Ta b l e o f
Content Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
PG. 04-05
Halftime Report A Look Back at the Dallas Sports Commission’s First Half of 2025
PG. 06-07
Flagg Captured A New Era Begins for the Mavericks
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Pros at Home
PG. 09
Latest from the Commission
PG. 10
Upcoming Events
PG. 11
Vo l u n t e e r V i c t o r i e s - M e x To u r
PG. 12-13
Community Champion The Gonzales Family: Meet the Heart & Soul Behind DeSoto BMX
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s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
HALFTIME REPORT
A LOOK BACK AT THE DALLAS SPORTS COMMISSION’S FIRST HALF OF 2025 By: Alex Gilbert
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport The first six months of 2025 have been fast and furious for the Dallas Sports Commission (DSC) team, showing once again Dallas’s status as a sports capital and the DSC’s goal to be a stimulant for the community. From hosting high-profile tournaments and dynamic festivals to preparing for the planet’s biggest sporting event and celebrating champions, the DSC’s efforts are creating impact. Through hosted events, the Dallas Sports Commission led the charge for a wide array of sporting events, welcoming thousands of athletes, fans, and families to the metroplex. January kicked off with major football action, including the ServPro First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium with a record-breaking broadcast viewership, followed by the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic which drew a crowd of over 74,000 as one of the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Dallas, with signature events like the NCA All-Star National Championship, the adidas Lone Star Classic, the VEX Robotics World Championship and the internationally acclaimed Dallas Cup bringing unbeatable excitement and creating tens of thousands of hotel room nights for the region. Dallas’s venues also buzzed with action with dance competitions, fencing tournaments, the Concacaf Gold Cup, and groundbreaking esports festivals such as Dreamhack. The DSC launched a first-time event, the Global Sports Business Summit, in partnership with SMU to bring together sports professionals throughout the metroplex. With hundreds of attendees from every sector of sport, the one-day conference was a testament to how invested the DFW metroplex is in maintaining our premier sports destination status. Anticipation for 2026 continued to crescendo throughout the first half of the year as Dallas ramps up for the historic FIFA World Cup 26™. The city made headlines as the KBHCCD was officially named the International Broadcast Centre – the global operations hub that will host international broadcast professionals as they deliver tournament coverage to billions around the world. With Dallas’s central location and world-class hospitality, the announcement reinforces Dallas’s reputation as a premier destination for any kind of traveler.
The downtown Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) bustled with youth talent starting in January, hosting the NCA High School Nationals and the Texas Fest volleyball showdown. More youth events continued through the spring in
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Additional excitement continued through the launch of the official Dallas Sonic ID, a unique musical signature created by Grammy-winning producer Tre Nagella, and the unveiling of the stunning Host City Poster by local artist Matt Cliff.
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
These creative projects will ensure the world will experience both the global game and the bold identity of Dallas throughout 2026. With the official “One Year to Go” milestone celebrated in June, community leaders Dan Hunt and Nina Vaca were introduced as co-chairs of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, symbolizing the region’s readiness, unity, and vision for hosting a historic nine matches. While planning for 2026 advances, the DSC also remains committed to local impact in other ways. The annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee saw its top three finishers – Faizan Zaki, Avishka Dudala, and Shreyansh Zadoo – travel to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, with Faizan capturing the national title in a dramatic, history-making performance. His journey was cheered by a region that understands the value of perseverance. The Mayor’s Youth Sports Ticket Program also celebrated major milestones in 2025. More than 7,500 tickets were distributed in just the first half of 2025 – opening arena doors and exclusive experiences to local youth. The total program impact is now totaled at over 17,000 ticket offerings for more than 1,500 participants since the 2022 launch. To sustain the DSC’s continued upward trajectory, the team welcomed three new full-time staff members. Hannah Cameron, Event Manager, brings expertise from Legends Hospitality and high-profile venues like AT&T Stadium and SoFi Stadium; Stevie Bays, Office & Administration Coordinator, offers
deep experience in hospitality and Fortune 500 settings; and Andrew Lawrence, Director of Business Development, joins the team as one of Destinations International’s “30 Under 30” honorees. As the Dallas Sports Commission reflects on the start to 2025, one thing is clear – these achievements aren’t possible without the support and spirit of the Dallas community. From enthusiastic fans who fill the stands, to volunteers who lend their time and energy, to local partners and organizations who share our vision, it’s the people of Dallas who drive our success.
Check out all our stellar events from JanuaryJune of 2025 on our Event Resume HERE See what’s coming next by checking out all of DSC’s upcoming events HERE Get involved with the Dallas Sports Commission by registering to volunteer HERE See if the youth in your life qualify for the Mayor’s Youth Sports Ticket Program HERE Keep a pulse on all things FIFA World Cup 26™ HERE
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FLAGG CAPTURED
A NEW ERA BEGINS FOR THE MAVERICKS By: Ben Harbuck
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
Photo credits: Dallas Mavericks
When the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Dončić in early February, it marked the end of one era and the beginning of something entirely new. It was a moment that demanded clarity and conviction in the plan ahead. For a franchise accustomed to evolving around a singular superstar, the move created space for a different kind of blueprint; one focused on growth, depth, defense, and sustainable success. Despite the conviction from the front office and ownership, Mavs fans remained very skeptical after parting ways with their beloved superstar. The major turning point came in May, when Dallas landed the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With only a 1.8 percent chance, the lottery win gave the Mavericks a rare opportunity to retool with a player who could anchor their future. On draft night, inside a packed American Airlines Center, MFFLs watched as their team
6 | Flagg Captured
selected Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Duke widely regarded as one of the most complete prospects in recent memory. The reaction from fans said it all. Cheers filled the arena, and lines quickly formed at the team store as thousands raced to buy his jersey. That night, Flagg became more than just a top pick. He became a symbol of a new chapter, one embraced by a fan base that, not long ago, was teetering and losing hope. Flagg brings a well-rounded skill set that fits the modern game. He’s an elite two-way player with instincts beyond his age, combining size, effort, and athleticism in ways that impact winning. But perhaps the most exciting thing about Flagg is how naturally he fits into the broader vision of Dallas. He doesn’t need the spotlight to be effective. He plays with passion, brings out the best in his teammates, and shows a calm command that affects both ends of the floor.
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
Head coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s readiness and demeanor after Draft Night. “He’s really mature. He plays both ends hard. Offensively, he can score and pass. He has a high IQ defensively. Just a great young man. I’m lucky to be his coach” (Duke Basketball Report, 2025).
stepping into a veteran locker room, he shared, “I just feel really blessed and grateful for the situation I’ve been given … those guys have so much knowledge … it’s going to be an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow under them.” (ESPN, MacMahon, 2025)
That demeanor is already helping shape the new identity of this Mavericks team, competitive, balanced, and united. And unlike most number one overall picks, he won’t have to bear the weight of a franchise alone.
Around that core, is a lineup designed to stretch the floor and complement Flagg’s talent. Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell add proven shooting, while P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall provide wing versatility on both ends. This isn’t your traditional 1st overall pick rebuild. It’s a retool, built on depth, experience, and a clear plan for development.
“Looking at the roster, we can play a really good brand of positionless basketball with a lot of guys that can do a lot of different things,” Flagg stated. “For me, just trying to play to that ... doing whatever I can to help the team win.” Flagg steps into a locker room filled with veteran talent, starting with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Irving, currently rehabbing from a knee injury, recently signed a new deal to stay in Dallas for the long haul. His decision reflects a belief in the front office and a desire to help lead the Mavs into this next chapter. Davis, meanwhile, gives the Mavericks a steady interior presence, capable of anchoring the defense and creating mismatches on offense. His impact, alongside the rim protection of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, gives Dallas one of the most imposing frontcourts in the league. At his introductory press conference, Flagg emphasized how grateful and prepared he feels
The Mavericks have always been one of the NBA’s most ambitious franchises, and this new chapter reflects that same commitment to their competitive standard. Dallas has long been a top-tier sports destination, and the addition of a high-profile draft pick like Flagg only enhances that reputation. From bigger crowds and increased media attention to national broadcasts and fan tourism, the Flagg effect will be felt well beyond the hardwood. This draft was never just about replacing the star the Mavs lost. It was about reimagining what the future could look like. And now, with Flagg Captured, that future is taking shape. For info on Mavs season tickets Click Here
Flagg Captured |
PROS AT HOME IN
AUGUST
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THE COMMISSION
Kristen Pimentel joined the team this month as our newest events intern! A recent graduate from The University of Texas at Arlington with a B.B.A. in Marketing & Management, Kristen earned a certification in Managing Diversity & Inclusion in Organizations. She brings a strong passion for community engagement, shaped by her two years on the Fan Engagement team at FC Dallas and her recent experience as a Concert Production Intern at the San Antonio Rodeo. Welcome Kristen!
Firefighter Challenge World Championship This October, hundreds of the world’s most talented first responders will compete in the Firefigher Challenge World Championship, an intense series of individual and team events meant to test physical strength, excellence in firefighting skills, and competitors’ resolve. The competiton runs from October 20th-25th at Dallas College’s Brookhaven campus in Farmers Branch. The entire week is free for the public to attend, and local firefighters and trainees can register to compete through the Firefighter Challenge website. For more information, including registration details, visit firefighterchallenge.com REGISTER TODAY!
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Upcoming events 10 | Upcoming Events
NORTH TEXAS ROUNDUP 2025 - FENCING AUGUST 30 - SPETEMBER 1 DALLAS MARKET HALL
STATE FAIR CLASSIC 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SEPTEMBER 27 COTTON BOWL STADIUM
NATIONAL POWER LIFTING LEAGUE - NATIONALS OCTOBER 3 - 5 CROWNE PLAZA DOWNTOWN
UDMA DANCE TEACHER RESOURCE EXPO OCTOBER 4-5 DALLAS MARKET CENTER
RED RIVER RIVALRY: TEXAS VS OKLAHOMA OCTOBER 11 COTTON BOWL STADIUM
MEXTOUR: MEXICO VS COLOMBIA OCTOBER 11 AT&T STADIUM
CCM DALLAS 200X85 HOCKEY
OCTOBER 11-13 CHILDREN’S HEALTH STARCENTERS & COMERICA CENTER
FIRE FIGHTER CHALLENGE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OCTOBER 20-25 DALLAS COLLEGE: BROOKHAVEN CAMPUS.
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: •
American Junior Golf Association: C.T. Pan Foundation Junior Championship
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Firefighter Challenge World Championship
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Mextour Tickets Available The 2025 Gold Cup and Nations League champion Mexico returns to AT&T Stadium this October for a high-stakes international showdown against 2024 Copa America finalist Colombia. Set for Saturday, October 11, this top 20 matchup will bring two of the world’s most passionate fan bases together for an unforgettable night of fútbol. Fans can look forward to a week of festivities across the metroplex, kicking off with the annual MexTour Live concert presented by Gillette on Wednesday, October 8. The concert and venue will be announced soon. Tickets for Mexico vs Colombia are on sale now.
Learn Where to Purchase Tickets
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THE GONZALES FAMILY: MEET THE HEART & SOUL BEHIND DESOTO BMX By: Ben Harbuck
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
Bobby and Crystal Gonzales have brought new life to the DeSoto BMX Track with their passion for the sport and commitment to their community. Their journey into BMX began much like many others, through their children. But it’s what they’ve done since then that has made all the difference, transforming the track into a welcoming space where kids and families come together, have fun, and thrive. “Before the track closed down, we were there four to five days a week,” Bobby recalls. “Our son, who’s on the autism spectrum, thrives on routine and structure. BMX was his thing, and when the track shut down, it was hard on him. But when it reopened, we knew we had to step in and keep it going. We just decided, why not jump in and figure it out?”
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What started as a simple desire to keep BMX alive for their kids quickly became a mission to improve the track and the lives of the people who used it. Bobby and Crystal’s commitment runs deep. While Bobby manages the relationships with coaches, families, and the physical upkeep of the track, Crystal works tirelessly behind the scenes, handling membership, scheduling, practice and race logistics, and communication with families and volunteers. “The track is about more than just riding,” Bobby says. “It’s like golf. You can start at any age and enjoy it, even if you’re not a pro. We have riders of all ages. We’ve had people in their 70s out there, racing and having fun.” He chuckles as he mentions Miss Kittie, a 74-year-old racer who still competes at national events. “It’s proof that BMX is for everyone.”
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
But the most rewarding part of running the track is watching young riders grow—both as athletes and individuals. “It’s watching kids overcome their fears,” Crystal adds. “We’ve seen them go from crying, ‘I don’t want to do this,’ to saying, ‘I don’t want to get off the track.’ When you see that kind of growth, it’s amazing.” DeSoto BMX is more than a training ground. It’s a space for families to bond and connect. “BMX is unique in that a two-year-old can race alongside a 13-year-old,” Bobby says. “It’s a great community, and everyone is there to support each other.” Since taking over, Bobby and Crystal have focused on growing that sense of community, fostering an environment where families feel welcome and kids can learn at their own pace. “We remind everyone that BMX is about having fun,” Bobby explains. They’ve also made it a priority to break down barriers for new families. “The best way to remind people is that their first time out is free,” Crystal explains. “Thanks to USA BMX, we can offer that no-cost introduction. All they need is a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a willingness to try. We even provide free loaner bikes and helmets.” That accessibility has helped the track continue to grow. In just over a year, Bobby and Crystal have hosted hundreds of races, including several major events such as state qualifiers, state finals, and national qualifiers. These events regularly bring riders and their families to the Dallas area for an entire weekend. It’s a valuable, though often underappreciated, contribution to the local
economy. As more races and events take place, the track has the potential to boost tourism and draw BMX enthusiasts to the city, helping to further establish DeSoto BMX as a premier destination for national and statewide races. And while the track is a premier venue for USA BMX events, from a local standpoint “A lot of parents don’t even know this track is here,” Bobby says. “We want to change that. We want families in Dallas, DeSoto, Lancaster, and Red Oak to know that BMX is right here, just down the street.” As they look ahead, Bobby and Crystal hope to keep growing the sport locally while continuing to host major USA BMX races. Ideally, they want to create a safe space where local kids can learn, take risks, and enjoy the ride. “It’s all about new riders coming in,” Crystal says. “You need the new generation to keep the track alive and thriving.” Thanks to their leadership, the DeSoto BMX Track has become more than just a place to race, it’s a space for growth, resilience, and community. And with the track’s expanding role in hosting larger-scale events, Bobby and Crystal see the potential to not only foster local talent but also bring new visitors to Dallas. To learn more about DeSoto BMX and how you can get involved, Click Here For their upcoming event schedule, Click Here
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