BEHIND THE BANNER December
DSC 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
BY: BEN HARBUCK
In its 10th anniversary year, the Dallas Sports Commission reminded us of something we know but sometimes forget; sports have a way of making a city feel alive. They turn stadiums into temples, families into fanatics, and they make communities come together for something bigger than themselves. With 86 events—the most ever in a fiscal year—1.14 million attendees, and $682.5 million in economic impact, 2024 was a year of moments
that built something bigger than sports: pride, community, and momentum. It began with news that sent ripples across the world: Dallas will host nine FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, including a Semi-Final at AT&T Stadium. For Dallas, where soccer isn’t just played but preached, this wasn’t luck—it was a payoff. Years of infrastructure, passion, and packed stands made this a reward earned, not gifted.
The countdown to 2026 has begun, and Dallas is ready—like a kid lacing up cleats before the championship game.
From there, 2024 turned into a highlight reel. Beginning with the NCA High School and All-Star Nationals where the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center roared with gravity-defying athletes whose futures hung on every flip and cheer. Hotel lobbies buzzed, local businesses welcomed every family, and Dallas, as always, delivered what it does best: a stage for champions to rise.
March Madness swept into the American Airlines Center, where NC State decided they were done being the underdog. The Wolfpack’s Sweet 16 and Elite 8 run felt like more than a game plan; it was a storybook coming to life. It reminded us why we all fell in love with March Madness in the first place.
Before the confetti had even been swept from the hardwood, the pitch took center stage. AT&T Stadium played host to the Concacaf Nations League Final, where the U.S. defeated Mexico 2-0 in a rivalry as fiery as any. And just when you thought the pros grabbed all
the headlines, the Dallas Cup reminded us where future stars are born. In its 45th chapter, the world’s largest international youth soccer tournament brought in talent from fourteen countries—solidifying that DFW isn’t just another stop for soccer: it’s the hub for the sport in America. Speaking of hubs, we can’t forget about Volleyball. In 2024 KBHCCD was the hub for youth volleyball from April – June. Starting with Lone Star Classic, now in its 37th year, LSC continued its reign as the nation’s largest national qualifier for volleyball, bringing together 2,700 teams from 38 states. The USA Volleyball Girls & Boys Junior Nationals took it a step further, hosting over 500 teams and 1,400 matches across 75 courts.
Youth events didn’t slow down as the VEX Robotics World Championship returned to the KBHCCD in May. With over 35,000 attendees, the event has seen tremendous growth during their time in Dallas.
Then came DreamHack Dallas, a festival of esports that turned keyboards into instruments and pixels into poetry. For three days, 44,000 gamers roared, proving that compe-
tition knows no bounds—digital or physical. #DHDallas was as electric as any final whistle. By summer, Copa América arrived and turned Arlington into a soccer-soaked celebration. Flags waved, chants echoed, and Dallas reminded the world that the beautiful game transcends borders. Tradition too had its place in this highlight reel. The State Fair Classic delivered its signature gameday weekend, as HBCU fans filled Cotton Bowl Stadium, and the battle of the bands stole the show. Not to be outdone, the Red River Rivalry— in its first SEC edition— delivered an atmosphere bigger than Big Tex himself and once again painted Dallas in crimson and burnt orange.
Then there was pickleball. Yes, pickleball— the sport that leaped from suburban backyards into the national spotlight. The UPA World Pickleball Championships turned heads, drew cheers, and brought everyone— from amateurs to pros to legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Terrell Owens—together for a week that was equal parts fun and fierce.
Sports don’t always need to be national headlines to matter; sometimes, they just need to bring us together. Ten years ago, that’s what the Dallas Sports Commission set out to do. Bring people together and position this city on the global sports map. In 2024, Dallas isn’t just on the map—it’s in bold, underlined, and circled. Nine World Cup matches are coming. A Semi-Final is coming. And if 2024 proved anything, it’s that Dallas doesn’t need to shout about what it’s doing. It just does the work, welcomes the fans with hospitality, and lets the moments speak for themselves.
From every youth volleyball tournament and soccer showcases to dance competitions and internationally renowned events, Dallas continues to prove that we are a natural fit for any size sporting event.
Check out all our 2024 Events
GEAR UP AND SHOW OUT FOR THE SERVPRO FIRST RESPONDER BOWL
A THRILLING SHOWDOWN PROMISED AT GERALD J. FORD STADIUM
BY: ALEX GILBERT
As the holiday season approaches and the anticipation of a new year begins, fans are getting ready for the culmination of another exhilarating college football season. Bowl season is upon us, and the excitement is high as teams prepare for their post season journey. On January 3rd, the iconic Gerald J. Ford Stadium on the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus in Dallas will host the much-anticipated SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. This event will feature an electrifying matchup between the University of North Texas (UNT) Mean Green and the Texas State University (TXST) Bobcats.
Celebrating its 15th year in 2025, the First Responder Bowl is a staple in Dallas’ college football history. This year promises to be one for the books as two Texas universities make their way to Dallas. UNT, hailing from Denton, just a short drive away, brings its high-octane offense
to the game. Heading into the postseason with a 6-6 record, this marks the 15th time the school has made a bowl game appearance, showcasing their consistent presence in college football.
On the other side, TXST, making the journey from San Marcos, TX, is ready for their second consecutive trip to the First Responder Bowl. The Bobcats have had a season marked by resilience and determination, ending with a 7-5 record in regular season games. Fans can expect an exciting matchup as these two teams battle it out on the field.
Both teams boast an impressive offense, with UNT ranking third in the nation and TXST ranking sixth. Also the second consecutive year for an All-Texas matchup, this marks the 40th meeting between the two schools and the first time the teams have met as FBS schools.
More than just a football game; the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a tribute to the brave men and women who serve as first responders. First responders include police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, correctional officers, search and rescue, dispatchers, security guards, federal agents, border patrol agents and those who provide assistance at the scene of an emergency. These individuals work tirelessly to ensure our safety and well-being. The bowl game serves as a platform to honor their commitment and sacrifice, bringing communities together in recognition of their invaluable contributions.
First played in 2010 at Cotton Bowl Stadium, the game has quickly garnered a reputation for exciting matchups in a prime location, with several recent games resulting in wins decided by a touchdown or less. Now held at SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium, this event continues to captivate audiences with its blend of thrilling football and meaningful community engagement.
“We are excited to have North Texas and Texas State participate in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl,” said Scott Pomeroy, Assoc. Director, ESPN Events. “ We are expecting a record crowd for our bowl game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on January 3rd. Come out for a great football game, but also to say thank you to the men and women who serve our communities on a daily basis.”
Throughout the event, special tributes and activities will highlight the work of first responders, offering fans a chance to express their gratitude and support. The game provides a unique opportunity for spectators to not only enjoy top-tier college football but also to participate in a meaningful celebration of heroism and community spirit. Attendees will experience the vibrant atmosphere of the stadium, impressive offense led football, and memorable tie ins to our valiant first responders.
Tickets for the First Responder Bowl are now on sale, and fans are encouraged to secure their seats early to avoid missing out on this exhilarating showdown. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of the Mean Green, a loyal Bobcats fan, or interested in attending a bowl game for the first time, this is a perfect opportunity to witness Texas football at its finest.
To purchase tickets, visit the official First Responder Bowl website at FirstResponderBowl.com or contact the Gerald J. Ford Stadium box office.
pros at home in JANUARY
Teneisha McKinney
Jaramillo
Lively Cade
Trysten Meadors
Ben Harbuck
UPCOMING EVENTS
SERVPRO FIRST RESPONDER BOWL UNT VS. TXST
JANUARY 3
GERALD J FORD STADIUM
GOOD YEAR COTTON BOWL CLASSIC (CFP SEMI-FINAL)
JANUARY 10
AT&T STADIUM
NCA HIGH SCHOOL NATIONALS
JANUARY 24 - 26
KBHCCD
TEXAS FEST VOLLEYBALL
JANUARY 26 - 27
KBHCCD
AMERICAN VOLLEYBALL CHALLENGE
JANUARY 31 - FEBUARY 2
KBHCCD
TEXAS TOUGH GYMNASTICS INVITATIONAL
JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 2
KBHCCD
Spring volunteer opportunites may include cheerleading, robotics, and more! Shift details and more information will be distributed in January to current volunteers.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE FIRST TIME? SIGN UP IN OUR VOLUNTEER PORTAL, ROSTERFY!
LEARN MORE
FIRST RESPONDERS. EXPERIENCE BOWL GAME EXCITEMENT!
Join us for the 2025 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl as we honor the heroes who keep our communities safe. This year, North Texas takes on Texas State in a Texas sized matchup you won’t want to miss. Witness top-tier college football action, celebrate our first responders, and be part of a tradition that brings fans and families together. First Responders get in free!
Date: January 3, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
Tickets are on sale now! Secure your seats through the link below and celebrate those who serve.
SECURE YOUR SEATS
THE COTTON BOWL CLASSIC
GAME-CHANGERS BEYOND THE GRIDIRON
BY: BEN HARBUCK
shine down for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, fans know they’re in for a showcase of college football’s finest. But off the field, the Cotton Bowl Foundation is calling its own plays—plays that win big for North Texas
“We are thrilled to be able to extend dollars to so many organizations that are doing so much to make our North Texas community better,” said W. Kelvin Walker, Chair of the Cotton Bowl Foundation and Cotton Bowl Athletic Association. “Supporting worthy organizations is a wonderful way for
children and families all across North Texas.”
And invest they did. This year, the Cotton Bowl Foundation broke records by awarding $425,000 to nine game-changing nonprofits.
From the All-Stars Project of Dallas taking home $100,000 to the Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation banking $11,500, the Foundation proved its commitment to creating brighter futures.
One of those brighter futures? Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, which transformed its Fort
Worth space into a STEM-powered dreamland for young innovators. With a $100,000 grant, the Foundation helped unveil a brand-new maker space where tomorrow’s engineers and scientists can let their imaginations run wild.
Not to be outdone, teachers across North Texas also scored big. On September 17, during Extra Yard for Teachers Week, the Cotton Bowl Foundation made educators feel like champions, awarding $50,000 grants to Catch Up & Read, The Educator Collective, Principal Impact Collaborative at UNT Dallas, and United to Learn. As if that wasn’t enough, teachers left with Cotton Bowl-branded backpacks, gift bags, and a surprise worthy of a touchdown dance—tickets to the 89th Classic.
Of course, the Cotton Bowl Classic isn’t just about giving back—it’s about inspiring the next generation. This year’s Art Contest took creativity to a championship level, with $75,000 distributed to 164 schools across North Texas. Thousands of young artists submitted their work, proving that the future of art is as bright as the AT&T Stadium lights. Meanwhile, the iconic Kilgore Rangerettes, longtime Cotton Bowl staples, continued their own tradition of excellence with scholarships awarded to two standout team members.
Just when you thought the Cotton Bowl Foundation’s impact couldn’t get any bigger, they went full-on Thanksgiving mode. Partnering with the Tarrant Area Food Bank, the Foundation turned AT&T Stadium into a beacon of hope for families across North Texas. On November 21, more than 5,400 families rolled through the Thanksgiving Mega Mobile Market, leaving with 380,000 pounds of food—enough to serve up 316,000 meals. The Dallas Cowboys, American Airlines volunteers, and local heroes (Arlington Police and Fire) joined forces to make it all happen. It wasn’t just a food distribution—it was a fullon blitz of community spirit.
In case you’re keeping score, the Cotton Bowl Foundation has now handed out over $3.5 million since 2016—fueling nonprofits, empowering educators, feeding families, and fostering creativity. It’s proof that, while football may be the headline act, the real magic of the Cotton Bowl Classic happens far beyond the gridiron.
So, when the teams take the field and fans erupt in cheers, remember this: the Cotton Bowl Foundation already won. It’s a victory for teachers, for families, for students, and for an entire community that keeps coming back, year after year, to make a difference.
For more on how the Cotton Bowl Foundation is changing lives, visit
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