Spectator Sports
People coming to the Dallas–Fort Worth area from places that don’t have a big sports-fan base may be utterly shocked at the fanaticism thriving here. It’s about more than going to games; every sporting event seems to serve as the cause for a major party. Naturally, football is king, thanks to the wealth of good high school football (check out Friday night games at Highland Park High School, Carter High School, and Plano High School in the Dallas area and Trinity Bell High School and Southlake Carroll High School in the Fort Worth area) but also due to the worldwide popularity of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys weren’t especially successful when they first got going in the early 1960s, but since Don Meredith got things rolling, they’ve been perennial favorites. In fact, the sun has risen and set on America’s Team for decades now, and expectations are particularly high with the ‘Boys playing in a new billion-dollar stadium, which opened in Arlington in 2009 and will serve as host for the North Texas Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Adding to the local sports scene excitement are the Dallas Mavericks, the NBA team owned by colorful billionaire Mark Cuban, and the Texas Rangers, the baseball team for which Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan serves as president. Whatever your sport, you can find a team to watch here.
City: Dallas, TX
Category: Spectator Sports
2. Dallas Mavericks
City: Dallas, TX
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (214) 221-8326, (214) 747-MAVS
Address: 2500 Victory Ave.
Description: Established in 1971, this NBA team has gained respect in recent years with frequent playoff appearances. The Mavs broke fans’ hearts in the 2006 NBA finals, losing to the Miami Heat. Games are extremely exciting, and not just for the NBA action; the sexy Mavs Dancers attract at least as much attention. And you can always watch Mavs’ lively owner, billionaire Mark Cuban, too, who can be counted on to be yelling about a ref’s call or just cheering for his team. Crowd celebs frequently include the Cowboys’ Tony Romo, and you may even see Hollywood visitors, such as George Clooney, who has had the occasional business deal with Cuban. There’s always a party on Victory Plaza, in front of the Double A-C, before the game begins. Tickets are expensive.
3. Dallas Stars
City: Dallas, TX
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (214) 221-8326
Address: 2500 Victory Ave.
Description: A popular team in the NHL, the Stars bring a world of excitement to the ice and a special brand of thrills to a part of the country where hockey wasn’t always available. Locals have taken to the sport in a huge way, and transplants from the Midwest and northern reaches of the country are delighted to find their favorite pastime close at hand. Tickets are expensive.
4. Smu Athletics
City: Dallas, TX
Category: Spectator Sports
Description: In Dallas, Southern Methodist University athletics include football, men and women’s basketball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, rowing, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
5. Tcu Athletics
City: Dallas, TX
Category: Spectator Sports
Description: In Fort Worth, Texas Christian University men’s athletics include football and baseball (both of these Horned Frogs’ teams have been nationally ranked in recent years), basketball, cross-country, track and field, tennis, golf, and swimming and diving. Women’s sports include golf, track and field, basketball, tennis, cross-country, equestrian, rifle, soccer, swimming and diving, and volleyball.