Former Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck dies; visionary leader behind AT&T Stadium

Arlington honors former Mayor Robert Cluck while celebrating his transformative leadership that brought the Dallas Cowboys to the city and revitalized its economy.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:08am

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A cinematic painting of the exterior of a large, modern sports stadium with a curved roof and glass walls, surrounded by trees and bathed in warm, golden sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic pride and architectural grandeur.The iconic AT&T Stadium, a monument to the visionary leadership of former Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck, whose transformative impact on the city continues to be felt.Arlington Today

Arlington is honoring the life and legacy of former Mayor Dr. Robert N. Cluck, M.D., whose vision and leadership helped redefine the city's skyline and economy. Cluck, who served as mayor from 2003 to 2015, is best remembered for spearheading the effort to bring the Dallas Cowboys to Arlington, leading to the 2009 opening of AT&T Stadium. His administration also guided the creation of the Arlington Highlands shopping center, the Viridian community, and the revitalization of Downtown Arlington.

Why it matters

Cluck's transformative leadership played a crucial role in shaping Arlington's future, attracting major businesses and investments that revitalized the city's economy and infrastructure. His vision and ability to forge partnerships were instrumental in making Arlington a more vibrant, competitive, and world-class city.

The details

During Cluck's tenure as mayor from 2003 to 2015, he spearheaded the effort to bring the Dallas Cowboys to Arlington, which led to the 2009 opening of AT&T Stadium. His administration also guided the creation of the Arlington Highlands shopping center, the Viridian community, and the revitalization of Downtown Arlington.

  • Cluck served as mayor of Arlington from 2003 to 2015.
  • AT&T Stadium opened in 2009 during Cluck's mayoral term.
  • Arlington honored Cluck with the opening of Dr. Robert Cluck Linear Park in 2011.
  • In 2015, Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones named the Atrium at AT&T Stadium in Cluck's honor.
  • Cluck received the inaugural Arlington Visionary Award in 2017.

The players

Dr. Robert N. Cluck, M.D.

Former mayor of Arlington who served from 2003 to 2015 and was instrumental in bringing the Dallas Cowboys to the city and revitalizing its economy.

Jim Ross

Current mayor of Arlington who praised Cluck's visionary leadership and transformative impact on the city.

Jerry Jones

Owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who named the Atrium at AT&T Stadium in honor of Cluck in 2015.

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What they’re saying

“Arlington has lost a true visionary. Dr. Robert Cluck didn't just lead our city; he reimagined what it could be. His ability to build partnerships and see the community's future potential fundamentally changed our trajectory.”

— Jim Ross, Mayor of Arlington

“We are a more vibrant, competitive, and world-class city today because of his bold leadership and belief in Arlington. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as we celebrate a life exceptionally well-lived.”

— Jim Ross, Mayor of Arlington

What’s next

The city of Arlington is planning a public memorial service to honor the life and legacy of former Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck.

The takeaway

Dr. Robert Cluck's visionary leadership as mayor of Arlington from 2003 to 2015 transformed the city, attracting major businesses and investments that revitalized its economy and infrastructure. His ability to forge partnerships and see the community's potential led to landmark projects like AT&T Stadium, the Arlington Highlands shopping center, and the revitalization of Downtown Arlington, cementing Cluck's legacy as a transformative figure in the city's history.