The Lone Star State is big on sports. That might not be a surprise when it comes to football, but Texas is also home to multiple pro baseball, basketball and soccer franchises, and more powerhouse collegiate sports programs than we could list. This means there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favorite sports across the state, but even if you don’t see your sports obsession below, chances are it’s among the state’s offerings.
Let's Talk Baseball
Ready for a home run? The 2017 World Series champion Houston Astros bring MLB excitement to Minute Maid Park all season long. If you’re visiting during off-season, take a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, from historic Union Station and the broadcasting booth to a luxury suite, as well as the dugout and bullpen when available. In Arlington, Texas Rangers fans can enjoy a game during the regular season or, when the team is on the road, take a tour of Globe Life Park, featuring entertainment, dining, and shopping.
Baseball fans also have opportunities to enjoy major league-affiliated minor league teams, including an American Association of Professional Baseball team and two Pecos League teams. With all these teams in all these cities, there’s no excuse not to catch a game. You can sit back with a beer (or soda) and a dog in Frisco, Round Rock, Corpus Christi, Midland, El Paso, San Antonio, Cleburne, Sugar Land, Amarillo, Austin and Alpine. Bring a baseball glove maybe snag a homerun ball.
Basketball
If basketball is more your thing, you’re in luck as Texas has three NBA teams — the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs – plus three G League Teams (the Texas Legends, Austin Spurs and Rio Grande Valley Vipers). Texas is also home to the Dallas Wings of the WNBA, which is a proud part of the area’s thriving sports scene.
You’ll definitely want to check out a few games during the NBA regular season from mid-October to April, but don’t miss the chance to take a stadium tour during the off-season. Step foot right on the arena floor at the Toyota Center in Houston or the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. Check with each facility for details and reservations.
Football
And then of course, there’s football. Shows like Friday Night Lights weren’t exaggerating the state’s love of the game, from high school and college to the pros.
Texas fans are split between the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, but with the season running from September through January, there are ample opportunities to catch both teams in action. During the offseason, fans can tour the NRG Stadium in Houston to get a look behind the scenes. And if you’re in Dallas-Fort Worth area, The Dallas Cowboys World Corporate Headquarters at The Star in Frisco allows fans to tour the facility, including the indoor athletic field and Super Bowl memorabilia display. At AT&T Stadium in Arlington, tours include walking onto the field, where fans can take pictures on the massive star at the 50-yard line or throw a ball around and reenact unforgettable plays.
Texas football takes on a life of its own in the Lone Star State. No matter what time of year you’re visiting, there’s always a way to connect to the sport and your favorite teams.
Some Call It Soccer
Fans of the most popular sport worldwide will find MLS teams to root for in Austin, Dallas and Houston, which host preeminent football clubs. Cheer on FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco or catch a Houston Dynamo match at Shell Energy Stadium. Austin FC plays host at Q2 Stadium, but you’ll want to book your tickets early — the club has filled every seat since its founding in 2021.
Fanatics will feel right at home in stadiums full of passionate crowds rooting for their favorite clubs. But whether you already obsess over the game or are hoping to discover your true fan within, these teams are great to watch and easy to fall in love with.
It’s Not All About the Pros -The Rising Stars
As popular as professional football is in Texas, you might find even more passion in the state’s college football stadiums. Rivalries run deep among Longhorn and Aggie football supporters. Just remember the difference between “hook ‘em” and “gig ‘em” and you’ll fit right in with the crowd.
Beyond football, there’s ample opportunity to get behind exciting college teams all year round. For starters, catch Texas Longhorns basketball, Texas Tech football or Texas A&M baseball teams at work.
Sports and Beyond
Believe it or not, there’s still more competition to be enjoyed. Witness the speed of hockey in the NHL or watch how pros strike a golf ball in a high-stakes tournament. For more fun in the stands, get tickets to any of the state’s many motorsports events and redefine your perception of speed. Even if you can’t make it to a live event, you can discover plenty of sports history throughout the state. With museums and exhibits celebrating everything from the NBA to pro wrestling, you can relive some of the most thrilling moments in sports without breaking a sweat.
