Jerry Jones's sun controversy, clarified: The reason the Cowboys owner refuses to install curtains at&T Stadium to shield from glare

Daniel Mader

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Jerry Jones sun controversy, explained: Why Cowboys owner won't add curtains to AT&T Stadium to block glare image

TL;DR

  • AT&T Stadium's design with expansive glass panels causes sun glare interference during Dallas Cowboys games.
  • Players like CeeDee Lamb have cited the sun obscuring their vision, impacting potential plays.
  • Owner Jerry Jones has downplayed the issue, stating the stadium was built to feel outdoors.
  • Despite having curtains, Jones has opted not to use them during Cowboys matches.

It's not uncommon for NFL franchises to benefit from home-field advantages tied to weather conditions, such as the cold climate found at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

The stadium's sun glare has been a double-edged sword for the Dallas Cowboys for quite some time. 

Fans have recently voiced concerns about AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys' home since 2009, pointing to its design that permits sunlight to interfere with the football field. The venue features a retractable roof and expansive glass panels situated behind each end zone.

Over the years, both Dallas and its adversaries have faced challenges with a glaring sun impairing their field vision during games, an issue that has recently escalated to the point where team owner Jerry Jones has commented on it.

Here's what you need to know about the sun glare at&T Stadium during Cowboys games, along with What Jones said about installing a curtain to shield the field from the sun. 

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Jerry Jones's sun controversy, clarified

Massive glass windows are situated at both ends of AT&T Stadium, facing the end zones. Sunlight frequently shines through one of these windows, particularly during the day and near sunset, casting a beam directly onto the football field.

Although it's clearly only been a problem during Dallas's afternoon games, it has indeed impacted the Cowboys' performance lately. During their Week 10 game in 2024 against the Eagles, prominent wide receiver CeeDee Lamb mentioned that the sun obscured a pass that could have been a touchdown. This issue typically arises at least one time each year. 

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Originally costing $1.3 billion and accommodating 80,000 spectators, the stadium features windows on its eastern and western facades. Typically, NFL stadiums are constructed with their fields oriented north-south to prevent sun glare.

Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce recently commented discussed the challenges of playing under the sun at&T Stadium on his podcast, "New Heights," stating it's "absolutely ridiculous."

While AT&T Stadium is equipped with curtains for its windows, a dispute has arisen concerning Jones' choice not to deploy them during Cowboys matches.

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Is Jerry Jones considering curtains for AT&T Stadium to block sun glare?

Jones is essentially in charge of AT&T Stadium and his Dallas Cowboys, leading to it sometimes being called "Jerry World,". For significant events like the recent Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul boxing match, the stadium's windows were covered by curtains.

Regarding the sun glare problem at&T Stadium during Cowboys games, Jones responded, "We do know where the damn sun's going to be at our own stadium," and then mockingly stated, "Well, let’s tear the damn stadium down and build another one."

A few days later, Jones appeared on a radio show, adding that "of all the things that we need to improve, (the sun at AT&T Stadium) is way down the list of improvement. That stadium was built to feel like you're outdoors."

Even though some of his team members experienced issues with the sun's glare at "Jerry World" during daytime matches, it's unlikely the Cowboys' owner will be covering his expansive windows during football contests in the near future.

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