Frisco Sports Hub: Professional Teams and World-Class Venues
Frisco, Texas, has established itself as a premier destination for athletics, serving as a hub for major professional sports headquarters and high-profile sporting events. The city's commitment to sports infrastructure is so significant that in April 2011, Men's Journal named Frisco the Best Place to Raise an Athlete.
From the sprawling headquarters of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys to the championship pitches of Major League Soccer, Frisco offers a diverse array of facilities that cater to professional athletes, collegiate programs, and youth sports enthusiasts alike.
Key Facts
- The Star serves as the corporate and training headquarters for the Dallas Cowboys.
- Toyota Stadium hosts FC Dallas and the NCAA Division I (FBS) Frisco Bowl.
- The PGA of America is headquartered in Frisco within a mixed-use development featuring championship golf courses.
- The Southland Conference, an NCAA Division I organization, has been headquartered in the city since 2006.
- Frisco is home to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Premier Sporting Venues
The Ford Center at the Star
The Ford Center is a 12,000-seat indoor stadium located on Gaylord Parkway. It is the centerpiece of "The Star," a 91-acre project that houses the Dallas Cowboys' headquarters and training facilities. In a unique partnership, the Frisco Independent School District (ISD) contributed $30 million toward the facility, allowing high school teams to practice and play there on a rotating basis. The venue has also hosted professional teams such as the Dallas Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse and the Texas Revolution of Champions Indoor Football.
Toyota Stadium
Opened in 2005 as Pizza Hut Park, Toyota Stadium is a 20,500-seat venue primarily used by FC Dallas of Major League Soccer. Beyond professional soccer, the stadium hosts the annual Dallas Cup, a major international youth soccer tournament, and is co-located with the National Soccer Hall of Fame. It also serves as a venue for concerts and football, hosting the NCAA Division I-AA (FCS) championship since 2010 and the NCAA Division I (FBS) Frisco Bowl since 2017. Additionally, it has been home to the UFL's Dallas Renegades.
Riders Field
Riders Field is a 10,316-seat baseball stadium that opened on April 3, 2003. It serves as the home for the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Upon its opening, the stadium was recognized by BaseballParks.com as the best new ballpark of the year and received the 2003 Texas Construction award for Best Architectural Design.
Comerica Center
The Comerica Center (formerly known as Dr Pepper Arena) is a versatile venue for hockey and basketball. It is the home court for the Texas Legends of the NBA G League and the Frisco Fighters of the Indoor Football League. The center also serves as a practice facility for the NHL's Dallas Stars.
Professional Teams and Organizations
Football and Lacrosse
The Dallas Cowboys moved their corporate headquarters to The Star in June 2016. In the indoor football circuit, the Frisco Fighters debuted in 2020; after a pandemic-related cancellation, they played their first home opener on June 5, 2021, eventually reaching the IFL semifinals. Other former residents include the Frisco Thunder and the Texas Revolution. In lacrosse, the Dallas Rattlers played at the Ford Center from 2018 until the franchise folded after the 2019 season.
Hockey and Basketball
The Dallas Stars (NHL) maintain their headquarters and practice operations in Frisco. The city also has a history with the North American Hockey League, having hosted the Texas Tornado from 2003 until 2013. In basketball, the Texas Legends provide a professional presence as an affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks.
Golf and Collegiate Athletics
The PGA of America's headquarters is integrated into a mixed-use development that includes the Omni PGA Frisco Resort and championship golf courses. On the collegiate side, the Southland Conference manages its NCAA Division I operations from Frisco, and the city continues to host major championship games for the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Community and Recreational Sports
Beyond professional athletics, Frisco supports a robust community sports scene. The city features a state-of-the-art, Olympic-sized natatorium (a specialized swimming facility). Youth sports are well-supported through the Frisco Baseball and Softball Association (est. 1984), the Frisco Football League, and the Flagfootball4fun (FF4FUN) youth league. Additionally, the sports entertainment group Dude Perfect is based in Frisco.
| Venue | Capacity | Primary Tenants/Events |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Stadium | 20,500 | FC Dallas, Frisco Bowl, NCAA FCS Championship |
| Ford Center at the Star | 12,000 | Dallas Cowboys (Training), Frisco ISD |
| Riders Field | 10,316 | Frisco RoughRiders |
| Comerica Center | Varies | Texas Legends, Frisco Fighters, Dallas Stars (Practice) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NFL team is headquartered in Frisco?
The Dallas Cowboys moved their corporate headquarters to "The Star" in Frisco in time for the 2016 NFL season.
What is the significance of Toyota Stadium?
It is the home of FC Dallas, hosts the National Soccer Hall of Fame, and serves as the site for the Frisco Bowl and the NCAA Division I-AA (FCS) championship game.
Who plays at Riders Field?
The Frisco RoughRiders, who are the Double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Texas Rangers, play their home games there.
What teams use the Comerica Center?
The center is home to the Texas Legends (NBA G League) and the Frisco Fighters (Indoor Football League), and it is used as a practice facility by the Dallas Stars (NHL).
Does Frisco host any international sporting events?
Yes, Frisco hosts the Dallas Cup annually, which is a major international youth soccer tournament attracting teams from around the world.