On November 18, 2024, an alarming incident occurred at AT&T Stadium before the Dallas
Cowboys’ Monday Night Football game against the Houston Texans. For the first time in two
years, the retractable roof was opened, but the decision led to a hazardous situation when a
large piece of metal fell onto the field. The stadium staff quickly responded by closing the roof
again to prevent further risks.
The incident, first reported by NBC’s Noah Bullard, underscores significant safety concerns for
players, coaches, media personnel, and fans. The metal object, seen in Bullard’s video, could
have caused severe injuries if it had struck anyone on or near the field. This event raises
questions about the structural integrity of the retractable roof and whether it underwent
adequate maintenance during its extended period of closure.
Further compounding the seriousness of the situation, Jeff Kolb of Fox North Texas reported
that the falling debris nearly struck multiple production personnel working near the field. This
near-miss highlights how the incident could have led to severe injuries or worse, bringing
attention to the stadium’s overall safety protocols and maintenance practices.
The Cowboys, led by owner Jerry Jones, now face scrutiny for allowing the roof’s operation
without ensuring its safety. Given the scale of the stadium’s use for high-profile NFL games and
other events, the public are calling for a thorough investigation to prevent similar occurrences in
the future.
This incident not only underscores the potential dangers of mechanical failures in modern
stadiums but also reinforces the importance of proactive maintenance and risk assessments.
Fans and analysts alike are now waiting for the Cowboys organization to address the issue and
implement measures to ensure the safety of all AT&T Stadium attendees.