock Rd; definitely worth a visit next time you are in town!
Arlington isn’t just about sports, dining, and shopping; it offers much more. Theatre Arlington is one of the largest community theaters in the nation, which regularly produces quality theatrical productions and offers theater classes for all ages. The Mainstage Theatre on the UTA campus is another well-known venue for live theatre. The Arlington Museum of Art and the Gallery at UT Arlington are two well know art destinations in the community. In recent years many art murals have begun to appear on buildings in the downtown area, giving the city an “artsy” vibe. If you are in the mood for some live music Arlington also has you covered; Levitt Pavilion in downtown offers about 50 free musical concerts yearly. Texas Hall and AT&T stadium are also frequent destinations for world-famous musical performances. Even more exciting options are coming in the future. In 2024 construction is expected to start on the National Medal of Honor Winners Museum, which promises to highlight some of the greatest acts of bravery of our men and women in uniform. Arlington has something for everyone; why not come and check it out?