As we wrap up 2024, we reflect on some of the biggest stories that shaped the year. From the citywide rollout of trash carts to a successful All-Star Week in the Entertainment District, here are a few of Arlington's top stories.
Successful trash cart rollout in February
In February 2024, Arlington said goodbye to bagged trash at the curb and welcomed trash carts for residential waste collection! The change aims to boost waste management efficiency, reduce litter, and keep the city looking clean. Residents got brand new carts and easy-to-follow guidelines to make the transition smooth and simple.
To spread the word, the City launched a fun campaign with videos, infographics, social media posts, and a multilingual telephone town hall. These resources helped residents stay on track with proper waste disposal, making the process more efficient and sustainable. Learn more at ArlingtonTX.gov/TrashPickup.
Park’s 100th anniversary and opening of ability-inclusive playground
In 2024, Arlington Parks and Recreation celebrated its centennial, marking 100 years of Meadowbrook Park and Meadowbrook Park Golf Course. On Nov. 16, Arlington kicked off its celebration of a new, ability-inclusive playground at Meadowbrook Park during the Meadowbrook Centennial Celebration. Thanks to a generous $500,000 grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, the playground features accessible play elements like wheelchair-friendly surfaces, musical instruments, and even a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round! This new playground is all about giving every child the chance to play, making Arlington a more inclusive and welcoming place for all. The grand opening also included carnival rides, live performances, and the unveiling of a new sculpture, "A Change in Direction."
Arlington Museum of Art opens in new location
If you're a fan of art and amazing exhibits, you’ve probably already checked out the Arlington Museum of Art’s new location in the Entertainment District. Since opening in March, the museum has been wowing visitors with immersive exhibits like Pompeii: The Immortal City. With its spacious new 48,000-square-foot home at the Expo Center, the museum now has the room for even bigger, interactive exhibits. This move is part of Arlington’s plan to boost cultural tourism and attract more visitors to the city. Since the move, exhibits like Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume and All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives have been a hit. Want to know what’s next? Head to the museum’s website to stay updated!
World Cup Announcement Kicks Off Arlington’s Preparations for the Global Sporting Event
In January, it was announced that Arlington will host the most games of any city during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with nine matches, including a semi-final, from June 14 to July 14. The Arlington City Council reviewed the first plan for the event in a meeting, focusing on transportation, safety, community engagement, and beautification efforts like the Clean Arlington initiative. As preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup heat up, the City is making significant progress to ensure a smooth event. The event is expected to attract 3.8 million visitors, including 100,000 international fans daily. Arlington is also preparing for business outreach and volunteer opportunities, with additional planning focusing on sustainability and operational logistics.
All-Star Week and All-Star Park
Arlington went all out to make the 2024 MLB All-Star Week unforgettable for fans and visitors! The City kicked off the celebrations with a series of exciting events, including the renovation of Senter Park, now home to the MLB & Texas Rangers All-Star Legacy Park and the Corey Seager Batting Cages. This project, part of the All-Star Legacy initiative, was a collaboration with the Texas Rangers, MLB, and Corey and Mady Seager, and focused on supporting youth baseball, veterans, and underserved communities.
In addition to the park renovations, Arlington hosted the All-Star FanFest, interactive exhibits, autograph signings, youth baseball clinics and of course an All-Star Game. From vibrant fan experiences to seamless coordination, Arlington pulled out all the stops to create a one-of-a-kind All-Star week celebration, leaving fans with memories to last a lifetime.
Eclipse events in Downtown and Cliff Nelson Recreation Center
On April 8, 2024, Arlington hosted an unforgettable celebration of the Great North American Eclipse. As the city found itself in the path of totality for over three minutes, residents and visitors gathered at Levitt Arlington for the “Total Eclipse of the Park” event. The community came together to witness this natural phenomenon, with many enjoying the mesmerizing experience of the moon completely covering the sun. The event featured live music, food trucks, and free eclipse glasses, enhancing the moment as guests marveled at the eclipse.
Grand Opening of Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center
The opening of the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center on Feb. 13, 2024, marked a significant milestone for both the City and the North Texas region. As Loews’ second and largest hotel in Arlington, this state-of-the-art property offers a premier full-service destination for meetings, events, and leisure. The Dallas Business Journal awarded the 888-room Loews Arlington Hotel the 2024 Best Real Estate Deal for Hospitality/Hotel. Loews is set to build another upscale 513-room hotel near the National Medal of Honor Museum. That hotel will replace the 311-room Sheraton.
Introducing the New and Improved Ask Arlington App
The City also launched the newly updated Ask Arlington app this year. Whether you need to report a pothole, request an extra trash cart, or track your requests, the new version has you covered with a more user-friendly design. The app includes features like real-time tracking, direct access to city services, and quick links to important information. Available in both English and Spanish, it’s easier than ever to stay connected. If you are an Apple user and already have the app, just update it. For Android users you’ll need to delete your current app and download the new one from the Google Play Store. Don’t have it yet? You can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Stay connected, and get things done with ease!
'The Heartbeat of Arlington' Documentary Celebrates GM's 70 Years in the City
In 2024, General Motors Arlington Assembly celebrates its 70th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the City. To honor this achievement, the City of Arlington’s Office of Communications released a documentary titled “The Heartbeat of Arlington,” which highlights the plant’s rich history, its economic impact, and its role in shaping the community. The documentary traces GM’s decision to build the plant in Arlington, driven by the vision of then-mayor Tom Vandergriff, and showcases key moments, including the plant’s survival during potential closures in the 1990s and its continued technological advancements. Featuring interviews with long-time employees, city leaders, and historians, the film reflects on the plant's legacy, its ongoing contribution to the local economy, and its future in Arlington. The documentary premiered on Nov. 22, 2024, and is available on the City of Arlington's YouTube channel.
INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington Announced for 2026
In October 2024, a major announcement shook up Arlington’s sports scene: Penske Entertainment, the Dallas Cowboys, and REV Entertainment are teaming up to bring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to the city! The INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington, set for March 2026, will feature a thrilling 2.73-mile track running through the Entertainment District, with AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field as iconic backdrops. Fans can expect high-speed action and a global showcase. This exciting event is sure to solidify Arlington as a top sports destination.
Entertainment District, AT&T Stadium, Invest in our Economy
News, Community, Business, Government, Headlines