The debate over the sun at AT&T Stadium has been one of the biggest talking points in recent NFL seasons. After the 2026 FIFA World Cup required the stadium to close its curtains during matches, many Dallas Cowboys fans are wondering whether owner Jerry Jones will make a similar change for NFL games.
While no final decision has been made, Jones has acknowledged that the World Cup experience has changed his perspective on the issue.
Why Is the Sun at AT&T Stadium Such a Big Deal?
AT&T Stadium’s iconic west-facing glass wall allows natural light to flood the field during afternoon games. While the design creates a striking visual effect, it has also caused visibility problems for players.
The issue gained national attention in recent seasons after several Cowboys receivers struggled to track passes because of the sunlight shining directly into parts of the field. Fans and analysts have repeatedly suggested closing the stadium’s blackout curtains during games to eliminate the glare.
FIFA Required Curtains During the 2026 World Cup
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tournament organizers required the curtains at AT&T Stadium—temporarily renamed “Dallas Stadium”—to remain closed during matches.
The goal was simple: create consistent playing conditions by preventing direct sunlight from affecting players, officials, and television broadcasts.
Many fans praised the darker environment, saying it improved visibility and created a better viewing experience.
Jerry Jones Is Considering a Different Solution
Following the World Cup, Jerry Jones revealed that the tournament caused him to rethink how sunlight should be managed inside the stadium.
Instead of committing to using the existing blackout curtains during Cowboys games, Jones said he is considering tinting the stadium’s massive glass windows.
Window tinting would reduce glare while preserving much of the stadium’s signature natural-light design, potentially offering a permanent solution without dramatically changing the building’s appearance.
A Shift From His Previous Position
Jones’ comments represent a noticeable change from previous years.
When asked about using the curtains after complaints during the 2024 NFL season, Jones famously dismissed the criticism by saying:
“Well, let’s just tear the damn stadium down and build another one.”
At the time, he maintained that both teams played under the same conditions.
However, after seeing FIFA’s approach during the World Cup, Jones appears more open to making changes that could improve visibility for players.
Will the Cowboys Use Curtains During NFL Games?
As of August 2026, the answer remains no—at least not yet.
There has been:
- No announcement that the Cowboys will close the curtains during NFL games.
- No confirmation that FIFA’s World Cup setup will become permanent.
- No finalized plan to modify stadium operations for the upcoming season.
Instead, Jones has indicated that window tinting is the option currently under consideration.
Why Window Tinting Could Make Sense
Tinting the stadium’s glass could offer several advantages:
- Reduce sunlight glare during afternoon games.
- Improve visibility for players and officials.
- Preserve the stadium’s iconic architectural design.
- Avoid the need to repeatedly open and close massive blackout curtains.
- Maintain a brighter interior while minimizing direct sunlight.
If implemented successfully, tinting could provide a long-term compromise between aesthetics and player safety.
What This Means for the Cowboys
AT&T Stadium has long been considered one of the NFL’s premier venues, but its sunlight has become an annual storyline during afternoon home games.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup demonstrated that controlling the light inside the stadium is both possible and effective. Whether that leads to permanent changes for Cowboys games remains to be seen.
For now, Cowboys fans should not expect the curtains to be closed during the 2026 NFL season, but Jerry Jones’ willingness to consider window tinting suggests the organization is actively evaluating ways to address one of the stadium’s most discussed design challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jerry Jones closing the curtains at AT&T Stadium?
No. Jones has not announced plans to use the blackout curtains during Dallas Cowboys games.
Why did FIFA close the curtains?
FIFA required the curtains to be closed during the 2026 World Cup to eliminate sunlight glare and ensure consistent playing conditions.
What solution is Jerry Jones considering?
Jones has said he is considering tinting the stadium’s large glass windows instead of relying on blackout curtains.
Will AT&T Stadium be different for the 2026 NFL season?
As of now, no changes have been officially announced. Window tinting remains under consideration, but no permanent modifications have been confirmed.
Conclusion
The FIFA World Cup may have sparked a new chapter in one of the NFL’s most persistent stadium debates. While Jerry Jones has not committed to using AT&T Stadium’s curtains during Cowboys games, his openness to window tinting signals that changes are no longer off the table.
Whether the Cowboys ultimately adopt tinting, curtains, or another solution, the conversation surrounding the stadium’s sunlight issue is far from over—and fans will be watching closely to see what happens before future NFL seasons.