Texas Venues: History of Choctaw Stadium

Photo credit: Leighton Castaneda

ARLINGTON, Texas (TXAN 24) - Once known as Globe Life Park, the iconic stadium in Arlington now recognized as Choctaw Stadium holds a legacy that spans more than three decades. From hosting legendary Texas Rangers moments to evolving into a multi-sport venue, Choctaw Stadium is a cornerstone of North Texas sports history.

From Ballpark to Multi-Sport Powerhouse

Originally conceived in an agreement between the Texas Rangers and the City of Arlington on October 24, 1990, construction for the stadium began in April 1992. Just two years later, on April 4, 1994, the ballpark opened its doors for the first time with an exhibition game against the New York Mets, followed by its first regular-season game on April 11, 1994.

For 25 years, it served as the home of the Texas Rangers, witnessing more than 2,100 regular season and postseason games. Its final Rangers game took place on September 29, 2019, with the home team defeating the New York Yankees 6–1.

A New Era: Football, Soccer, and Beyond

Choctaw Stadium was reborn in February 2020, hosting its first professional football game with the XFL’s Arlington Renegades facing the St. Louis BattleHawks. This transformation was part of a $10 million renovation completed in just 115 days by Manhattan Construction.

The updates included:

• A new seating structure and relocated dugouts.

• TV broadcast booths and 50-yard-line coaches’ booths.

• Over 200 sports lighting fixtures repositioned for optimal football visibility.

• New locker rooms and reconfigured marching band zones.

• A switch from natural grass to Shaw Sports Turf synthetic surface.

In August 2021, the Texas Rangers and Choctaw Casinos & Resorts solidified a multi-year naming rights partnership, officially rebranding the facility as Choctaw Stadium.

Today, the stadium is home not only to the Renegades but also hosts the Dallas Jackals (Major League Rugby), North Texas SC (MLS Next Pro), and numerous high school and college football games each year.

Fast Facts:

• Architect: David M. Schwarz Architectural Services (Design), HKS, Inc. (Record)

• Size: 1,400,000 sq. ft.

• Cost: $191 million

• Visitors: Over 41 million fans since opening

• Notable Feature: 35,000 sq. ft. of enclosed office space beneath the stands

Choctaw Stadium is more than a sports venue — it’s a symbol of Arlington’s adaptability and love for the game, in every form. As it continues to evolve with the growing United Football League (UFL), its legacy only deepens with every whistle and cheer.

For more stories on North Texas sports landmarks, stay with TXAN 24 News.