By the early 1960s the city had a population of approximately 45,000. A number of manufacturing plants operated in Irving, along with transportation, retail and financial businesses. The University of Dallas in Irving opened in 1956, and Texas Stadium was completed in 1971 as the home field of the Dallas Cowboys.
A second Globe Theatre was built on the same site by June 1614 and closed by an Ordinance issued on 6 September 1642. A modern reconstruction of the Globe, named Shakespeare's Globe, opened in 1997 approximately 750 feet (230 m) from the site of the original theatre. From 1909, the current Gielgud Theatre was called Globe Theatre, until it was renamed (in honour of John Gielgud) in 1994.
Shakespeare spent much of his careerwith a company called the Chamberlainâs Men. Its patron was the Lord Chamberlain. As well as performing in theaters,the company gave private shows for students, noblemen, and even the Queen.