The common sports phrase, "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings" will take on new meaning at Cowboys Stadium on April 28.
On that night, the cavernous home of the Dallas Cowboys will be host to a simulcast of the Dallas Opera's performance of Mozart's The Magic Flute (although rotund sopranos are more often associated with Wagnerian operas).
The performance will be staged at the Winspear Opera House in downtown Dallas, multiple media outlets reported on Friday, but the production will be simulcast live on Cowboys Stadium's enormous video screens measuring 72 feet tall and 160 feet wide.
Naturally, the idea behind the simulcast is to expand the opera's reach. To make it even more accessible, reserved tickets and parking will be free. Fans merely have to apply for them at the opera's web site, dallasopera.org.
Initially, 7,500 seats will be roped off for the performance, with stadium concession stands open for food and drink. If demand is high enough, more seats could be made available. The stadium seats 80,000.
The opera experience also extends the vision Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his wife, Gene, have had for $1.2 billion stadium since before it opened in 2009. The Jones' see the stadium as a cultural center, not just a place to watch games and pop concerts.
Those who have only seen Cowboys Stadium on football broadcasts might not be aware the facility is home to 38 pieces of original and commissioned works of art. The museum-quality pieces, hanging throughout entrances and concourses, coincide with art outreach programs and art tours of the stadium.
The stadium has also played host to a symphony of Star Wars music with a full orchestra.
And for one night, cheers of "Touchdown!" will be replaced by "Bravo!"
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
