Dallas Mavericks game guide: Best seats, where to eat and insider tips for American Airlines Center

Welcome to SeatGeek Front Row, where SeatGeek employees share their best tips for getting the most out of live events. For this edition, support lead Kee Few walks you through exactly how to experience a Dallas Mavericks game at American Airlines Center like a Dallas local, with insights ranging from where to sit to grabbing the perfect bite.

There is a specific kind of electricity that only exists inside the American Airlines Center. It’s not just about the hoops; it’s a high‑octane Dallas ritual. If you want to move like a local and feel the roar of the crowd, you need a game plan. This blue-and-silver blueprint breaks down everything you need to know so you can make the most of your night at a Mavericks game, no matter which NBA matchup you’re headed to.

How to get to American Airlines Center

The goal is to spend your time in your seat, not in your car.

Driving and parking

If you’re driving in, the pro move is to park at the Lexus Garage directly adjacent to the arena. It’s the gold standard for proximity and price. 

When the final buzzer sounds, move with purpose. To avoid the dreaded post‑game garage crawl, either head straight to your car as soon as the clock hits zero or hang back at a nearby bar while the first wave clears out. 

Taking DART

If you’d rather skip parking altogether, DART is your friend. Light rail drops you right into the Victory Park area, letting you bypass downtown gridlock and roll straight into game mode. It’s especially clutch for weeknight games when traffic can stack up fast.

Where to eat before a Mavericks game at American Airlines Center

If you’re looking for a premier spot to kick off the night before heading to the arena, Waterproof at The Statler is hard to beat.

Perched on the 19th floor of the iconic Statler hotel downtown, Waterproof is a 21+ rooftop lounge with an indoor/outdoor setup, pool, private cabanas, and panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. 

Expect elevated American lounge bites that are perfect for sharing, plus a strong lineup of handcrafted cocktails ideal for pre‑game grazing. With a live DJ usually spinning as the city lights up, it’s the kind of spot that sets a definite “big game” tone.

Plan to grab a couple of shareable plates, a drink or two, soak in the view and then make your way toward Victory Park with plenty of time to clear security and catch warmups.

What to expect inside American Airlines Center

Once you’re through security, it’s time to fuel up and find your vantage point.

Best eats

If you’re hungry, make a beeline for Bud and Burgers. It’s a clutch pre‑tip stop with quick service and reliably good arena comfort food. The chicken strips in particular are legendary.

Seating and atmosphere

Inside the bowl, the closer you are to the floor, the more you feel it. Lower‑level and premium sections are where the energy really lands. The photo ops near the court are absolutely worth the price of admission.

One thing to note: premium areas have tighter security and multiple checkpoints. Don’t let that throw you. It’s meant to keep the experience smooth and exclusive, and once you’re through, everything from concessions to restrooms tends to be a little calmer and easier to navigate.

Best seats to watch the Mavericks at American Airlines Center

If you want a true “I can feel the floor shake” experience without sitting courtside, aim for the double‑letter premium sections. They’re technically not courtside, but you’re close enough to feel like you’re in the game.

Think of these sections as the perfect middle ground since you get that VIP feel and incredible sightlines without needing a full‑on floor seat budget. 

What Mavericks fans are like on game day

Mavs fans live by the mantra “Rowdy, Proud, and Loud,” and it shows from anthem to final buzzer.

During the National Anthem, we’ve added a new wrinkle for the Cooper Flagg era. When the lyrics hit “flag,” the entire building yells “FLAGG!” for our rookie. It fits right alongside the long‑standing tradition of shouting “STARS!” during the song, nodding to our neighbors on the ice.

Once the ball is tipped, nobody sits until the Mavs score their first bucket. Even after that first basket, the volume never really drops. What sets a Mavs game apart is the instant reaction. Whether it’s a clutch block or a deep logo three, AAC reacts instantly and in unison. Simply put, there is no "polite clapping" here.

We want to make sure the AAC is the toughest place in the league for any opponent to play, so expect to be on your feet for every big play. Keep in mind that you don’t just watch a Mavericks home game, you help power the home‑court advantage.

Kee Few is a support lead for SeatGeek, a Dallas native and lifelong MFFL! When she’s not cheering on the Mavs, you’ll usually find her traveling, watching scary movies, exploring the arts district or catching the next Beyoncé tour.