In Texas, football is more than a game-day event, it's a reason to explore. Catch the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, experience the traditions surrounding a college rivalry, or spend a Saturday among passionate fans in a college town. Then make the most of your time in town, from stadium tours and barbecue joints to live music venues, museums and wide-open landscapes. Whether you're planning a weekend around kickoff or extending a longer road trip, these Texas destinations offer plenty to discover between the big plays.

Big League Game Days in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston

For NFL fans, Texas offers two distinct game-day getaways, from the spectacle of a Dallas Cowboys game in Arlington to a Houston Texans matchup paired with the city’s celebrated dining, arts and nightlife scene

The Ultimate Cowboys Weekend

Kick off your Dallas Cowboys weekend at the Fort Worth Stockyards, where Western wear shops and bootmakers line the historic streets, and a Texas-style steak dinner sets the tone for the days ahead. Then, head to Arlington, home of the Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium. The stadium is an attraction in its own right, with a massive video board hanging above the field and a contemporary art collection throughout the concourses. Just north, The Star in Frisco serves as the team’s headquarters, where fans can explore Cowboys history and get a behind-the-scenes look at the team's training facilities on a guided tour.

On game day, the excitement builds in the plazas outside AT&T Stadium, where the Rhythm & Blue drumline and dancers get the crowd going before kickoff. Inside, the drumline keeps the energy up after every Cowboys score. After the game, Bottled in Bond in Frisco offers a cozy cocktail parlour and kitchen serving creative drinks alongside Southern-inspired American dishes.

Huddle Up in Houston

In Houston, the Houston Texans take the field at Reliant Stadium, where a retractable roof keeps game day comfortable in any weather. Before or after kickoff, Houston’s world-class dining scene turns a Sunday matchup into a full weekend getaway, from the international restaurants along Bellaire Boulevard to the city’s craft breweries.

Beyond the stadium, Houston offers plenty to explore. Spend time in the Museum District’s art and science museums, then head to Montrose for galleries, bars, and live music. With an extra day, head out to Galveston for a change of scenery along the Gulf Coast.

College Football Across Texas

The thrill shifts from the professional game to college campuses, where rivals, bands and traditions make football Saturdays are an experience all their own. Across Texas fans fill stadiums, gather for pregame festivities and bring generations of team loyalty to packed stadiums.

Longhorn Football Meets Austin Culture

In Austin, Longhorn football and live music make for an unforgettable weekend. The festivities start well before kickoff, with barbecue smokers working and fans gathering for a taste of Austin's game-day atmosphere.. On  game day, join the sea of burnt orange as fans gather along Bevo Boulevard for tailgating and live entertainment. Longhorn City Limits brings free concerts, while inside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, fans cheer while Bevo, the famous longhorn mascot, watches from the sidelines. Keep the excitement going at one of the legendary live music venues or slow things down with some Tex-Mex, stroll along Lady Bird Lake or browse the shops along South Congress Avenue.

Join the 12th Man in College Station

In College Station, Aggie traditions shape every part of game day. The night before home games, thousands of fans gather for Midnight Yell to practice the yells that will shake the stadium. On game day, campus fills with maroon as fans gather around Kyle Field, to take part in the Aggie’s famed  Texas A&M 12th Man tradition. At halftime, the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band takes the field for its precision drills. Before or after the game, join fellow fans in nearby Northgate, where cocktails, restaurants and live music add to the excitement of a football weekend.

Waco: Football, Rivers and Local Icons

In Waco, Baylor fans arrive by boat to tailgate along the Brazos River, a tradition known as sailgating that gives game day a riverside atmosphere unlike any other in the state. Keep the sports excitement going with a visit to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, where exhibits celebrate legendary Texas athletes and memorable moments in sports history. Once the game-day festivities wind down, round out your weekend with a visit to Magnolia Market at the Silos, and Waco's dining scene before calling it a night.

Lubbock: Red Raider Traditions and High Plains Wine

In the Panhandle Plains, Texas Tech brings game day excitement to Lubbock, where the Masked Rider charges across the field on a black horse to open each home game. Lubbock sits in the heart of the Texas High Plains, where most of the state's wine grapes are grown, making a local winery or tasting room a natural addition to your football weekend. Explore the city's musical roots at the Buddy Holly Center, then catch a live performance in the Depot Entertainment District. For an outdoor adventure, extend your trip with a visit to Caprock Canyons State Park, known for its rugged red rock formations, scenic hiking trails and roaming bison.

Catch the Red River Rivalry and More College Football Across Texas

Few matchups surpass the energy behind the Red River Rivalry, when Texas and Oklahoma meet each fall at the Cotton Bowl, where the stadium splits down the 50-yard line in burnt orange and crimson during the State Fair of Texas.

The college football spirit extends well beyond Dallas too – from Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, and Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, to teams across the state, San Antonio to El Paso, where loyal crowds make game day a reason to explore somewhere new.

Make Your Texas Football Trip a Weekend to Remember

The final whistle doesn’t have to mean the end of the excitement. Build a trip around the game, then leave room for a little Texas detour. Book a stadium tour, track down a favorite barbecue spot, catch a show or add an extra night to explore the surrounding region. Check the local events calendar and gameday details before you go, then start planning a football getaway that's as memorable beyond the stadium as it is in the stands.

Ready to plan your trip? Explore Texas destinations, find experiences near your stadium of choice and start building a football weekend that goes beyond the game.

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