WWE's WrestleMania brought in over 101,000 fans Sunday night in Arlington, but many were angered after having trouble getting into AT&T Stadium.
For Cowboys games, which usually average 80,000 fans, doors open a full two hours before kickoff. Fans often come at various times leading up to the game.
But that didn't happen at WrestleMania.
AT&T Stadium doors started to open at 3:30 p.m., with huge lines of fans already. The first WrestleMania preshow match started just over an hour later at 4:48. Many fans were still stuck in line outside or in the concourse and missed it.
"The wait was one of the worst I've ever had," said Chris Castleman, 29, El Dorado. "I got here a little before the doors opened. And I didn't get down to my actual seat until after the main show started."
AT&T Stadium and WWE officials apologized for the delays: "To ensure the safety of WWE fans, increased security measures were put in place tonight. We apologize that it may have taken some fans longer than usual to get into AT&T Stadium."
Most fans were in their seats by the time the main card started. The crowd was loud, passionate and boisterous.
"There was just so many people, they had them line up along the fence around the corner into the streets," said Lee Sterman, 54, Benbrook. "I got here around 3:30, made it to my seat around 5:30-6."
BIG NUMBERS: A WWE official reported that fans from 35 different countries and 50 different states came to WrestleMania and over 185 media credentials were issued for WrestleMania.
The largest events at AT&T Stadium:
2010 NBA All-Star game -- 108,713.
2009 Cowboys' first home game (vs. Giants) -- 105,121.
2014 George Strait concert -- 104,793.
2011 Super Bowl XLV -- 103,219
2016 WrestleMania -- 101,763
Staff writer Joey Hayden contributed.
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