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  You've probably seen it on TV -- the brand new 1.5 billion dollar Cowboys Stadium.  But, If you can believe it, it's even more impressive in person. 

  This weekend I had the great fortune of going to the grand opening of the stadium in Arlington and the concert that featured Lee Ann Womack, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, and George Strait.  I've been a huge George Strait fan all my life (Yes i even loved Pure Country ) so seeing him in concert at such a monumental event was a rush.  He put on quite a show. But then again, he is the king of country music.

But, there were many more famous faces in the crowd than just those entertainers listed on our tickets. While finding our way to our seats, we caught a glimpse a few times of Troy Aikman. I say a few times because I forced my husband to let me walk past his suite twice (and back) so that I could see him up close and personal.   I'm not sure of his age at this point, but ladies, that QB still looks to be in his prime! 

And then there was the other "show."  The one that was suspended from the center of the stadium.  All 25-thousand square feet of it.  Yes, I'm talking about the world's largest HD screen.   Words cannot describe it.  But, I'll put it this way.  Our seats were on the floor not too terribly far from the stage. But, we found ourselves standing off to the side and behind our floor tickets, in order to have a clear view of the big screen.  It's literally larger than life. And unless you're front row, you can't beat it.  You could see the sweat on the artists' face.  The detail in Reba's jewelry.  My husband even noticed the brand name on the inside of George Strait's shirt.  (In case you were wondering, apparently George Strait has his own Wrangler brand of clothes.)  It was that big and that close-up. 

Another note. Traffic. Yes, it was unbelievable. We stayed at the Hilton Hotel (great place) in Arlington. It's actually very close to the stadium, so we opted to take the trolley from the hotel to the stadium mostly because it was free and we didn't have a parking pass.  It seemed like the best idea.  That is, until 30 minutes passed and the scheduled trolley still wasn't there.  That's where our new found friends come in.   A very nice couple from Minnesota, also going to the concert, came over to the trolley line and offered up seats in their rental car for the first two takers.  We jumped at the opportunity and before we knew it, we were in the car traveling with a couple we just met in the hotel parking lot.  I'm glad that trolley was late.  The couple couldn't have been nicer.  We had lots of time to talk as traffic was pretty much bumper to bumper the entire time, but it was fun.   Rick Mattson, the husband, had surprised his wife with the tickets to George Straight.  Who would have ever thought a surprise in St. Paul, Michigan, would help out an impatient and stranded couple in Waco, Texas? 

If you're looking for a fun getaway with the family that doesn't require too much travel, I'd highly recommend visiting the stadium.  I mean where else can you go in the world where "nosebleed" seats allow you to be front row to the action?  It is Jerry's World, afterall.  Oh, but if you make it there....be sure and come full and hydrated.  It's only 8 dollars for a soft drink and I didn't dare check on the price of food.  Like I said.  It is Jerry's World.