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Content Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
PG. 04-05
Inside Dallas 2026: FIFA Fan Festival At The Pavillion i s O n T h e Wa y
PG. 06-07
Ja’Marr Chase, Aaron Donald and Gunna Headline Star-Studded OT7 Football Showcase in Dallas
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 Dallas Bike Ride
PG. 12-13
Got Her Back is empowering female athletes worldwide
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s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
MARCH
inside Dallas 2026: FIFA fan festival at the pavillion is on the way When the world arrives in North Texas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the action won’t be limited to the stadium. Across host cities, the tournament spills into public squares and parks where fans, local and international, gather to celebrate the global game together. In Dallas, that gathering place will be at the city’s most historic venues. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the FIFA Fan Festival™ Dallas will transform Fair Park into a month-long celebration of soccer, culture, and community. Organized by the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, the free public event will run on the tournament’s 34 match days, offering a central hub for fans who want to experience the World Cup atmosphere together. The festival will take place at The Pavilion at Fair Park amphitheater and nearby Lots 9 and 10, creating an expansive fan zone covering nearly one million square feet. At full capacity, the site will accommodate up to 35,000 visitors at a time. The amphitheater itself will host about 20,000 attendees, including roughly 7,000 covered seats and 13,000 lawn spaces, while the surrounding festival areas will welcome another 15,000 fans. For Dallas organizers, the goal is clear: build a place where the energy of the World Cup can be felt across the city. “Fair Park will serve as the perfect backdrop to showcase Dallas and North Texas to the world,”
said Monica Paul, when unveiling plans for the event. At the heart of the festival will be massive screens broadcasting World Cup matches live. The fan zone will open one hour before the first match of each day and remain active until one hour after the final game ends, giving supporters a place to watch, celebrate, and connect throughout the tournament. The festival will feature interactive activations from FIFA commercial partners and local host city supporters, including UT Southwestern Medical Center, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, and the North Texas Sports Foundation. Organizers also plan a curated food and beverage program highlighting local cuisine alongside international flavors, along with concerts and cultural showcases that reflect the diversity of the global tournament. Families will find plenty to explore as well. A dedicated playground area and mini-pitch will give young fans a chance to play the game themselves, while skills contests and interactive soccer activities aim to make the sport accessible to newcomers. The event will be produced by C3 Presents, the entertainment company behind major festivals such as Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza, bringing large-scale live event expertise to the project.
4 | F I FA F a n F e s t i v a l A t T h e P a v i l l i o n i s O n T h e Wa y
The festival is also designed with community in mind. Sustainability efforts will focus on waste reduction, recycling, and food recovery programs, while the site will include an interfaith prayer space and a dedicated Worker Support Hub. Dallas is set to host more matches than any other host city, with 9 matches being played just down the road in Arlington. For millions of visitors and locals alike, the Fan Festival at Fair Park will be where the city’s World Cup spirit comes alive.
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Team Base Camps Announced for Frisco and Mansfield: FC Dallas Stadium and Mansfield Stadium have been officially designated as FIFA World Cup 2026™ Team Base Camp Training Sites, further cementing North Texas as a vital operational hub for the world’s premier sporting event. As part of FIFA’s Team Base Camp program, two of the final six remaining qualified national teams will be assigned to train and operate at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco and Mansfield Stadium in Mansfield. These sites will serve as the primary training and operational headquarters for the teams throughout the tournament.
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This designation highlights the region’s worldclass facilities and reinforces its growing prominence on the global sports stage.
F I FA F a n F e s t i v a l A t T h e P a v i l l i o n i s O n T h e Wa y | 5
JA’MARR CHASE, AARON DONALD AND GUNNA HEADLINE STAR-STUDDED OT7 FOOTBALL SHOWCASE IN DALLAS B y : S a m We i g e r
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
“OT7 will be bigger than ever this year,” said Hunter Mandel, General Manager of Football at Overtime. 7-on-7 football has been around for a while, but nobody has ever created a league like we’ve done. This is a big reason I wanted to bring these high school players into it.”
Forget what you know about traditional 7-on-7 football. OT7, a league dedicated to reimagining the future of the game, is bringing the biggest names in football to Dallas. We aren’t just talking about exciting prospects; we’re talking about a sideline where superstars like Ja’Marr Chase, Aaron Donald, and Gunna aren’t just spectators— they’re the coaches. So what’s the story behind why this exciting lineup of coaches—which also includes Puka Nacua,, Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, and Torrey Smith—is involved with OT7? By leveraging Overtime’s massive digital footprint, OT7 offers these NFL icons and celebrities a premier platform to build their personal brands. But this is more than just a media play for them. It is also a chance for them to scout, identify, and launch the next generation of football stardom.
6 | OT7 Dallas: Season 5
This elite mentorship offers recruits a blueprint for success, covering technical skill development, career management, and mental toughness. By pairing top-tier coaches with hungry young talent, OT7 has become a “star-making factory” where anyone can become a national sensation overnight. “There will be five-star recruits, the top recruits in the country, but we have seen players come through OT7 with no stars and become a sensation,” Mandel said. “One player got his Mizzou offer with his OT7 performance, Gavin Sidwar, an amazing story. Cam Coleman was a three-star recruit, went to our event and got five touchdowns, then became a five-star.” Unlike typical weekend events that wrap up by Sunday, OT7 brings a full-time staff to Dallas. This staff remains on-site for the full duration, making Dallas their base for five consecutive weeks. Players and coaches from eight to 11 teams travel in from across the country every weekend. This revolving influx of talent is why Dallas, a centrally
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • located hub with a deep football culture, is the ideal home for OT7. Spectators attending OT7 games will experience a high-octane showcase of pure skill and athleticism. These games are different from the traditional NFL format in that they do not include linemen and the run game. This adjustment transforms football into a nonstop aerial battle that favors explosive playmaking, leaving fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. “These games are fast-paced, they have 12-minute halves and can finish in 30 minutes,” Mandel said. “The field is 70 yards. You can throw a touchdown on the first play of a game. You will get to see teams go for it on the first play.”
include Amir Sears, the top-ranked sophomore cornerback in the nation, and 2027 Nebraska quarterback commit Trae Taylor. Every roster will be packed with hand-picked talent from all over. “We have teams all over the country coming,” Mandel said. “We have teams in Miami, southern California, and Baltimore that bring the best players to OT7. Arguably our best receiver was Wright last year, so it is great having him back on the field in Dallas this year.” The regular season runs through Weeks 1–3, followed by the elimination games of the Conference Championships in Weeks 4 and 5. Fans can catch all the action without breaking the bank. At only $5 a day, ticket-holders have access to every game on the slate. “It’s a lot like going to a music festival, there are different acts throughout the day,” Mandel said. “The action goes all day long.” Between games, fans can enjoy a range of amenities designed to make OT7 an intimate, interactive experience. “The atmosphere is family-friendly, and it’s perfect for everyone,” Mandel said. We’re going to have merch booths and concessions. Fans can also meet the players and even coaches, it’s a really great environment.”
Several of these plays have gone viral, like wide receiver Brysen Wright’s unfathomable diving catch at OT7 last year. Wright will be one of the most exciting players to watch at this year’s event, but he is far from the only big name competing in Dallas. Trayvis Hunter, the younger brother of NFL sensation and second-overall pick Travis Hunter, will be returning to OT7. Other stars to watch
Weeks 1-5 of OT7 Season 5 will be hosted at the Dallas College Mountain View Campus, with Opening Weekend officially kicking off on March 21–22. Grab your tickets here and experience the next era of football!
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OT7 Dallas: Season 5 | 7
PROS AT HOME IN
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8 | Pros At Home
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THE COMMISSION
Earlier this month, the 68th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee, hosted at WFAA Studios, brought together 26 spellers from across North Texas and culminated with three outstanding finalists. Congratulations to cochampions Avishka Dudala and Krish Manjunath, along with finalist Benjamin Pearson, on their remarkable achievement. All three students will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee this May in Washington, D.C. This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, WFAA, Southwest Airlines, Leon Capital Group, and Meca Sportswear. Tune into to the WFAA+ Broadcast of the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday May 9th.
Dallas Cup
Join us at the Whataparade of Teams & Opening Ceremonies Dallas Cup, the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in North America, is excited to announce the matchups for its opening day triple-header at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium on Sunday, March 29. The marquee event will also feature the Whataparade of Teams and Opening Ceremonies, presented by Whataburger. The Opening Day Schedule is as follows: 12:00 PM — Everton Football College (England) vs. Dallas Texans ECNL (Texas) 2:30 PM — FC Dallas (Texas) vs. Fulham FC (England) 5:00 PM — Whataparade of Teams & Opening Ceremonies 6:30 PM — SAF Botafogo (Brazil) vs. Aston Villa FC (England)
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Latest From DSC | 9
Upcoming events
OT7 SEASON 5 MARCH 28 - APRIL 26 DALLAS COLLEGE MOUNTAIN VIEW CAMPUS
DALLAS CUP MARCH 29 - APRIL 5 DALLAS SOCCER PARK - TOYOTA SOCCER CENTER TOYOTA STADIUM - COTTON BOWL STADIUM
HUNTINGTON BANK COLLEGIATE APRIL 6-7 TRINITY FOREST GOLF CLUB
ADIDAS LONE STAR CLASSIC APRIL 10 - 19 RYSE ENERGY STARCENTER FARMERS BRANCH
SPARTAN RACE DALLAS APRIL 18 DALLAS CITY HALL
SENIOR SOFTBALL TEXAS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APRIL 28 - MAY 3 KIEST PARK
TIGER TOURNAMENTS DALLAS SPRING SHOWCASE MAY 8 - 10 DALLAS SOCCER PARK
NEXT GENERATION CUP MAY 14 - 17 DALLAS SOCCER PARK - MCINNISH PARK THE ATHLETIC CLUB - VALLEY RIDGE PARK
THE DANCE COMBINE MAY 15 - 17 HILTON DFW LAKES CONFERENCE CENTER
10 | Upcoming Events
Raj Budhi Dhananjayan is a Data Engineer at Albertsons Companies who brings the same passion and dedication to volunteering as he does to his professional career. A strong advocate for sports and community service, Raj has proudly volunteered with the Dallas Sports Commission for the past four years. During his time with DSC, Raj has supported numerous marquee events, including the Dallas Open, Copa America, Gold Cup, LIV Golf, and the FIFA World Cup, serving as a Starting Lineup Volunteer (SLV). While each event has been memorable, Copa America stands out as his favorite. One of Raj’s most unforgettable experiences was volunteering as a flag bearer alongside his parents, walking onto the field at AT&T Stadium before a sold-out crowd of passionate fans from Chile and Venezuela. The energy, pride, and excitement of that moment made it an experience he will cherish forever.
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Dallas Bike Ride is back for 2026 Experience Dallas from a whole new perspective, on two wheels. The Dallas Bike Ride returns Saturday, May 16th, Riders will cruise a 20-mile, car-free route riding at their own pace while enjoying live entertainment, rest stops, and photo opportunities along the way. Participants can choose from a variety of passes, making it easy for individuals, friends, or families to join in the fun. This communitydriven event encourages cyclists to enjoy some of Dallas’s most iconic sights. Whether you are an experienced cyclist, a beginner, or simply trying to enjoy the city with family and friends, the Dallas Bike Ride provides an incredible atmosphere and experience for everyone.
REGISTER TO RIDE Vo l u n t e e r V i c t o r i e s - D a l l a s B i k e R i d e | 1 1
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GOT HER BACK IS EMPOWERING FEMALE ATHLETES WORLDWIDE By: Peyton Lawrence
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
There is no question that football is one of the most influential sports in our world today. From grassroots leagues to globally watched professional games, the sport is shaping industries and culture nationwide. In many ways, however, football culture remains exclusionary to women and girls who are interested in both enjoying and playing the game. Here in the Dallas area, there is an organization working to shift the football culture to one of belonging and acceptance- a shift that makes every girl feel like they have a place on the field. Got Her Back is the philanthropic arm of the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), one of the top women’s tackle football leagues. The North Texas-headquartered league was founded in 2018 and has since expanded to seventeen teams nationwide, including the Texas Elite Spartans based out of Lewisville. In the league’s early days, founder Odessa Jenkins received an email from a
supportive father of a young fan. He shared that his preteen daughter loved football and was inspired by the women competing professionally but struggled with fitting in as the only girl on her team. This anecdote served as the foundation for Got Her Back’s mission: giving a voice to young women who were othered and marginalized in the football community. The organization’s goals are simple: build a future for young girls in the world of football through mentorship, visibility, and education. Every young woman who works with Got Her Back will have someone in her corner rooting for her and providing guidance, even when she is the only girl on the field. This goal is accomplished through several key programs, including skills camps and clinics, equipment grants, and body-positivity training. Programming serves to build an environment that encourages resilience, hard work, and positivity, keeping girls in the sport long-term.
1 2 | G o t H e r B a c k i s E m p o w e r i n g F e m a l e At h l e t e s Wo r l d w i d e
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
Thousands of girls from nearly twenty cities across the nation have participated in a series of free Got Her Back football skills clinics. Clinics are open to girls from six to eighteen years old and offer not just technical skill development, but a chance for young women to build relationships with peers. Professional players from WNFC teams often lead these camps and provide guidance and mentorship in both hard football skills and life skills like inclusivity and determination. The relationships that form through these skill clinics build a support network that keeps girls in the game and eventually leads to the formation of new youth teams, leagues, and tournaments. Investing in these young athletes early ensures the continued growth of women’s football and the strengthening of the pipeline from youth to professional leagues. The Keep Her in the Game Grant is an annual grant supported by WNFC partner and equipment manufacturer Riddell. The grant, now in its fourth year, has provided critical equipment for player development and safety such as helmets, cleats, and shoulder pads. Dozens of recipients from middle-school-age to university and beyond now have access to high-quality, well-constructed gear that may have otherwise been inaccessible. Football is not an inexpensive sport, and by breaking the financial barrier, many passionate and talented athletes now have the chance to pursue their dreams without fear of unsafe or unusable equipment. One of the closest partners of Got Her Back is the company Dove and their Body Confident Sport initiative. Got Her Back cites that half of all young women who quit sports were criticized for their body type, and as such, partnered with Dove, the Centre for Appear-
ance Research, and the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport to develop a set of tools to keep girls in athletics. Two training courses have been developed: one for athletes and one for coaches. The Body Confident Coach training is free to access online, and the Body Confident Athlete training is led by coaches or trusted adults in-person, including at WNFC youth clinics. The trainings focus on shifting the narrative away from negative self-talk and instead encourages young women to be proud of their abilities and athleticism. The Got Her Back program is opening doors for thousands of women across the country by pioneering what it means to be a football player. The organization stands at the forefront of leading the world of tackle football into a future where all athletes, regardless of their gender, feel heard, supported, and confident in their abilities.
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