Whether you live in the city or are visiting for work, be sure to carve out a little time to explore 12 things to do in Dallas if you are a sports fan. As one of the largest cities in the United States, Dallas has more claim to fame than just the 1970’s soap opera TV series. It is also home to five professional sports teams and a wide variety of amateur sports opportunities.

When you are fortunate enough to have a business trip take you close to Dallas during the day, leave time for a sports adventure or two on a weekday evening or the weekend. To make the transition easier, talk to a professional corporate housing company about setting you up with just the right lodging for close proximity to work and your favorite sporting event.

12 Things to Do in Dallas If You Are a Sports Fan

One of the best things about traveling to Dallas for business is that the city is so large that there are activities happening in almost every direction. Regardless of where work takes you there is likely some type of sporting event happening nearby. There are sports events to watch and some to play, whether you are a hardcore fan or are just looking for a way to pass the time. Do not miss out on these 12 things to do in Dallas if you are a sports fan:

1. Hockey with the Dallas Stars. The National Hockey League typically plays from October through April with their home games being at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The arena is one of the top ones in the country and features more than eighteen thousand seats for hockey games. Buy your tickets early to catch a seat closer to the rink action and penalty boxes. Hockey games are fast paced and offer plenty of excitement from start to finish, so time your trips to concessions accordingly.
2. Basketball with the Dallas Mavericks. If the basketball court is one of your happy places and your business trip coincides with the Dallas Mavericks’ season, head out to American Airlines Center to see a game. Basketball season typically runs from October through April. The team may have as many three home games in one week depending on their schedule, but tickets should be purchased in advance of the game to get close enough to the court to feel the wind created when the players run by.
3. Football with the Dallas Cowboys. Whether you are a fan of the Dallas Cowboys or another NFL team, most enjoy a visit to AT&T Stadium, also known as Jerry World, as it is named after team owner Jerry Jones. The stadium is one of the largest in the country, features a giant big screen tv, and can seat close to 100,000 people. The team plays during the NFL season which lasts from August or September to January or February, depending on how well the team does.
4. Baseball with the Texas Rangers. For those that love their hot dogs and popcorn while watching their team steal the bases and hit homeruns, catching a game at Globe Life Field is a great way to spend an evening. The ballpark is a gorgeous outdoor facility that can be perfect on a cool spring night. Baseball legend Nolan Ryan was once a player and CEO for the team but has since retired. Check the Texas Rangers’ schedule for a home series while you are in town on business and join thousands of other fans in a live rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
5. Soccer with FC Dallas. If soccer is your sport of choice, just a half hour from Dallas in Frisco is the soccer club FC Dallas. The team plays at Toyota Stadium from March through October. It is the place to catch Major League Soccer, international soccer, and even visit the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The latter offers chances to enjoy a state-of-the-art interactive experience designed to impress hard core soccer fans and newbies alike.
6. Topgolf. Whether you are a pro wanting to perfect your golf swing or you just want to hit some golf balls with co-workers or friends, Topgolf can be a great option for golfers of any skill level. Regardless of if your visit is in the heat of summer or the chill of winter, the facility does its best to make patrons feel comfortable with climate-controlled hitting bays. When waiting your turn at the tee off box, relax and watch the HDTVs in each bay and enjoy food and drinks from the onsite restaurant and sports bar. If your skill set also includes baseball, stop by one of the facility’s batting cages and create a home run derby of your own.
7. Cedar Crest Golf Course. This gorgeous course was once the home of the 1927 PGA Championship and is still a favorite with golfers today. The area is popular not just for its famed history, but also for its beautiful landscape which includes tree-lined fairways, rolling greens, and even greenside bunkers. If you are a seasoned golfer, arrange a tee-time to hit the links straight away. If you could benefit from a little instruction, see if the golf professionals there have any openings.
8. Tenison Highlands Golf Course and Tenison Glen Golf Course. In an area of Dallas called Tenison Park, golfers may want to check out the Tenison Highlands course and the Tenison Glen course, both of which are eighteen holes. This is one of the most popular golfing clubs in Dallas, so make your tee-time reservations early. Players can enjoy a practice facility, golf shop, and a café when the time allows.
9. State Fair of Texas. Since the year 1886 the State Fair of Texas has been a staple for Texans. Although it is not technically a sporting event, the fair offers patrons a wide variety of carnival games sure to test your athletic prowess. The State Fair usually takes place in late September through mid to late October each year. One of the upsides of testing your sports skills here is that you can also enjoy listening to live music, seeing the livestock, and tasting some seriously exciting foods like fried butter, beer, fried Oreos, and more!
10. Mesquite Championship Rodeo. About fifteen minutes east of Dallas is the town of Mesquite, which is often referred to as the Rodeo Capital of Texas. This is where the Mesquite Championship Rodeo takes place on Saturdays in June, July, and August. Get your fill of delicious Texas barbeque while watching some intense bull riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, and barrel racing, among other exciting events. This is an authentic Texas experience you will not soon forget.
11. SMU Sports. Just north of the very heart of Dallas is the college campus of SMU, or Southern Methodist University. The grounds are beautiful and worth a tour before catching one of the school’s games. Whether it is football, basketball, soccer, swimming, or even track and field, SMU sports can be a great way to take in some local games while you are in town.
12. White Rock Lake Paddling and Hiking. This stunning lake just northeast of downtown is more than one thousand acres and is a favorite nature respite for those in the city. The park features trails for hiking and biking, and features opportunities for boating and kayaking. Do not forget to pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the park’s picnic tables when you are finished exploring the great outdoors. White Rock Lake also features a dog park if you want to stretch your legs with your favorite furry friend.

With these 12 things to do in Dallas if you are a sports fan, a vacation or business trip to north Texas should be a treat. And since some of the best deals are made on the links or while taking in a game, you might even be able to mix business with pleasure.