The Lone Star State is big on sports. That might not be a surprise when it comes to football, but in addition to Texas’ two NFL teams and countless college teams, the state is also home to multiple pro baseball and basketball franchises and more powerhouse collegiate sports programs than we could list. This means there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favorite sports in venues across the state, but even if you don’t see your sports obsession below, chances are it’s among the state’s offerings.

BASEBALL

Ready for a home run? The 2017 World Series champion Houston Astros brings 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, a restaurant and shopping.  

Baseball fans also have opportunities to enjoy major league-affiliated minor league teams, two American Association of Independent Professional Baseball teams and a Pecos League team. 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 and Alpine.

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. It’s a great way to escape the heat, and you can step foot right on the stadium floor. Check with the facilities 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. Cowboys fans also have two ways to go behind the scenes. 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 some classic plays. Texans fans can take a similar tour of NRG Stadium in Houston, minus the opportunity to run around on the field (bummer, we know).

And don’t forget about college football. If you’re in College Station or Austin on game day, you can expect to see fans of all levels around town. And you don’t have to be a dedicated Aggies or Longhorns fan to jump in on the cheering action. Just make sure you know the difference between “hook ‘em” and “gig ‘em” if you want to fit in with the crowd.

Even if you can’t make it to a game, you can find 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.  

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