If you’re a rideshare driver headed to Arlington for big events at AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, or Choctaw Stadium, heads up: the city has officially expanded its restricted zones, limiting where you can legally drop off or pick up passengers. These changes are already in effect and include some of the most trafficked areas in the Entertainment District.
What’s New for Drivers?
Back in December 2024, Arlington updated its transportation rules to restrict rideshare activity during special events. Now, those rules are being tightened even further. As of the most recent city council meeting, drivers are no longer allowed to load or unload passengers on Nolan Ryan Expressway North or South during special events.
While these streets are now off-limits to for-hire vehicles like Uber and Lyft, the Arlington Entertainment Area Management District (AEAMD) trolley will still be permitted to operate on those lanes.
Why These Changes Matter
Tim Ciesco with the Arlington Police Department explained the reasoning behind the changes:
“Before and afterward, one of our big concerns is just making sure that we can get traffic safely in and get traffic safely out.”
With major attractions like Texas Live, new hotels, and the National Medal of Honor Museum now bringing even more foot traffic to the district, managing congestion and keeping pedestrians safe has become a bigger priority.
“The entertainment district is no longer just two stadiums… we certainly love [the growth], but again, at the same time we want to make sure that all those folks are staying safe and that we give them the most efficient way to get in and out of that area.”
What Happens If You Violate the Rules?
Getting caught in a restricted zone could cost you. Arlington PD now has added enforcement authority and can issue fines of up to $500 for violations—including illegal rideshare drop-offs, pickups, and parking infractions.
Updated signage has already been posted throughout the area, so enforcement has begun.
Where Can You Legally Pick Up and Drop Off?
If you’re driving for Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare service, stick to the designated staging areas during events:
- AT&T Stadium events: Use Lot 15
- Globe Life Field events: Use Lot C
These zones are designed to streamline traffic flow and keep everyone moving safely and efficiently.
Streets Now Off-Limits for Rideshare Pick-Up and Drop-Off
During events, you cannot pick up or drop off passengers three hours before, during, and three hours after events on the following streets:
AT&T Stadium Events:
- North Collins St (I-30 to East Division)
- East Randol Mill Rd (North Collins to AT&T Way)
- AT&T Way (East Randol Mill to East Sanford)
- Cowboys Way (North Collins to AT&T Way)
- Nolan Ryan Expressway North & South
Globe Life Field Events:
- East Rd to Six Flags (Nolan Ryan to Ballpark Way)
- Nolan Ryan Expressway North & South
- East Randol Mill Rd (AT&T Way to Chapman Cutoff)
- Ballpark Way (East Rd to Six Flags to East Randol Mill)
- Stadium Dr (East Randol Mill to East Division)
- Cowboys Way (Stadium Dr to AT&T Way)
Choctaw Stadium Events:
- East Rd to Six Flags (Nolan Ryan South to Ballpark Way)
- East Randol Mill Rd (AT&T Way to Chapman Cutoff)
- Ballpark Way (East Rd to Six Flags to East Randol Mill)
- Nolan Ryan Expressway North & South
A Word to the Wise
You might be tempted to pick up passengers curbside when things get hectic—but it’s not worth it.
“Especially after the event, if you try to call an Uber or a Lyft right there where you’re standing, it may take the driver hours to get to you if they can at all,” said Ciesco.
Sticking to designated lots not only saves you the headache of dealing with traffic—but also avoids the risk of a costly ticket.
Source: WFAA
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