Are you ready to dive deep into the world of America's Team? Whether you're a die-hard fan looking to plan your pilgrimage to AT&T Stadium or just curious about the NFL's scheduling quirks, you've come to the right place! We're about to break down exactly how many home games the Dallas Cowboys play and what that means for their season. Let's get started!
The Ultimate Guide to Dallas Cowboys Home Games
Understanding the Dallas Cowboys' home game schedule involves a bit of NFL scheduling knowledge. It's not just a random number; there's a system in place that determines how many times the Cowboys, and every other team, get to play in front of their home crowd at AT&T Stadium.
Step 1: Unraveling the NFL Regular Season Structure
First things first, let's understand the foundation. The NFL regular season isn't what it used to be. For many years, teams played 16 games. However, in a significant shift, the league expanded the regular season.
The 17-Game Regular Season: As of the 2021 season, each NFL team plays 17 regular-season games over an 18-week period. This means there's also one "bye" week where the team doesn't play. This expansion was a big deal for both players and fans, offering an extra week of football action!
Step 2: The Home-Away Game Split: It Alternates!
Now, here's where it gets interesting for home game counts. The NFL doesn't simply split the 17 games into 8.5 home and 8.5 away, which would be impossible. Instead, the number of home games alternates each year.
Alternating Home Game Advantage: Each team will either have 9 regular-season home games and 8 away games, or 8 regular-season home games and 9 away games. This rotation ensures fairness over a two-year cycle, giving every team an equal number of "extra" home games in the long run.
Preseason Games: Don't forget about the preseason! NFL teams also play a few exhibition games before the regular season begins. Typically, teams play three preseason games. The number of home preseason games also varies, usually being either one or two, depending on whether it's a "9 home / 8 away" or "8 home / 9 away" regular season year.
Step 3: Deconstructing the Dallas Cowboys' 2025-2026 Home Schedule (An Example)
Let's look at the upcoming 2025-2026 season for the Dallas Cowboys to illustrate this. Based on the released schedule, the Dallas Cowboys will have 9 home games during the 2025 regular season. This means they will play 8 away games.
Here's a snapshot of their known home matchups for the 2025-2026 regular season at AT&T Stadium:
vs. New York Giants (Week 2, September 14, 2025)
vs. Green Bay Packers (Week 4, September 28, 2025)
vs. Washington Commanders (Week 7, October 19, 2025)
vs. Arizona Cardinals (Week 9, November 3, 2025)
vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Week 12, November 23, 2025)
vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Week 13, November 27, 2025 - Thanksgiving Day Game!)
vs. Minnesota Vikings (Week 15, December 14, 2025)
vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Week 16, December 21, 2025)
Please note: While the NFL schedule is typically set well in advance, minor changes can sometimes occur. Always check official NFL and Dallas Cowboys sources for the most up-to-date information.
Step 4: Understanding the Scheduling Formula: Why These Opponents?
The NFL schedule isn't random. A complex formula ensures competitive balance and gives fans variety. Here's a quick look at how opponents are determined, which indirectly influences the home game count over time:
Divisional Opponents (6 games): Each team plays the three other teams in its division twice a season – once at home and once away. For the Cowboys, that's the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders. This accounts for 3 home games right off the bat.
Intra-conference Games (4 games): Each team plays all four teams from one division within its own conference (NFC, for the Cowboys) on a rotating three-year cycle. This typically results in 2 home games and 2 away games from this group.
Inter-conference Games (4 games): Similarly, each team plays all four teams from one division in the opposite conference (AFC) on a rotating four-year cycle. This also typically results in 2 home games and 2 away games.
Conference-Based Opponents (2 games): Two games are scheduled against teams from the remaining two divisions within their own conference, based on the previous season's standings. One of these will be home, one away.
The 17th Game (1 game): This is the additional game that pushed the season to 17 games. It's against a non-conference opponent from a division the team is not scheduled to play, based on the previous season's standing. The conference that hosts this "17th game" alternates each year. For 2025, the AFC is generally the home conference for the 17th game, meaning the Cowboys would typically play this game on the road.
This intricate system ensures that while the exact opponents change, the overall number of home and away games stays consistent in its alternating pattern.
The Home Field Advantage at AT&T Stadium
The Dallas Cowboys play their home games at the magnificent AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Known for its colossal video board, retractable roof, and immense seating capacity (80,000, expandable to over 100,000), it's truly a spectacle. Playing at home provides a significant advantage for the Cowboys, fueled by the passionate "Cowboys Nation" fan base.
Summary: The Bottom Line for Dallas Cowboys Home Games
In any given NFL regular season, including the upcoming 2025-2026 season, the Dallas Cowboys will play either 8 or 9 regular-season home games. For the 2025 regular season, they are scheduled to play 9 home games at AT&T Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dallas Cowboys Home Games
How to find the official Dallas Cowboys schedule?
You can always find the official Dallas Cowboys schedule on their official website (dallascowboys.com) or on the NFL's official website (nfl.com). Major sports news outlets also publish the full schedule once it's released.
How to buy tickets for Dallas Cowboys home games?
Tickets for Dallas Cowboys home games can be purchased through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner of the Cowboys and AT&T Stadium. You can also find tickets on various reputable secondary markets like StubHub or SeatGeek.
How to attend a Dallas Cowboys preseason home game?
Preseason game tickets are usually more readily available and often less expensive than regular-season games. You can purchase them through the same channels as regular-season tickets. It's a great way to experience AT&T Stadium!
How to get to AT&T Stadium for a Cowboys home game?
AT&T Stadium is located in Arlington, Texas. You can reach it by car, and there is ample parking available (though it can be expensive). Many hotels in the surrounding area offer shuttle services, and ride-sharing is also a popular option.
How to tour AT&T Stadium even if there's no game?
Yes, AT&T Stadium offers various tours throughout the year, including self-guided, guided, and even VIP tours. These tours allow you to see behind the scenes, including locker rooms, press boxes, and even walk on the field! Check the AT&T Stadium website for tour schedules and tickets.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys home games if I can't be there?
Dallas Cowboys games are broadcast nationally on various networks like FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video. You can also stream games through NFL+, NFL Sunday Ticket (for out-of-market games), or other streaming services that carry these channels.
How to know if a Cowboys home game is a "primetime" game?
Primetime games (Thursday, Sunday, or Monday night games) are typically announced when the full NFL schedule is released in May. These games often have higher viewership and are considered marquee matchups. The 2025 schedule includes several primetime games for the Cowboys, including their Thanksgiving Day home game.
How to plan a trip around a Dallas Cowboys home game?
Planning a trip involves checking the schedule, booking flights and accommodation well in advance (especially for popular games), and considering transportation to and from the stadium. Many travel agencies offer specific "Cowboys Game Packages."
How to tell if the Dallas Cowboys have 8 or 9 home games in a specific season?
The NFL alternates which conference gets the "extra" home game each year. For example, in 2025, the AFC is generally designated as the home conference for the 17th game. This means NFC teams like the Cowboys will have 9 home games if the rotating "17th game" puts them at home, or 8 home games if that particular game is on the road. The official schedule release in May will confirm this for each team.
How to experience a Dallas Cowboys tailgate party?
Tailgating is a huge part of the NFL experience, and the Cowboys are no exception. There are official tailgating areas around AT&T Stadium, and many private parties and events are held in the surrounding parking lots and venues before games. Look for organized tailgates or simply explore the vibrant atmosphere!
