Dual Events Could Mean Traffic, Parking Trouble

The first big parking test for the new Dallas Cowboys stadium comes Wednesday night with a Paul McCartney concert at the same time the Texas Rangers play next door.

McCartney's concert was expected to draw at least 40,000 to the $1.15 billion Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

The stadium is walking distance from Rangers Ballpark, which over the weekend drew crowds topping 40,000 for the Boston Red Sox series. The Rangers on Wednesday night host Minnesota.

News releases from the Cowboys and the Rangers advised of "simultaneous events" in the Arlington Entertainment District and tips on driving routes.

The Cowboys, who on Friday night host Tennessee in a preseason game, are set up to use Rangers parking lots during events at the stadium, which can hold more than 100,000 fans.

The Arlington City Council on Tuesday voted to make nearly 750 parking spaces, in city-owned lots, available for stadium events at a maximum of $25 per slot. Those spaces will be available starting with Friday night's exhibition game.

For Wednesdays dual events, however, parking isn't the only problem -- traffic congestion on I-30's massive construction projects combined with standard rush hour delays would be hard enough for just one event.

Having two events with such close start times (Rangers' first pitch is at 7:00, McCartney's opening act should take the stage around 7:30) is certain to further congest the area.

In short, plan an alternate route before you head out today and, if possible, avoid the area from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Don't say we didn't warn you...