Metal falling from roof at AT&T Stadium "was impacted by wind gusts," Cowboys say
ARLINGTON – A piece of metal and small debris fell onto the field while AT&T Stadium's retractable roof was being opened Monday before the Cowboys-Texans game.
No injuries were reported, according to the Cowboys.
While Dallas and Houston were squaring off on Monday Night Football, the Cowboys confirmed high wind bursts and the opening of the roof contributed to a metal sheet falling onto the field.
"We can confirm a piece of metal came loose and fell to the field, along with some additional small debris, while the roof was in the process of opening," a spokesperson for AT&T Stadium said.
"Wind gust all day long," said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. "We opened and shut the door long before anyone came in there. We do that to avoid those fans and risk ... The piece was loose from the heavy winds."
One piece of metal fell in the stadium, prompting a worker to inspect and secure another piece. After securing the second piece, pregame activities resumed as normal, and the Cowboys confirmed the game would start on time.
The City of Arlington said Tuesday that there is no structural damage to the stadium's retractable roof:
"The City of Arlington's building inspector and deputy fire marshal have consulted with AT&T Stadium today and determined there are no structural issues with the venue or its retractable roof. The metal piece that fell to the field was a covering lid to a cable tray that was moved by wind gusts as the roof was opening. The cable tray was in the high steel area near the top of the stadium. Additional review and work have been performed to further secure the covering lids for the cable trays."
Jones added they would not have started the game had there been any safety risks.
Fans came to the in-state rivalry focused on victory, regardless of the roof accident.
"My mind is focused on the Cowboys. We need a win," Arturo Castillo said.
Lupe Sorola came dressed in Houston Texans gear from head to toe.
"That's the only thing I'm thinking about right now," he said.
News of sheet metal falling from the rafters did not concern fans as much as the football game.
"It was a little debris. I think it happened early. Right? They were opening up the rooftop," Sorola said.
Castillo said he felt safe.
"Well, it could be concerning if I was in the area, but I wasn't, so maybe not. I'm just here to have a good time with the Cowboys," Castillo said.
Jones said after the game that the roof is "fixable."