Justifying the Star
To say that a Monday Night Football game in Dallas is more important than say, a Monday Night Football game anywhere else is well, a big statement. If there is one thing that is not up for debate however is that big statements and big everything is exactly how Dallas does business. A strong history of winning and a comprehensive list of high profile stars and league rivalries have earned the 
Cowboys the moniker of “America’s Team” as well as made them the most profitable sports franchise in the nation. If nothing else, there is no denying that owner and general manager Jerry Jones certainly knows how to put on a show.
Recently, I have taken some criticism for listing a Cowboys Monday Night Football game in Dallas in my top 100 sports events you must see live guide. An unfair nod to a team that is as hated as they are loved nationally? Perhaps, but I tend to think not since everyone has some kind of opinion about Big D, the same which can not be said about teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, or cross state rivals, the Houston Texans. The Cowboys make you watch them and when the spotlight is on, they will either shine or crash and burn and there are millions of people who would be happy watching either scenario.
Since Monday Night Football debuted in 1970 the Cowboys have hosted many important games. They have played the divisional rival Washington Redskins 14 times on Monday night and have hosted a handful of classics. Since the early days of Roger Staubach, to the championship teams led by Troy Aikman, and Emmit Smith, to the current Tony Romo era, the Cowboys have captivated crowds and had their share of ups and downs.
As I write this blog, I still have with me, the memory of the Sunday night, week 2 game in Dallas where the Giants spoiled the Cowboys home opener. Now, 
I realize this was a Sunday night game, but it had all the makings of what makes Monday nights in Dallas special. This game was particularly important to the Cowboys because it was the first official game played in their brand new mega-stadium. This new stadium I think only serves to further the notion that the Cowboys are on a different level when it comes to showmanship and fan experiences and they will make sure people are talking about them. The experience at the new stadium is unlike any other around the league. A record 105,000+ fans turned up to Cowboys stadium to watch them play their hated rival New York Giants and got to take part in the festivities as well as an amazing game. Owner Jerry Jones has described the experience as one that “transcends football” and I tend to agree. The stadium features a $40 million videoboard, suspended 90 feet above the field with four screens, stretches nearly 60 yards and weighs 600 tons. It is seven stories and is attached to the stadium’s signature arches.
Is there any denying that an event such as a national televised home game for the Cowboys is on a different level than other teams? I don’t think so, and love them or hate them the Cowboys always make it interesting. There are certainly other valued unique experiences at other stadiums worth mentioning, but for right now the Cowboys are doing what they do best: putting on a show.
