The Best Sports Teams to Visit in Texas
There are so many reasons to visit Texas, with its 600 miles of coastal beaches, great food, unique cities and the world-famous Houston Space Center. But if you love sports, then the Lone Star State is a must-visit for every sports fan out there.
Boasting two NFL teams, three NBA teams, two MLB teams, two MLS teams and the Dallas Stars ice hockey team— not to mention a collection of impressive college teams—Texas loves its sports. But with so many great teams and amazing stadiums out there to experience, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve picked out the best teams to visit during your time in Texas.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys and the Houston Texans are both great NFL teams, but if you have to pick one, then it’s the five-time Super Bowl champions Dallas that have to be on your list. Playing at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the Cowboys’ impressive stadium is the largest stadium in the NFL with a capacity of up to 100,000 seats.
Formed in 1960, the Cowboys were the first NFL team to win three Super Bowls in four years, thanks to victories in the 1992, 1993 and 1995 seasons. They are also the first and only NFL team to post 20 consecutive winning seasons, a feat they achieved between 1966–1985.
The Cowboys haven’t been to the Super Bowl since their victory in 1996, but they installed former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy as their new head coach back in 2020, and hopes are high that the 2011 Super Bowl-winning coach can turn things around. With QB Dak Prescott fit and in form at the start of the 2021 campaign, optimism is high in Dallas that the Cowboys might just have a shot this season.
Dallas Mavericks
If Basketball is more your thing, then you’re in luck because Texas has three NBA teams to choose from, including the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs. But the Mavs are our pick for when you’re in town.
Playing their home games at the 20,000-capacity American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas, the Mavs are a great day out for sports fans young and old, with a fantastic atmosphere at every home game thanks to a record run of sellout crowds.
Founded in 1980, the Mavericks won their one and only championship back in 2011, but after clinching the Southwest Division last season for the first time since 2010, and despite a subsequent play-off defeat to the Clippers, optimism has returned. Following the resignation of long-time head coach Rick Carlisle, the Mavericks installed former player and 10-time NBA All-Star Jason Kidd.
With the 2018-2019 rookie of the year Luka Dončić on their roster, Mavs fans’ optimism is well-founded. The Slovenian’s value to the team was underlined back in August when he signed a new five-year, $207 million rookie extension, the largest in NBA history.
While the Lakers, Nets and the Bucks feature heavily among the favorites in this year’s NBA odds, the Mavericks have a great outside chance, with Luka Dončić tipped by many to have an MVP season.
Texas Rangers
The Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers are the state’s two MLB teams, but thanks to their incredible new stadium, we’d recommend heading over to watch the Texas Rangers at the $1.1 billion Globe Life Field in Arlington. Featuring a retractable roof and a guaranteed temp of 72 degrees, the stadium includes a shopping mall and hotel, as well as being part of the huge Texas Live! entertainment complex, a one-stop shop for food, music and sports.
The Rangers were founded in 1972 and are yet to win the World Series, despite seven West Division titles to their name. This season is going to be a rebuild for the Rangers, after coming off the club’s first 100-loss season in 50 years. The club has admitted they are looking to bring players through internally and by free agency, but with so many positions in need of strengthening, the Texas Rangers won’t be dreaming of the World Series for a while yet. Thankfully, their new stadium offers plenty of attractions and a great day out, no matter what.
FC Dallas
Soccer is one the biggest sports in the world and while it may not have hit those heights in Texas yet, its popularity continues to grow. Located in Frisco, about a half-hour north of Dallas, the Toyota Stadium is home to FC Dallas, our pick when it comes to a great soccer experience, thanks in part to it being the site of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
So, if you’ve never been to a soccer game before, the museum is a great way to learn all about the game and its history before you take your seat and watch the match. With exciting young players such as Jesus Ferreira, Justin Che and Ricardo Pepi to look out for, it’s well worth a visit.
No matter which sport or team you decide to visit during your time in Texas, you’re going to enjoy great food, wonderful hospitality and a competitive experience you’ll never forget.
