Ta b l e o f
Content Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
PG. 04-05
F I FA Wo r l d C u p 2 6™ N e a r s
PG. 06-07
Dallas Cup Expands Girls’ Division for 2025
PG. 08
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 - D r e a m H a c k
PG. 12-13
Community Champions: 67th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee
nts
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
NORTH TEXAS PREPARES TO WELCOME THE WORLD: 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP™ NEARS
By: Steve Davis
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport A “500-days-away” milepost may seem like a lengthy
been accomplished by Paul and her team in planning
stretch of time. And for some events it would be.
for a colossus with an expected local economic impact
But considering the scale and scope of the
of between $1.5-2 billion? Short answer: plenty.
extraordinary soccer happenings heading toward the North Texas region in June and July of 2026, it’s not so
International Broadcast Center
far away at all.
North Texas was long thought as the favorite to host the tournament’s International Broadcast Center,
The FIFA Men’s World Cup is coming to North
the operations hub for 2,000-or-so media members
America, with the Dallas-Fort Worth area set to host
beaming news and opinion on world soccer’s
an unmatched chunk of it – nine matches, more than
quadrennial championship back to all corners of the
any other city, plus a few other significant value-adds.
globe. It all became official on March 5 during a well-
Considering the interconnecting layers of activities
attended Dallas City Hall news conference, where the
and logistics across such a vast regional sweep, and
officials from FIFA, the City of Dallas and the local
considering that this is the world’s most celebrated
organizing committee gathered to name the Kay Bailey
tournament, preparation timelines must certainly
Hutchison Convention Center as the venue.
be measured in years and months rather than mere weeks. While FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, controls the tournament, it takes a highly organized local effort to assemble and coalesce all the regional pieces. That’s the job of a local organizing committee, which has formed over the past few months under the direction of Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director IBC HOST VENUE: KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON CONVENTION CENTER
Monica Paul.
The Dallas City Council had previously approved $15 While Paul has already assembled the bulk of the North
million in convention center improvements for the IBC
Texas FIFA World Cup 2026 Organizing Committee,
in December of 2024. In addition, securing the IBC
further additions to the team are still to come. The
carried historical significance: Dallas and North Texas
500-day milepost was eclipsed in late January.
also hosted the IBC during the 1994 World Cup, the last time FIFA’s Men’s World Cup came through the
So where is the organizing effort, and what has already
United States.
4 | F I FA Wo r l d C u p 2 6™ 4 | 1 0 Ye a r s o f t h e D a l l a s S p o r t s C o m m i s s i o n
s C o m m i s s i o n • D a l l a s S p o r t s C o m m i s s i o n • D a l l a s KEEP S p UP o r WITH t s CFWC26DALLAS ommission • With IBC build-out expected to begin in January of
FIFA Fan Festival and other important elements
2026, the center’s amenities will include a 24-hour
Organizing watch parties and a large Fan Festival
cafeteria, a gift shop, lounge areas, bank and dry
component is front and center of the North Texas
cleaning services.
FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee’s to-do list. Potentially landing at historic Fair Park just outside of downtown Dallas, FanFest is set to be a teeming festival of music, food, culture, lifestyle and, of course, all the live action of World Cup soccer. The Fan Festival will aim to provide fans with the best atmosphere outside of the stadiums themselves to
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP DALLAS SONIC ID PRODUCER TRE NAGELLA
breathe in the tournament and watch the matches.
2026 FIFA World Cup Dallas Sonic ID For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tournament organizers
Other organizing committee teams and members, now
will introduce city specific Sonic IDs. The tournament’s
operating from downtown Dallas offices that opened
newest branding wrinkle are these sound and music
in late February, are building out plans for training
combos, an “auditory signature” that fans will instantly
sites and base camps throughout North Texas from
recognize. Each of the 16 host cities – it takes that many
which teams will operate.
to host a tournament expanding now from 32 to 48 teams – across Canada, Mexico and the United States
Other organizing committee elements are forming
will have its own Sonic ID, each celebrating local flavor
plans for transportation and security. Accommodation
through music.
plans must be attached to all of it. Same with marketing blueprints and local sponsorship agreements to
In Dallas, the organizing team partnered with North
augment FIFA’s international partnership agreements.
Texas native and four-time Grammy Award-winning
And legacy elements are being planned so the
producer Tre Nagella to craft its Sonic ID. Nagella’s
tournament will “live” beyond 2026.
remix of the World Cup theme captures the musical All of it will be done under the watchful eye of the
essence of Dallas’ culture and energy.
organizing committee’s sustainability and human rights Dallas’ Sonic ID was unveiled at the American Airlines
teams, which are helping to ensure legal and ethical
Center on March 16 during the second quarter of the
compliance, and that the swirl of attached elements
Dallas Mavericks game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
all leave a positive impact on local communities.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL SONIC ID
1 0 Y e a r s o f t h e D a l l a sF ISFpAo rWt so rCl do mCmu ips s2i 6o™n | 5
A NEW ERA BEGINS:
DALLAS CUP EXPANDS GIRLS DIVISION FOR 2025 By: Ben Harbuck
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport THE AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL GIRLS U-19 CLUB
For 46 years, the Dallas Cup has stood as one of the most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the world. It’s where stars like David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Landon Donovan, Bukayo Saka, and Clint Dempsey first made their mark. But in 2025, the spotlight is shifting—from the boys to the girls—and it’s shining brighter than ever. After reintroducing their girls’ divisions in 2021, Dallas Cup has seen steady growth in the women’s tournament. What began as a modest return has evolved into a global showcase. In 2025, the tournament will welcome more than 180 girls’ teams across ten age groups (U10 to U19), including squads from at least 9 countries. It’s now one of the largest and most exciting girls’ youth soccer tournaments in the world. A major domino fell last summer when Dallas Cup merged with the Dallas Texans International Girls Cup, bringing together two premier events into one powerhouse. The result? Elevated competition, bigger clubs, international matchups, and an even greater opportunity for young women to shine.
6 | Dallas Cup
Among the standout storylines is the U17 Samoa Girls National Team, making its Dallas Cup debut fresh off qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Returning clubs include the Australian School Girls, who made history in 2024 by becoming the first international team to win a Dallas Cup girls’ title. They’ll be back to compete at Cotton Bowl Stadium for the Opening Day Ceremony alongside FC Dallas. European powerhouse Eintracht Frankfurt, are entering their fourth consecutive DC appearance after a second-place finish last year. The 2025 field features a truly international mix, with teams traveling from Germany, England, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, the Philippines, and beyond. But for these players, a trip to the Lone Star State will be bundled with new relationships, unique opportunities, and lasting memories that only a tournament like Dallas Cup can provide. One of the tournament’s most cherished traditions is its homestay program, where local families foster relationships with visiting athletes. It’s a cultural exchange that creates lifelong friendships and offers international players a true Texas welcome.
SAMOA U-17 WOMENS TEAM
FC DALLAS GIRLS ECNL TX
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • That kind of hospitality has led to countless memorable stories, like the one shared by North Texas resident and Soccer Dad PJ Brady, whose family built lasting friendships with several girls from the Eintracht Frankfurt academy over the years, proudly welcoming them to Texas and cheering them on. “One of the girls, Johanna—or as we call her ‘Little Schnapps’—we ended up helping her find a college to continue her soccer career and education in the U.S.,” Brady recalls. “She’s now playing NAIA at Bethel University in Tennessee. Last year, she couldn’t make it home for the holidays, so we brought her in for Thanksgiving, and it was like she was right at home….like having one of your kids come back from college.”
EINTRACHT FRANKFURT U-17 GIRLS ACADEMY
Moments like that show how Dallas Cup becomes something much more than a tournament. It’s not unusual to see a team from South America bonding with their hosts over a backyard barbecue, or players from Europe experiencing their first American breakfast before heading off to compete. For many, it’s their first taste of life in the U.S.—and they get to experience it through the kindness and generosity of Dallas-area families.
Beyond the warm welcomes and lifelong memories, what truly sets Dallas Cup apart in 2025 is the opportunity it will create for athletes. With the continued growth of the girls’ side, more young women than ever will have a chance to be seen. College coaches and even pro clubs will be watching, looking for the next wave of talent. The expansion to over 180 girls’ teams isn’t just about size—it’s about reach, access, and exposure. More teams mean more pathways. More pathways mean more stories like Johanna’s—players who come to Dallas for a tournament and leave with a scholarship offer or an invitation to trial with a club. By merging with the Dallas International Girls Cup, the tournament now draws an even more diverse and elite pool of talent. This elevated competition benefits everyone—from the players on the field to the scouts in the stands. It becomes a proving ground where the stakes are high, the energy is electric, and every match could be a pivotal moment in the journey of the next Alex Morgan, Aitana Bonmatí, Trinity Rodman, or Marta. In a landscape where women’s soccer is growing faster than ever, Dallas Cup is helping lead the charge. It’s not just showcasing the future—it’s shaping it. Whether it’s a U10 player falling in love with the game, or a U19 standout catching the eye of a national team coach, the expanded girls’ tournament provides a bigger stage, brighter lights, and a real chance to dream big. To learn more about Dallas Cup or to purchase your tickets to the opening ceremony, please visit www.dallascup.org
Dallas Cup | 7
PROS AT HOME IN
April
8 | Pros At Home
L a t e st
f ro m
t h e
THE COMMISSION Welcome to the Team
Peyton Lawrence Marketing Intern
Andrew Lawrence Director of Business Development
oT7 Dallas This spring, Dallas becomes the epicenter of high-energy football as OT7 rolls on. Week 4 kicks off April 5th at Dallas College Mountain View Campus Soccer Stadium. It’s more than just a game—it’s an experience. Watch top high school talent compete for the OT7 Championship, as future NFL stars battle it out in fastpaced 7-on-7 showdowns. Bring your friends, family, and the whole crew to experience a weekend full of excitement, skill, and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss the most electrifying football event of the season! GET TICKETS HERE
SEE FULL SCHEDULE
Latest From DSC | 9
Upcoming events 10 | Upcoming Events
OT7 DALLAS 2025
MARCH 15 - APRIL 13 (WEEKENDS ONLY) DALLAS COLLEGE MOUNTAINVIEW CAMPUS
DUPREE DANCE DALLAS APRIL 4 - APRIL 6 EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON DENTON
ADIDAS LONE STAR CLASSIC APRIL 5 - APRIL 27 (WEEKENDS ONLY) KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON CONVENTION CENTER DALLAS
DALLAS CUP - PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA APRIL 13 - APRIL 20 MONEYGRAM SOCCER PARK / COTTON BOWL STADIUM TOYOTA SOCCER CENTER / TOYOTA STADIUM
DALLAS EASTER CLASSIC 2025 SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT APRIL 19 - APRIL 20 KIEST PARK
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: •
2025 VEX Robotics World Championship - May 6-14 2025
LEARN MORE
DreamHack Dallas DreamHack Dallas returns to Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center May 23–25, bringing together the best of esports, gaming, and pop culture for an unforgettable weekend. With over $300,000 on the line, top teams from around the world will face off in tournaments like IEM Dallas, Call of Duty League Major IV, and the Halo Championship Series. But it’s more than just competition— it’s a celebration of the gaming community. Wander through Artist Alley, check out upand-coming indie games, or plug in at the massive BYOC LAN. From cosplay and creator meetups to live shows and nonstop gameplay, DreamHack Dallas is where fans come to play and connect!
GET TICKETS HERE
Vo l u n t e e r V i c t o r i e s - D r e a m H a c k | 1 1
SHREYANSH ZADOO
AVISHKA DUDALA
C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S
FINALISTS FROM PLANO, PROSPER, AND VAN ALSTYNE RISE TO THE TOP OF THE DALLAS REGIONAL SPELLING BEE By: Alex Gilbert
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports FAIZAN ZAKI
As the sun peeked over the Dallas skyline on a bright March morning, excitement buzzed through the city. The 67th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee (DRSB) was about to begin, drawing the region’s top young spellers and their families to the WFAA studios for a day brimming with anticipation and linguistic prowess. The spellers were ready to compete for the chance to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. With hearts pounding and brains ready, the 27 talented contestants showcased their spelling prowess through six electric rounds. Words increased with difficulty as the competitors showed an extremely extensive repertoire of linguistics knowledge. They showcased that spelling isn’t just about knowing words – it’s about having a thorough understanding of and passion for language.
Students and burgeoning leaders showcased why spellers are not just intellectuals with a penchant for studying. They’re role models and champions. This year’s gripping competition saw three exceptional spellers take the podium. Now all the three finalists have to do is take on the national stage. Faizan Zaki, a 7th grader from Rice Middle School in Plano, emerged as the ultimate victor by nailing the word “Nephthytis.” Faizan is a familiar face in the spelling bee community, having previously advanced to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2019, 2023, and 2024, and even snagged a spot as last year’s secondplace speller as the First Runner-Up. “I’m so excited,” Faizan shared. ” This marks my fourth time advancing to the National Spelling Bee. It’s a great experience and I’ll make sure to study hard.”
12 | 67th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
Along with Faizan, Avishka Dudala from Rogers Middle School in Prosper took the First Runner-Up spot, and Shreyansh Zadoo from Van Alstyne Junior High School took the last slot as the Second Runner-Up. All three are armed with phenomenal spelling skills which earned them a place on the stage at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in late May.
tradition of excellence stems back to 2018, when Dallas spellers dominated the top three positions nationally. In 2019, the city witnessed an unforgettable moment as Abhijay Kodali, Rohan Raja, and Sohum Sukhatankar were crowned co-Nation Champions. A speller for life, Rohan Raja returned to the Spelling Bee world this year as the Head Judge of the DRSB.
The Dallas Sports Commission, along with partners Southwest Airline and Leon Capital Group, are orchestrating the trip to D.C. to make sure all the finalists have to do is show off their skills.
As Faizan, Avishka, and Shreyansh gear up for the national finals, their remarkable journeys show the power of persistence and passion. The Dallas Sports Commission and local community are cheering them on, hoping they inspire other students to dream big and work hard. With their incredible determination and orthographic knowledge, these young champions make Dallas proud, setting a beeutiful example for everyone.
“It is incredible to see the dedication, determination, and skills these young students possess as they compete at the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee,” said Monica Paul, Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission. “The Dallas Sports Commission congratulates all 27 participants of the Regional Bee and Faizan Zaki, Avishka Dudala, and Shreyansh Zadoo for advancing. We know they will represent their families, schools, and the Dallas community well at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.” The journey to the regional stage begins much earlier than March, as approximately 114,000 students from 854 schools compete in their school bees, advancing through district and county levels. Each stage of competition hones their skills for the ultimate champion showdown at regionals. Dallas’ spelling bee program has historically proven to produce tenacious well-rounded spellers who rank high at the national level. In 2024 alone, local champions made their mark with Sriya Gomatam finishing in 17th place and Faizan Zaki as the impressive runner-up at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This strong
Spelling Bee fans can catch the full action of the DRSB on WFAA’s streaming platform, WFAA+, on May 10th at 7 PM or various times on KFAA 29 from May 12-28. Learn more about the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee dallasspellingbee.com. Learn more about the Scripps National Spelling Bee at spellingbee.com. Thank you to all Dallas Regional Spelling Bee partners for making this event possible, including but not limited to Leon Capital Group, Southwest Airlines, and WFAA.
67th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee | 13