Cowboys throw huge party to celebrate debut

By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.

chill@star-telegram.com

ARLINGTON — What is a coronation without a party?

In advance of tonight’s inaugural regular-season game at Cowboys Stadium, owner Jerry Jones feted Cowboys legends, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, local dignitaries and premium ticket holders with a black-tie grand-opening gala at the $1.2 billion venue in Arlington on Saturday night.

Nobody builds a stadium like Jones, and based on Saturday night, few throw a party like him.

The featured entertainer was legendary diva Diana Ross.

Dallas billionaire H. Ross Perot said this was his first black-tie event at a football stadium.

"This is just incredible," Perot said. "It’s one of a kind."

That was also the opinion of legendary broadcasters Bob Costas and John Madden as they walked across the red carpet.

Now retired, Madden said he had no regrets about not calling the first game at the stadium, but he did have a wish.

"Most people want to play, and if you can’t play you want to coach," Madden said. "If you can’t coach you want to broadcast. My fantasy would be to play in Cowboys Stadium."

Said Costas: "The broadcast should be covered as an event and a game. The stadium is a national story. The size, scope and video screen is the most impressive. I will watch the game like most of the fans — on the video screen."

Former Cowboys coach Barry Switzer will attend his first Cowboys game since being fired in 1997. He said he couldn’t miss either the game or the party.

"This is something," Switzer said. "This is all Jerry Jones. I expected him to do something like this. He’s quite the visionary. I’m going to enjoy this event and the game."

Many Cowboys legends were on hand, including Hall of Famers and Ring of Honor members Tony Dorsett, Bob Lilly and Randy White, who said they were amazed by the facility and couldn’t help wishing they could suit up one more time.

"Everything is big in Texas," Dorsett said he strolled across the red carpet. "Jerry has given the players a great venue. I would love to dress up one more time and run on the field."

All-time NFL rushing leader Emmitt Smith did Dorsett one better.

"I told my wife as I was driving over that I would trade the rushing title for a chance to win one more Super Bowl at this new stadium," Smith said.

Clarence E. Hill Jr, 817-390-7760

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