Flying to Arlington Cowboy's Staduim

[Bartman]

I am planning on flying myself and 3 passengers in the Aluminum Mistress to the NCAA men's final 4 at Cowboy's Stadium in April 2014. We did the same in 2012 to New Orleans for both the SEC and NCAA tournaments. NOLA was great since we could fly into KNEW, get a cab downtown, and walk to the games. However, getting out of KNEW the day after the Final Four took about 6 hours just to get a clearance to taxi. We would rather not repeat that part of the experience.

Looking for these recommendations:

Which airport ? Looks like Grand Prairie iand Arlington are close, but is it better to stay further away.

Where to stay ?

-A decent place in a safe area within walking distance is best, (like we do in Atlanta).

-Is walking distance reasonable for this venue. Anything under 1.5 to 2 miles is ok.

-Is it best to stay further away an drive/taxi/shuttle to the events ?

Thanks in advance.

GBB !!!

[DrRobb]

I have flown into Grand Prarie twice for Cowboys games.. I wouldn't consider it walking distance. A cab ride is $20 but I bet you could prearrange a ride from someone at the FBO for less. I've never stayed overnight so I can't help there.

[georgeb]

I've flown into both Grandprarie as well as Arlington while visiting family or attending games. While GPM is fine and most definitely has better fuel prices, the convenience and service at arlington were way better not to mention the big runway there. The service upon arrival at GKY was that my rental car was brought up to the plane and everything was taken care of for my arrival as well as  as our departure, top notch service at the FBO there.

Either is fine, but I've started making GKY my regular stop rather than GPM.

Hope this helps

[Carl S]

I am based out of KGKY and the comments noted are pretty accurate. Fuel is going to be cheaper at KGPM for sure.  At KGKY, depending on your length of stay, they may use a tug to place your aircraft down on the south apron with the big jets that will fill the area for games. You could ask to park it yourself if that worries you.  Either one is pretty easy to get into and out of.

 

There are plenty of the chain hotels along the I-30 and I-360 corridors that cater to Six Flags and Ballparks. Getting one within walking distance may be a bit trickier - I have not really looked.   The Holiday Inn Express by Six Flags should suit your walking radius pretty well, I'd guess it's within a mile and a half of Jones World.

 

Carl

[KSMooniac]

I don't think most of that area is walking-friendly, unfortunately.  Most of the DFW area is just not laid out for pedestrians or cyclists.  If it were me, I'd consider flying into Fort Worth and staying there as you'll have some great options for lodging, eating, and drinking that will be walkable.  Rent a car or cab as needed for the ride to Arlington, which really has no redeeming value in this Texan's humble opinion, except that they were smart enough to grab the Rangers and Cowboys away from the idiot politicians in Dallas.

 

If you're not up for enjoying unique Texas food and beverage options, then staying in/near Arlington in a chain hotel and eating at chain venues is the easy option.

[Bartman]

Thanks guys. As I suspected from my research your replies have confirmed that this is not a pedestrian friendly area like ATL and NOLA. I'll look at Fort Worth and some other areas. Thanks for the tips.

[DonMuncy]

If you are going to have to rent a car, etc., check out RBD.

[Mooneymite]

.  If it were me, I'd consider flying into Fort Worth and staying there as you'll have some great options for lodging, eating, and drinking that will be walkable.  

 

 

Joe T. Garcia's used to be "the place" to eat in Fort Worth.  I haven't been there in ages, but I've been told, "don't bother" now.   Is this true?

[DonMuncy]

It is definitely different than it was years ago. You don't go in through the kitchen now. The food is better than most, but not the absolute best anymore. I will still eat there, but wouldn't  drive from Dallas to get it.

[Carl S]

I wouldn't go out of my way for Joe T's either but it is okay. If you are going to base in Ft Worth and want higher end food, Tim Love's "Lonesome Dove" is (was) really good, He has just re-opened after the fire and I have not had a chance to try the "new" place.  If you like steaks, try the Double Eagle or Eddie V's.  In Arlington I could recommend Cacharel, Sanford House, Istanbul Grill, and Prince Lebanese Grill depending on your taste du jour. Arlington does have a pretty good Chinese place in the ABC Seafood Company, it is not expensive and will be just south of the stadium on Arkansas, good Pho across the street at Pho 95.

 

 

 

For respectable Texas style BBQ: In Ft Worth Railhead is pretty good. Arlington has David's BBQ (I have not tried it but heard good things.) One of the local fly-outs is Stephenville where you can grab a golf cart and toddle over to the Hard 8 for some for some pretty darned good BBQ. (At least - it seems that way to me after getting to fly out in the Mooney with friends.)  

 

 

 

The Flying Saucer is good for multiple beer styles, and I think the Fox and Hound also had a respectable draught pull last time I was there. (2004 or so.)

 

 

 

When I was commuting in from CA back in the early part of this century I stayed in a few of the hotels. Probably the most quirky was the Stockyards Inn. If you are looking for a little taste of the early part of the LAST century, that might just do you. If nothing else, swing by and take a look at the insides if you eat at Joe T's or Lonesome Dove.

 

 

If timing works out - drop me a line when you are in town and maybe I can grab a bite with you.

[Carl S]

Joe T. Garcia's used to be "the place" to eat in Fort Worth.  I haven't been there in ages, but I've been told, "don't bother" now.   Is this true?

 

I used to love going to "Billy Goat's" for their take on Mexican when I was in Atlanta.

< edit > spelling < \ edit >

 

[fantom]

David's in Arlington has excellent BBQ, but you wouldn't guess it looking at the place. Don Maxwell and I had lunch at Joe T Garcia's last month. Gigantic portions, very good food, superb service, and still after all these years - cash only.