The roof of AT&T Stadium has been closed after a piece of it fell while it was being opened ahead of the Dallas Cowboys’ game on “Monday Night Football” against the Houston Texans.
A piece of the AT&T Stadium roof fell when it was being opened 45 minutes ago. And now the roof has been closed https://t.co/yQRmwIfYaS
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 18, 2024
The piece of metal became loose and fell to the field (with some additional small debris) while the roof was in the process of opening. There were no reported injuries. It is being reviewed further and a decision regarding the ability to re-open the roof safely will be made when possible.
It’s been over two years since the Cowboys played a game at AT&T Stadium with the roof open. A significant reason for that was they were riding an NFL-best 16-game home winning streak. That hasn’t been the case this season. Dallas has lost its last five home games, dating back to January’s wild-card loss to the Green Bay Packers. Those games haven’t really been close, either. So it made sense to try to switch things up.
When asked about that possibility last week, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy responded with a smile: “If you think it will help us win, I’m all for it.” McCarthy would prefer to play with the stadium completely closed. In 16 seasons at AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys are 50-32 when the building is completely closed. They are 12-11 when the roof and doors are open. They are 2-5 when the roof is open but the doors are closed. They are 10-3 when the roof is closed but the doors are open.
AT&T Stadium has served as the Cowboys’ home since the 2009 season and hosted Super Bowl XLV in 2011. In a trying 2024 season, Dallas has yet to win at home — going 0-4 while being outscored 153-59.
This all comes just over a week after the sun blaring through the windows of the stadium was a major talking point following Dallas’ 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10. The glare from the sun impacted CeeDee Lamb’s ability to see as he failed to catch a potential touchdown pass.
Required reading
- The distracting sun remains a major storyline
- Jerry Jones’ frustration clearly growing, but changes aren’t coming for Cowboys stadium or staff
(Photo: Sam Hodde / Getty Images)
