Hi,

I have tickets for the Thanksgiving Day home game this year against Seattle. It'll be my first ever visit to the stadium for an actual game. (I've taken the tour before in the off-season.)

What I was wondering about, though, is parking. I've seen prices for TX Stadium parking passes on places like Stub Hub and such, and am debating what (if any) to buy in advance of the game. My husband is a disabled veteran, so I know walking long distances for him is out of the question. What is available for handicapped parking, and what's the usual price? Also, is it something I can get on game day, or would I be wise to purchase something in advance?

(The tickets I have are in section 132 if that helps.)

Hey Bc,

I'm a disabled veteran as well.  From one disabled veteran to another, hat's off to your husband for the service he has made to this country and some of the sacrifices you guys may have endured in the process because of it.  I can relate first hand, hang in there and keep pressing on. 

The first question to ask is if you guys have disabled veteran plates.  If your husband is rated 50% or higher by the VA, he is entitled to receive Disabled Veteran Registration/Plates from the state of Texas.  The first registration/plate is $3.00 for the first vehicle, the second is the normal cost of registration.  I believe you can have up to two vehicles registered with disabled veteran plates...you may want to call the DMV to verify that.  So if your husband is rated with the VA at 50% or higher with service connected disability/disabilities, he'll be entitled to purchase a disabled veteran registration for $3.00 from the state per year for his vehicle instead of the normal cost of registration paid each year.  There is a reason why I am explaining this information, I promise...

With having disabled veteran plates, it allows one to park in accessable parking (handicap parking) in the blue lots next to the stadium because of his/her disability.  You can find information here on Govenor Rick Perry's website regarding disabled veteran plates and not needing the handicap placard.  In 2007, the state of Texas ruled that disabled veteran plates would suffice as recognizable enough for one to park in accessable parking without needing handicap placards (ALTHOUGH a disabled veteran can purchase handicap placards should they so desire at their DMV for a minimal fee of $5 per placard) : http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/disabilities/resources/parking/faq 

"Veterans with disabilities: People who have a 50% VA service-connected disability, or who are surviving spouses of a veteran with such a disability rating, may purchase special "disabled veteran" license plates from the Texas Department of Transportation. Texas law allows people with "disabled veteran" plates to park in accessible parking spaces." 

Below is a pamplet the Govenor's office mailed me after inquiring about the matter.  I am scanning it and placing it on here for you to see:

You can also find this information on the txdot website or going by to your local DMV. 

Now, that stated, the Cowboys allow disabled veterans to park in accessable parking in the blue lot at GATE 6.  It is a first come first serve basis so you have to get there early enough to secure a spot.  Otherwise, the best option is to probably go on ebay and buy a parking pass if you feel you don't want to risk the "first come, first serve" basis.  I asked the Cowboys if they sold accessable passes and unfortunately they do not.  It would be nice if they did for folks like us, but unfortunately this is their protocol. 

I hope this answers your questions.  If you have any more about that or the disabled vet plates, feel free to message me, contact the Dallas Cowboys, or contact Governor Rick Perry's office, the DMV, or TXDot respectably.  Take care and thanks again to your husband's service to this country.

I'm sorry BC, I just realized that you're a "Frozen Cowboy Fan in Packerland" unfortunately, so half of what I stated above may not apply unless you guys maintain your Texas residency or Texas tags.  Sorry about that.  If you have a Handicap decal, you still can park at gate 6.  I would call txdot or a Texas DMV to ask if they recognize disabled vet plates from other states parking in accessable parking (if you have disabled veteran plates).  If they recognize Texas Disabled Veteran plates, I don't see why they wouldn't recognize disabled veterans from other states.  Would seem a bit discriminatory if you ask me, we all sacrificed for the same Country.  If you don't have disabled veteran plates, a handicap decal, or anything to recognize that your husband is a disabled veteran, than your best bet would be to search for a Blue or Red parking pass for the game you are looking for.  There are times I had a red parking pass and got to the game early enough where I the walk was just about as close to a blue parking...and sometimes I have felt that a red pass was better because blue parking always seems more congested at the end of the game with all the traffic and the litte amount of space provided where as the red parking seems to flow more, in my opinion.  Either way, you can probably find good deals on ebay for both if gate 6 doesn't seem like something theasable to work.

I apologize for not remembering that you are not in Texas, but the information I initially be good for other disabled veterans out there who reside in Texas and didn't know about disabled veteran plates or parking in gate 6, so it's not a total wash.

 Take care and have a great weekend.

Thanks USAFvet,

Yeah, not "frozen" at the moment, but ironically I did just finish watching a replay of the "Ice Bowl". (Dang, I hate that Dallas lost that game.) No apologies necessary. I'm sure there are others who will find your information helpful as well.

My husband is 70% disabled, so we do have disabled vet WI plates as well as a handicap decal and can use those. I wonder how early is early if we want to take a shot at getting a handicap slot near gate 6...but then knowing my husband, he'll want to be there at sunup. He and my son are very excited about the chance to see their first live Cowboys game at TX Stadium. (Can't say as I blame 'em. I'm pretty eager myself. LOL)

My husband spent 12 years in the military, serving in the Navy during the 1st Gulf War, before injuries finally forced his medical discharge in the late 90s. This trip to see our favorite NFL team is a gift to him for 17 years of marriage.

So, thanks again for the input. And please accept my sincere gratitude for your service to the country as well...including the sacrifices you and your family have made.

No worries, and thanks for your kind words.

Just remember to take the Gate 6 exit and bring $20 for parking (the cost they told me to park).  I would think your Wisconsin disabled vet plates would suffice, but make sure to have your handicap decal with you just incase, or if you are not driving your car and are renting a car instead, just make sure to bring your handicap decal with you.

I read that the lots open 4 hours before kickoff (unless they open them earlier...some games they'll open the stadium earlier).  So depending on what game you're going to will depend on what time to arrive.  Looks like the best way to get to gate 6 is to take Hwy 114.  Here is a map:

It would probably be best to get there as early as possible, not just to secure a spot as early as possible, but also to find gate 6 before the traffic gets worse. 

I bet that Thanksgiving day game will be fun.  I've never been there for Thanksgiving as I've always had plans with my family, but I can imagine that tailgating will be fun.  I've always heard stories of tailgaters feasting together for Thanksgiving and such, frying up turkey and all.  That would surely be a Thanksgiving to remember if you celebrated Thanksgiving with other tailgaters around you.  What a great game to go to.  I am sure your family is excited.  You'll have to let us know about your experience with the tailgating on Thanksgiving and the experience.   

usafvet:

... What a great game to go to.  I am sure your family is excited.  You'll have to let us know about your experience with the tailgating on Thanksgiving and the experience.

Will do! We are definitely looking forward to the game and pre-game fun. Just hope the 'Boys beat the Seahawks so the post-game is a fun celebration, too. LOL

Again, thanks so much for the information and helpful tips. That map will come in handy!