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Content Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
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The Cold Front Descending: Yo u t h H o c k e y ’ s G r o w t h i n D a l l a s
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TEAMS 2025: Championships Are Sweeter in Dallas
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Pros at Home
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Latest from the Commission
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Upcoming Events
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Vo l u n t e e r V i c t o r i e s - 2 0 2 5 B M W Dallas Marathon
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Copa Kin Read to Win: The Literacy Contest Scoring G o a l s f o r N o r t h Te x a s R e a d e r s
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s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
THE COLD FRONT DESCENDING: YOUTH HOCKEY’S GROWTH IN DALLAS
By: Peyton Lawrence
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
It’s often said that in Texas, we have two seasons: hot, and hotter. In a region well-known for blazing summers and barely-there winters, a winter activity like hockey seems like an unlikely sport of choice for area athletes. Against all odds, however, the sport has seen an unprecedented boom in growth over the last several years, with both youth and adult leagues and tournaments springing up across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. With more homegrown players finding their way into professional leagues across the globe, and one of the National Hockey League’s best teams in our backyard, the eyes of the world look to Dallas as a hub for up-andcoming talent. This advent of growth can be traced back to a few key moments over the last several decades. Despite the recent boom, the Dallas-Fort Worth region was no stranger to youth hockey as early as the mid1960s. One major catalyst for growth, however, was the 1993 relocation of the NHL team formerly known as the Minnesota North Stars to Texas. The team was renamed to the Dallas Stars and quickly skyrocketed in popularity. Today, the organization still serves as a cornerstone for both professional and amateur hockey throughout the state. The Stars, following an explosive Stanley Cup Championship win in 1999, began to expand into youth programming at newly
constructed ice rinks- a network that now extends to eight aptly named “StarCenters” that extend from Mansfield to McKinney- throughout the Metroplex. Competitive, world-class youth leagues do not begin without a community investment in a solid foundation, however. Justin Lewandowski is the Vice President of Hockey Operations for 200x85, an organization that provides next-level experiences for over eighty thousand youth hockey players annually through tournaments, development camps, and opportunities for players to experience international competition in Europe. He explains that the popularity of professional leagues in conjunction with broadening media coverage all contribute to the critical first step in growing hockey in nontraditional markets, exposure. Once young athletes and their families are exposed, Lewandowski says, “There has to be accessibility.... There has to be a rink and ice time available to get started. Once families and players are exposed to the sport and it becomes accessible, it’s an easy sport to fall in love with.” When the home-grown leagues begin to expand, so do the opportunities for local players to compete with teams from outside the region. 200x85 first brought one of their signature CCM tournaments
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s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission •
to Dallas in 2023, and the event’s popularity and scope has only grown in the past few years. CCM Dallas took place from October 11-13, 2025, and gave elite DFW hockey programs the chance to test their skills against peers from around the United States and Canada. CCM Dallas and tournaments like it challenge athletes to elevate their game and push them to a higher level of their sport. Critically, Lewandowski explains, having tournaments in the region keeps young players hungry for future opportunities. “Instead of having to travel to Ontario, to Detroit, to Boston- which, in the past, you had to do- you have local events that draw teams from other hockey markets. It’s exciting.” This level of competition with other premier athletes can prove to be an invaluable steppingstone in a young hockey player’s career as they continue to pursue collegiate or professional play. So, what about Dallas makes it the kind of city where tournament operators and teams want to visit? 200 x 85’s Director of Brand and Marketing, Tony Golio, explains that many connections in his home state of Tennessee recognize Dallas as the blueprint for building a system that can support events like the CCM tournament series. “Dallas was at the forefront of the model of trying to build the infrastructure in the community. ... The rinks are high quality, and that makes such a difference for events. There’s a network that can spread throughout the city and we can have the capacity to bring teams in and offer a quality experience.” This year alone, CCM Dallas hosted more than 300 teams and twelve thousand athletes from across the United States and Canada. Dallas as a region is uniquely equipped to handle this influx of visitors. The city is centrally located
within the United States, with flights to both coasts coming in at four hours or less, and thousands of hotel rooms in the areas surrounding competition sites. More than athleticism, however, both large-scale tournaments and youth athletics teach life lessons that go beyond the rink. Hockey provides a chance for players to build international camaraderie and friendships that last long after the ice is cleared and rival teams have returned home. It builds adaptability and resilience, both traits that serve young athletes well even if their time playing comes to a close. There may also be something to be said about the chill of an ice rink providing a welcome respite from the Texas sun for players and families alike. There are no signs that the youth hockey boom is slowing in Dallas- in fact, with time, the sport will only grow more popular as more North Texans are exposed to the game’s energy and excitement. Until then, the ice will be waiting for youth athletes to strap on their first pair of skates.
For more information about 200 x 85 Hockey, visit 200x85.com and for more information about the Dallas Stars Youth Programs, visit nhl.com/stars/ starcenters.
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CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE SWEETER IN DALLAS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2025 TEAMS CONFERENCE & EXPO
By: Ben Harbuck
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sport
Every year, the sports event industry gathers in a new city for the TEAMS Conference & Expo, the signature tradeshow for sports commissions and CVBs. Produced by SportsTravel and Northstar Meetings Group, the four-day event brings together destinations, event rights holders, associations, and industry professionals to connect, share ideas, and explore new opportunities. This year, I had the privilege of representing Dallas alongside my colleagues Ginger Lively Cade, Director of Sales, and Andrew Lawrence, Director of Business Development.
For us, the conference was both a chance to learn about new industry trends and an opportunity to showcase the Dallas brand. Carrying the theme “Championships Are Sweeter in Dallas,” our booth stood out on the show floor. We partnered with Make Your Life Sweeter, a luxury experiential brand known for its creative dessert and beverage
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activations, to create an experience that blended fun and sophistication. Gourmet treats and colorful candy displays drew people in and helped spark genuine, memorable conversations. As Andrew put it, “We wanted people to walk away with more than a conversation and a business card. We wanted them to remember how it felt to be in our space, with a little taste of the energy and hospitality that make Dallas special.” Throughout the week, our team met with event organizers from across the country, discussing everything from youth tournaments to international competitions. Each conversation reinforced just how versatile Dallas is as a host city. “Despite the Convention Center construction, we’re proud that Dallas still has the capability to accommodate events of every size,” said Ginger Lively Cade. “From grassroots tournaments to the FIFA World Cup 26™, we approach every opportunity with the same commitment to excellence and service.” One of the highlights of the week was the panel discussion our team sponsored, Olympic Sports at Collegiate Risk: Navigating a Changing Landscape.
s Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • also building new relationships with event rights holders who aren’t super familiar with the Dallas market.” Said Ginger. Our booth quickly became a natural gathering spot where hospitality met conversation. The Make Your Life Sweeter signature popcorn was a fan-favorite on the expo floor, but what really resonated were the stories we shared about how Dallas continues to evolve as a destination for all levels of sport.
Moderated by Adam Wood, Director of Performance Pathway at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the panel featured Rich Bender, Executive Director of USA Wrestling; Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Athletics Director at The Ohio State University; and Keana Hunter, Olympian, Ohio State student, and artistic swimmer. The conversation explored the challenges and opportunities facing Olympic sports at the collegiate level, offering valuable insight into how schools, governing bodies, and athletes can work together to ensure these programs continue to thrive. Throughout the week, the other educational sessions offered fresh ideas on topics like data strategy, the future of women in sports tourism, and community impact. Those insights will help shape our ongoing strategies to stay at the forefront of sports tourism innovation. Beyond the sessions, the atmosphere at TEAMS was alive with energy. Between meetings, hallway conversations, and evening networking events around Columbus, our team connected with both familiar partners and new faces. “My favorite part of the experience was catching up with longtime contacts that I’ve worked with over the years, while
For my first year attending TEAMS, I left feeling both inspired and grateful. The week was incredibly productive and filled with conversations and insights that will stay with me. Learning from experienced leaders in sports tourism was invaluable, and seeing competitors openly share what’s worked for them, as well as the challenges they’ve faced was refreshing. It’s that collaboration that reminds me why I love working in sports tourism and being part of the Dallas Sports Commission. By the end of the week, our team left Columbus with new connections, fresh ideas, and a deeper understanding of where the sports tourism industry is headed. TEAMS once again proved why it’s the premier event for bringing together the people and conversations that move our field forward. For us, it was an opportunity to strengthen relationships, discover emerging trends, and gain insights that will shape how we continue to position Dallas as a leading destination for sports of every level. We came home not just proud of how we represented Dallas but motivated by the collaboration and innovation happening across the industry. TEAMS reminded us that success in sports tourism is built on relationships, creativity, hospitality, and the shared drive to keep raising the bar for events everywhere.
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PROS AT HOME IN
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THE COMMISSION DSC Awarded with Sports ETA Destination Branding and Marketing Campaign of the Year Each year, the Sports Events and Tourism Association (Sports ETA) awards groundbreakers and innovators in the sports marketing and event planning world. The Dallas Sports Commission is thrilled to announce that our marketing team was awarded the title of “Destination Branding and Marketing Campaign of the Year, Population 500,000 and Above” for our ten-year anniversary campaign in late 2024. Sports ETA recognized the Dallas Sports Commission’s “A Decade Well Played” campaign as a strategic and community-oriented way to celebrate ten years of excellence in sporting events. Vice President Andrew Dockrill accepted the award on behalf of the Dallas Sports Commission from Sports ETA President and CEO John David at the annual 4S Summit in Annapolis, Maryland. Read the full press release here!
Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championship
Returns to North texas The Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championship is just around the corner, and tickets are available now! Join us from October 31 through Novermber 9 at the beautiful Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch for a week filled with elite competition at every level - from the most decorated pros to passionate and talented amateurs. Some event highlights include the Celebrity Pickleball Showdown, live music and concerts, exclusive pickleball merch and gear, delicious food and beverage offerings, and more entertainment for every guest. Register to compete in the Open Division to secure your part in the action or purchase your tickets today!
REGISTER AND PURCHASE TICKETS
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JENIUS BANK PICKLEBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 9 BROOKHAVEN COUNTRY CLUB
INTRIGUE DANCE INTENSIVE NOVEMBER 7- 9 HILTON DALLAS/PLANO GRANITE PARK
THE ORIGINAL SHOWCASE EVENT DECEMBER 5 - 7 MONEYGRAM SOCCER PARK
SPIRIT CELEBRATION GRAND NATIONALS DECEMBER 6 - 7 KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON CONVENTION
BIG 12 CONFERENCE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP DECEMBER 6 AT&T STADIUM
BEST OF TEXAS ROBOTICS CHAMPIONSHIP DECEMBER 11 - 13 FAIR PARK COLISEUM
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Interested in becoming a part of some of the world’s biggest sporting events from right here in our backyard? Register to volunteer with the Dallas Sports Commission today! Some upcoming volunteer opportunities include: •
Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championship; November 3-9
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FIFA World Cup 26 Tree Planting Celebration: November 6
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Best of Texas Robotics: State Championships: December 11 - 13
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Dallas Trinity FC Home Games; August 2025 - May 2026 LEARN MORE
Join the fun at BMW Dallas Marathon Weekend The 2025 BMW Dallas Marathon is just around the corner, and as runners of all backgrounds prepare to undertake this challenge, friends and family are called upon to support and encourage their loved ones. Completing a race of any size is no small feat, and each year, the greater Dallas community rallies to make every runner feel uplifted by the city at large. Celebrate the incredible acheivements of all the participants in the Dallas Marathon on December 13th and 14th by joining one of the cheer stations along the course or kicking back at the post-race party at Dallas City Hall Plaza! There will be entertainment, bites, and plenty of celebratory spirit to go around for all competitors and supporters! Registration is still open for the Friday Night Lights Mile and Saturday events. Sign up and learn more about how to support Dallas Marathon runners today!
Register to race here
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COPA KIN READ TO WIN: THE LITERACY CONTEST SCORING GOALS FOR NORTH TEXAS READERS By: Peyton Lawrence
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
Each year, the Mexican National Soccer Team plays numerous games around the United States as part of a series of showcase matches collectively called MexTour. The team continued their long-standing partnership with the Dallas Sports Commission, the Dallas Cowboys, and FC Dallas to bring another MexTour game to our own backyard here in the Dallas region. This year, Mexico’s stop in North Texas brought them to AT&T Stadium on October 11th for a match against the Columbian National Team. Throughout these years of partnership, MexTour’s impact on the local community has gone far beyond gameday. Copa Kin: Read to Win is a program that encourages early childhood literacy by rewarding Dallas-area elementary school classrooms that log the most minutes read each week across a one-month period. Stu-
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dents were able to log minutes read in both English and Spanish to encourage cross-cultural participation. Since the program’s inception, over nine million minutes have been logged, and thousands of students have participated. The program began in early 2020 as a way to connect the broader Dallas community and give back to the bilingual students, families, and fans who love soccer and the Mexican National team. This early partnership was a perfect fit, as it’s often said that Dallas is the team’s home away from home. Linking learning to sports makes literacy more exciting and engaging for young learners and encourages families and educators to support their students as they embark on their reading journeys. Hannah Cameron is an Event Manager with the Dallas Sports Commission and one of the driving forces behind the 2025
Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports Commission • Dallas Sports
Copa Kin reading challenge. “What makes this year especially meaningful,” she shared, “is that the Copa Kin Reading Challenge coincided with Hispanic Heritage Month, amplifying our commitment to bilingual literacy and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of our community. This alignment underscores the program’s broader mission: to make reading accessible, relevant, and empowering for every child we serve.” The 2025 reading challenge began on September 8th, UNESCO’s International Literacy Day, and concluded on October 3rd. According to Hannah Cameron, “This year, the Copa Kin Reading Program welcomed 1,600 new student registrants across 15 schools— collectively logging over one million minutes of reading.” This represents a record number of participants in the program’s fiveyear history. Each week, the classroom with the most reading minutes received prizes such as a team-signed FC Dallas jersey, a gift certificate to the Dallas Cowboys team store, or tickets to a Dallas Trinity FC home game. At the conclusion of the challenge in October, two Dallas area schools enjoyed a celebration of their achievements and the excitement of reading. The students of Uplift Heights Primary Preparatory School were overjoyed to spend time with Marco Fabián, one of the Mexican national team’s all-time-greatest players and Kin, the challenge’s mascot and namesake. Special recognition was given to La Academia de Estrellas Charter School in Dallas, the school with the greatest overall time spent reading. In addition to the celebration and special prizes, the winning classroom received tickets for all students and educators to attend
the Mexico vs. Columbia match in Arlington on the evening of October 11th. According to both the winning school’s educators and Dallas Sports Commission staff, the program has inspired students to be excited and passionate about reading in a whole new way. Hannah Cameron shared that, “Each week, teachers and educators shared inspiring stories about the program’s influence, noting not only how it’s cultivating a deeper love for reading, but also how it’s sparking interest in sports across our Dallas youth.” Integrating both sports and reading opens doors for students who may not otherwise be passionate about reading, and the tangible effects of the challenge are evident in the over one million minutes read by the leading school alone. The Copa Kin challenge has become an annual tradition for North Texas schools, and the program is expected to continue to grow in years to come. As global events such as MexTour propel soccer further into the spotlight of the world, initiatives that involve the next generation of students will become a key building block to promoting community engagement and cultural exchange. In the meantime, the Read to Win Challenge will serve as an educational highlight for hundreds of young learners across the Dallas region who will forever associate the fun of reading with the excitement of soccer. Learn more about the Copa Kin: Read to Win Challenge, including how to participate in future years, Click Here!
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