BEHIND THE BANNER AUGUST 24
MEXTOUR: STORYLINES ABOUND IN MEXICO’S LATEST NORTH TEXAS STOP
BY: STEVE DAVIS
Mexico’s national soccer team touches down in North Texas once again on Sept. 10, and plenty of absorbing storylines are attached to the latest AT&T Stadium stop in the popular MexTour series. A rising Canadian men’s national team is the opposition for El Tri’s latest competitive visit to Arlington.
Beyond the usual excitement, the annual MexTour stirs – three matches in 2024 already have averaged over 65,000 in attendance – this one carries added meaning and importance for
all critical stakeholders. The Mexican and Canadian teams benefit from much-needed preparation opportunities under new or, in Canada’s case, relatively new management. And by hosting another marquee matchup, AT&T Stadium can continue to tighten its soccer operations ahead of the history-making total of nine FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
This will be the first soccer match at AT&T Stadium since its run of June games in 2024 Copa América. Tournament officials and
national soccer observers provided high marks for pitch quality and general venue operations over three matches, including a United States national team game in group play and a quarterfinal that saw Canada advance in the high-stakes tournament of North and South American nations.
Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director Monica Paul said large crowds and competitive, quality contests left everyone happy and excited for the high-profile matches ahead.
“AT&T Stadium received great compliments from coaches, players, and media for Copa America about the match presentation, how well the pitch performed and their overall experience here in North Texas,” she said. “We will continue to showcase North Texas and AT&T Stadium once again with this upcoming MexTour match as we move closer to 2026 World Cup matches.”
For Mexico’s beloved El Tri, its latest appearance in North Texas follows a Sept. 7 friendly against New Zealand in the Rose Bowl. The latest pair of Mexico matches, sure to be as highly scrutinized as any for the highly supported Selección, marks the initial gathering under new manager Javier Aguirre – or at least an initial gathering on his latest go-round in charge. Aguirre, now 65 years old, has taken charge twice before, both in rescue missions of flagging FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Aguirre’s third run in charge was made official in late July as he replaced Jaime Lozano, who was forced from the position after Mexico’s painful and unexpected Copa America group stage exit. The plan this time is for Aguirre to keep the position through the 2026 FIFA World Cup,
then pass the important position to hand-picked assistant Rafa Marquez, a legendary Mexican defender who retired as a player in 2018. The idea from there: Marquez will retain the position through World Cup 2030, hoping to create some stabilizing continuity within a program that seriallychews through managers, 18 of them since 1999.
“There’s a project, there’s an important foundation, a project until 2030,” Aguirre said at his introductory news conference in late July. “I’m very excited, I’m very excited to see that things are being done well, to see that things are becoming more professional. … We are already thinking about six years from now, it’s fantastic.”
The match is also critical in FIFA World Cup prep, and not just because it’s Aguirre’s first chance to begin shaping and assessing talent from the current cycle. Because the ‘26 World Cup will be held across venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the trio of host nations receive automatic berths into the newly enlarged 48-team field. As such, they won’t reap the typical benefit of a qualifying process that serves to identify leaders, fortify team unity, and help managers pinpoint player roles ahead of the quadrennial World Cup tournament. So Aguirre and his staff must lean heavily on the sparse schedule of friendlies like the one against Canada (along with a couple of lower-profile tournaments) to get things together ahead of a pressure-packed 2026.
Importantly, Mexico’s best talent should be available; because the dates fall during official FIFA international windows, clubs across the world are required to release players to their national teams. While nothing is guaranteed,
popular standouts left off the recent Copa America roster (goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and striker Hirving “Chucky” Lozano most notably) should be available for potential selection.
As many fans know, MexTour is more than just a series of soccer matches; it’s a vibrant cultural experience that brings the lively spirit of Mexico to cities across the United States. Each stop on the MexTour calendar transforms into a lively celebration of Mexican heritage, where fans and the Dallas community can immerse themselves in a rich mix of music, food, and entertainment, extending well beyond the pitch.
Building on this cultural immersion, the Copa Kin Read to Win Challenge, held alongside the MexTour soccer events, exemplifies how the tour integrates with local communities. This initiative promotes literacy by encouraging local students to engage in reading tasks, log their hours, and earn rewards, blending educational development with the excitement of
international soccer. This challenge reflects MexTour’s broader commitment to positively impacting Dallas schools through the synergy of sports and education.
Further enriching the experience, MexTour Live offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy live performances by popular Mexican artists and bands, such as Grupo Duelo, who will be performing at the Annette Strauss Square in Dallas September 8th. These festivals create a communal space where fans can celebrate Mexican culture, share in the collective joy, and make lasting memories. By seamlessly weaving these cultural elements into the event, MexTour becomes a holistic experience that captures the essence of Mexican pride and passion, making it an unmissable event for both soccer enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.
• Match Tickets Here
• MexTour Live Tickets Here
DFW OLYMPIANS IMPRESS IN PARIS
BY: JENNIFER SIMONSON
Dallas/Fort Worth isn’t just known for southern hospitality and barbecue—it’s also the birthplace of some serious Olympic talent. This summer, our local athletes hit the ground running (and swimming, and flipping) in Paris, and they didn’t just show up—they showed out! From clutching medals to making us all proud, these DFW Olympians reminded the world that everything really is bigger and better in Texas.
The world may know her as the fastest woman alive, but to us, she’s our hometown hero with style. Sha’Carri Richardson made a stunning Olympics debut, winning a silver medal in the 100m and gold in the 4x100m relay.
Sha’Carri Richardson has often spoken about her deep love and connection to her hometown of Dallas. She frequently credits the city and its community for shaping her into the athlete she is today. The city loves her right back.
In 2023, her alma mater Carter High School in South Dallas honored her by naming the track at Kincade Stadium after her.
“This is one of those full-circle moments, being able to stand in the stadium in my hometown, where I basically started my career, and feel my city showing me that love,” Richardson said in a press conference to mark the unveiling.
Not only does the Dallas area boast the fastest woman in the world, but we are also home to the fastest male sports climber. Sam Watson from Southlake broke the record for sports climbing during the men’s qualification round when he ascended the wall in 4.75 seconds. This time was 0.04 seconds faster than the world record he had set back in April. The 18-year-old began his climbing career with Team Texas where he competed in bouldering and speed climbing from a young age.
“I loved the people I met through climbing. There is such a great community of people here in DFW,” he said in an interview with Southlake’s Mayor Shawn McCaskill.
Another Dallas Olympian, Teal Cohen, attributes her perseverance in rowing to the strong support of the local rowing community.
Cohen, who began her rowing career while attending Hockaday, reflects on her journey:
“I had a rather humble start in rowing. I did not experience much success early on. I don’t have the insane genetics that so many rowers have at this level, but I do have the work ethic, and that is what matters,” she said. “The Dallas rowing community saw that in me and supported me every step of the way. I am so thankful for the local rowing clubs and Hockaday for all the support these past few years. To represent where it all began is truly a dream come true.”
Cohen’s tenacity in rowing truly paid off. After graduating from Hockaday in 2017, she continued her rowing career at the University of Washington, where she became a decorated NCAA athlete. This dedication ultimately led her to compete in the 2024 Olympics.
“To represent Dallas/Fort Worth on the global stage was a surreal experience, she said. “I felt like the whole city was behind me in the lead up to the Games and the support and words of encouragement I was getting from people in Dallas was unmatched.
All and all, more than 20 athletes from the Dallas/Fort Worth area competed in the Paris the Olympics this summer. Whether or not they earned medals, their achievements have undoubtedly made us proud and encouraged the next generation of Dallasites to aim high and pursue their passions.
Sports aren’t just a pastime here—they’re a way of life, and our Olympians are living proof. From the iconic Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and Dallas Mavericks to the rising stars of soccer and cricket in Frisco, this region is buzzing with athletic energy. But it’s
not just about the big leagues; local teams, high school games, and community events keep the spirit alive and kicking. Whether they’re competing on the global stage or right here at home, our athletes remind us that sports are a celebration of community, passion, and a love for competition that runs deep in every neighborhood across the metroplex. When our Olympians, like Sha’Carri Richardson, Sam Watson, and Teal Cohen, bring that spirit to the world stage, they carry the pride of Dallas-Fort Worth with them.
Olympic Placement:
UPCOMING EVENTS
MEXTOUR : MEXICO VS CANADA
SEPTEMBER 10
AT&T STADIUM
STATE FAIR CLASSIC
SEPTEMBER 28
COTTON BOWL STADIUM
RED RIVER RIVALRY
OCTOBER 12
COTTON BOWL STADIUM
UNITED PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION WORLD PICKLEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
NOVEMBER 3 - 10
BROOKHAVEN COUNTRY CLUB
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
• State Fair Classic. Sign Up Here
WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE FIRST TIME? SIGN UP IN OUR VOLUNTEER PORTAL, ROSTERFY!
Julie Menhart
LIV GOLF MAKES ITS DALLAS DEBUT!
LIV Golf is officially bringing its excitement to North Texas with the 2024 Team Championship at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton this September. Get ready for an unforgettable experience with exclusive hospitality packages! For the ultimate experience, consider the limited LIV Premium All-Access Hospitality passes. Take advantage of special ticket offers: complimentary access for youths 12 and under, free tickets for military and veterans, and 25% off for college students, teachers, first responders, and medical professionals.
AFTER SCHOOL ALL-STARS NORTH TEXAS
The After-School All-Stars (ASAS) North Texas chapter provides comprehensive after-school programs to support underprivileged youth in academic, physical, and social development. With a mission to help students succeed in school and life, ASAS serves 1,961 students across 20 sites within the North Texas region. The organization is led by Executive Director Justin Hensley, who brings over 15 years of experience in youth development, including leadership roles
at Dallas Afterschool and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. His deep commitment to improving the lives of Dallas youth is reflected in the innovative and impactful after-school programs that ASAS offers.
Sports play a vibrant and dynamic role at ASAS, where students dive into a variety of activities like basketball, soccer, and track, as well as newer additions like flag football and dance. These programs are not just about breaking a sweat; they are about
building character, fostering friendships, and creating lifelong memories. Beyond the fun and games, these sports initiatives are carefully designed to instill valuable life lessons. Through the ups and downs of competition, students learn the importance of grit, resilience, and the power of setting and achieving goals. Whether it’s the discipline required to improve a certain skill, or the teamwork needed to execute a perfect play, these young athletes are developing life skills that will serve them well beyond the sidelines. And it’s not just about winning at ASAS—it’s about the camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the personal growth that comes from teamwork, sports, and fitness.
In addition to fostering teamwork and discipline, ASAS provides access to sports that might otherwise be out of reach for these students due to economic barriers. By offering a safe, structured, and supportive environment, the program ensures that every student has the opportunity to experience the joy of sports, regardless of their background.
Recognizing that physical development is just one part of a well-rounded education, ASAS also places a strong emphasis on STEM education, preparing students for the future. The program offers a wide array of STEM-focused activities, including coding, robotics, and environmental science. These hands-on experiences allow students to explore complex concepts in a fun and engaging way. By participating in projects such as building robots or conducting
science experiments, students not only gain technical skills but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
The inclusivity of the STEM program is another key aspect of ASAS’s mission. Ensuring that all students can explore these fields is central to the program’s design. With guidance from experienced educators and mentors, students are encouraged to pursue their interests in technology and science, potentially setting the stage for future careers in these industries.
Through its diverse offerings, ASAS North Texas stands as a tremendous opportunity for youth, offering programs that not only support academic achievement but also promote physical health, life skills, and technological literacy. Under the leadership of Justin Hensley and his team the organization continues to make a lasting impact on the North Texas community by equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.
Through their focus on sports and STEM, ASAS is shaping the next generation of leaders, athletes, innovators, and change-makers.
For more information about ASAS North Texas, or if you want to make a difference and become a program leader visit their official website here.
