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First Cowboys game to open a new era of tailgating in Arlington
McCartney, Rangers could snarl traffic in Arlington tonight
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Arlington's much-expanded entertainment district faces its first full-scale test Wednesday night, with a Paul McCartney concert at Cowboys Stadium and Pudge's return to Rangers Ballpark sure to draw tens of thousands.
Early indications were that traffic was slow but steady as fans mixed with rush-hour traffic along Interstate 30 and feeder roads around the stadiums.The Rangers game against the Minnesota Twins started at 7:05 p.m., with the concert following at 7:30 p.m.From 5 to 7 p.m., traffic moved steadily along Randol Mill Road in front of Cowboys Stadium, a route being used by both concert-goers and Ranger fans.Arlington police attributed the smooth traffic to extensive planning -- and apparently no wrecks.“The consistent message we've been putting out is to arrive early and enjoy the event. The proof that people are listening is in the streets,” Arlington assistant police chief W. Johnson said.Fan favorite Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez made his first start Wednesday since returning to the Rangers in a trade -- and singled in his first at-bat -- and Rangers officials were expecting a big crowd.At Cowboys Stadium, thousands of fans were kept waiting outside the stadium until after 6:30 p.m., apparently while a sound-check went on inside. Some fans were angry at being kept waiting outside in the heat and at being charged $5 for bottled water.On Friday, up to 70,000 people are expected to swarm the area during rush hour for the Dallas Cowboys’ first game at the new stadium.The preseason contest against Tennessee kicks off at 7 p.m. Parking lots open at 2 p.m. The Rangers will be out of town.Star-Telegram Staff Writers Anthony Andro, Sarah Huffstetler, Preston Jones and Jim Reeves contributed to this report.
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