The man who runs the town between the stadiums
Mayor Jim Ross doesn't need Dallas or Fort Worth. Arlington has three stadiums, roller coasters, and a parade of rowdy Dutch fans to manage.
Mayor Jim Ross doesn't need Dallas or Fort Worth. Arlington has three stadiums, roller coasters, and a parade of rowdy Dutch fans to manage. This rep
Read Full Story at Politico →Why This Matters
Arlington’s ability to thrive as an independent municipality—despite its proximity to Dallas and Fort Worth—challenges the conventional wisdom that major cities must be part of a larger metroplex to sustain economic growth. Mayor Jim Ross’s leadership in managing a city built around entertainment infrastructure, from stadiums to theme parks, offers a blueprint for how smaller cities can carve out their own identity in a region dominated by bigger neighbors.
Background Context
Arlington was long overshadowed by its larger neighbors, but the construction of AT&T Stadium (2009) and Globe Life Field (2020) transformed it into a sports and tourism hub. The city’s pre-existing Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor amusement parks, combined with its role as home to the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, created a unique economy where entertainment and local governance intertwine.
What Happens Next
With the Netherlands’ national soccer team bringing international attention during the UEFA Champions League, Arlington’s ability to handle global events while maintaining civic stability will be tested. Future expansions of its entertainment districts could further solidify its economic independence, but rising operational costs and infrastructure demands may force tough budgetary choices.
Bigger Picture
Arlington’s model reflects a growing trend of mid-sized cities leveraging niche attractions—stadiums, festivals, or specialized industries—to compete with larger metros. As remote work and decentralized economies reshape urban hierarchies, cities like Arlington demonstrate how strategic infrastructure investments can foster self-sufficiency beyond traditional metropolitan boundaries.
