Dallas Mavericks, Dallas

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One of the best teams around (and most talked about) is the Dallas Mavericks! Since Mark Cuban came along and hired Avery we have been climbing the charts. Although this past seasons 2007 was a huge disappointment I think we'll get our chance as the champs soon enough.

They play their home games at the American Airlines Center towards downtown. Parking costs about $30 extra if you park there.

Equipment: You need some blue and white and some strong vocal cords!

The Mavericks are an NBA team that started playing in Dallas in 1980. They've had their ups and downs...actually, more downs than ups...the team didn't play too well for most of the 90's. Times are good now; the Mavs have made the playoffs for several years now. The Mavericks play an exciting brand of basketball: faced paced, high scoring and it's very fan friendly at the American Airlines Center where they play...the games are always sold-out...the exciting action and the loud music make the fans go crazy. Go Mavs!
http://www.americanairlinescenter.com/

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My daughter pointed out the AA arena as we drove past. I'm not sure if they've been there to a Dallas Mavericks game or not. I tend to think not, because my SIL is more into the Cowboys and participatory sports. In addition to the Mavericks (basketball) the Stars (hockey) and Desparados (arena football) play here. I was more interested in the arena because of the American Airlines connection.

The exterior of American Airlines Center is made of brick, limestone and granite and inside it is 840,000 square feet.

There are four entryways into the event level:
The Zamboni entrance (North)
the Home Team entrance (East)
the Visiting Team entrance (West)
and the Elephant entrance (South)

Equipment: All guests visiting the American Airlines Center must pass through metal detectors when entering the facility. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed and all other bags will be inspected. Items such as firearms, knives and other weapons are prohibited.

Patrons should avoid bringing prohibited items and any unnecessary items that may activate the metal detectors. Upon entry into the facility remove all items from your pockets including cell phones, pagers, and car keys. Also, have purses and small bags open and ready for inspection. If at anytime you observe and unusual behavior by other guests, please notify your section usher so that we may investigate.

Small signs are allowed but larger signs with sticks or poles are not. Other prohibited items include food products, bottles, aerosol cans, coolers, weapons and laser pointers.

Since the American Airlines Center which is where the Dallas Mavericks Home games are played is very near the historic West End, many of the restaurants there offer free bus service to and from the games. It can make it easy to find parking at the West End, have some food or drinks, and then catch the bus over to the game. You'll be dropped off at a front door and usually picked up at the same place. :)

Equipment: Local Participating Restaurants

Hooters:
Pick-up time is 1 hour before the game and lasts 1 hour after the game. Parking is at the meters surrounding the building. The shuttles deploy every 30 minutes holding 30-50 people per trolley. You do not have to eat at the restaurant to use the shuttle service.

TJI Friday's:
Pick-up times are continuous and will last 1 hour after game time. Parking is right next to the building. The shuttles deploy every 30 minutes holding 30-50 people per trolley. You do not have to eat at the restaurant to use the shuttle service.

Dick's Last Resort:
Pick-up time is 1 hour before the game and lasts 1 hour after the game. Parking is at all three corners surrounding the building. The shuttle service used is West End Eagle, and it deploys every 30 minutes holding 30-50 people per trolley. You do not have to eat at the restaurant to use the shuttle service.

West End Pub:
Pick-up time is 1 hour before the game and lasts continuously until everyone is back. Parking is behind the restaurant on Houston St. The shuttle's run every 20 minutes and each bus holds 58 people. You do not have to eat at the restaurant to use the shuttle service.

On the Border:
Pick-up time is 1 hour 15 minutes before and is ongoing until everyone is back. Parking is at the meters in the West End Parking Lot. The shuttles deploy every 30 minutes holding 65 people per trolley. You do not have to eat at the restaurant to use the shuttle service.

Hoffbrau:
Pick-up time is 1 hour before the game and lasts continuously until everyone is back. Parking is behind the restaurant. The shuttle's run every 10 minutes and each bus holds 50-70 people. You do have to eat at the restaurant to use the shuttle service. The receipt is the ticket onto the buses.

This information can also be found at
http://www.nba.com/mavericks/arena/america_airlines_arena_info.html

I think there's always something fun in going to a large venue like the new American Airlines Center and watching a professional team, be it the Dallas Mavericks or The Dallas Stars play. Something fun about the comraderie of everyone joining together in sending up positive vibes trying to urge their team to win. The sea of blue and green at the basketball games, the clappers and noise-makers, the wave, the beer and concessions, etc. If you're into watching Basketball and are going to be in Dallas during the season, why not check the Dallas Maverick's website for the game schedule to see if there are any games you'd be interested in checking out.

Equipment: Regular season 2003-2004 single game tickets will go on-sale October 4th 2003 at 10 a.m.

Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 214.747.MAVS or at the American Airlines Center South Box Office.