The stadium's building cost increased from $650 million to $1.15 billion, making it one of the most costly sports arenas ever built. It also has been described as a "monument to money" because it is so expensive and took so long to complete. AT&T Center is a multi-purpose arena and home of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars in Dallas, Texas. It is located in the southern part of the city near South Dallas Park. The arena opened on December 16, 2000. Its name comes from the two former area telephone companies that now form AT&T: American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) and Southern Bell (Southern New England Telephone Company). It is the largest arena of its kind in North America. With a capacity of 18,500, it is used for basketball, hockey, and other events. It is also the first major league baseball stadium to be built with private funds rather than government assistance. The ballpark was designed by HNTB with NORRISTOWN DESIGN GROUP contributing additional design work. The primary structural components are steel frames with concrete floors and roofs. The exterior is made up of glass and aluminum panels attached to the structures with little reference to the interior of the building.