Dallas Fort Worth isn’t just home to the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers…there are several other national teams including FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. If you’re headed to a game, then here’s our First Timers Guide to a FC Dallas Game.
Thanks to Toyota for an amazing afternoon kicking it with FC Dallas in my Toyota 2018 Camry and this sponsored post.
Being a Texas girl, I’ve done my time at the football game and many lazy afternoons at baseball fields. So I pretty much knew what to expect the first time I went to a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium and headed to Globe Life Park (remember I used to be in walkable distance of there?) But my first professional REAL football (as called by the rest of the world AKA – soccer), I wasn’t quite ready at all.
So my friends at Toyota decided it was time to school this Texas girl on all things “football” at Toyota Stadium – home to the FC Dallas for its opening day. If you may not have heard of it, Toyota Stadium and Toyota Soccer Center is a 145-acre multipurpose sports and entertainment facility in Frisco, Texas. Home stadium for FC Dallas and hosts the FCS Championship Game, the Frisco Bowl as well a variety of concerts, tournaments and other events, this venue will also soon be the home of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
The combination of a world-class stadium and a sports park make Toyota Stadium one of the best and most unique soccer facilities in the world. Included in the facility is the 20,500 state-of-the-art pro soccer stadium and 17 tournament-sized fields.
So we headed in a beautiful red 2018 Toyota Camry (talk about showing our spirit) to enjoy the fun…And man, the fun we did have as well as learn a lot about FC Dallas games.
Here’s our First Timer’s Guide to a FC Dallas Game at Toyota Stadium
Get Your Tickets
This might seem to be obvious but you actually can order tickets for the whole season as well as single games. There are several areas to also consider when purchasing your tickets including the East Field Box, Beer Garden and of course, suites as well as general seating. If it was up to me, I think hanging with the “real fans” on the field as part of the drum squad – they knew what was up. And our seats under the suites, but still in a covered shaded area were pretty sweet (because it’s HOT!)
AND remember: Children three (3) feet and under are not required to have a ticket for admission but must sit on the lap of a ticketed guardian.
Did you know you can also host birthday parties at Toyota Stadium or bring your work team for the game? FC Dallas can show ’em how team works happens – plus it’s a whole new way to kick it!
What to Wear
Like any sporting event, you want to show your spirit for the team with jerseys, shirts, hats, etc. Thankfully, many of us already have a red, white or blue clothing to donn for the day. You can always head to the Team Shop or FCDallasGear.com in advance as well, but whatever you do, just make sure it’s tasteful (ok to be around all ages that is!) Comfortable shoes and hat (to shield the sun) will be great. Also, make sure to throw on that first layer of sunscreen!
What to Bring
In effect this year the stadium has gone to a no purse/handbag rule except bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 14” x 6” x 14”. Of course there are exceptions which you can check online, but make it easy on yourself and just don’t bring it – unless it’s a flag – because those are ok (just check the policy first.)
If you plan to tailgate, then you’ll need to load up the car with what you need for proper tailgating, but leave your open air grill at home because they’re not allowed. Stake your space early as well – parking here like any game can get complicated!
Most of all, make sure not to bring any of the following because you can’t bring it in with you to the facility:
Items NOT permitted:
- Weapons of any kind (i.e. knives (including pocket knives), pepper spray, stun-guns, slingshots, concealed weapons, firearms etc.)
- Fireworks of any kind (including smoke bombs and flares)
- No glass and plastic bottles, cans, cups, coolers, containers, food or beverages of any kind
- Air horns, whistles, seat cushions
- Illegal drugs or chemicals
- Laser pointers
- Cups
- Bags larger than 14x14x6
- Inflated Soccer Balls
- Umbrellas
- Animals (except service animals)
- Un-approved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
- Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, etc.
Thankfully, the booths mostly take credit cards, but cash sometimes makes things easier too when it comes to make things go faster!
Where to Park
It pays to drive a Toyota — especially to Toyota Stadium. If driving around a NEW Toyota Camry to the game wasn’t enough – if you have a Toyota you get the UPGRADE!
- FC Dallas fans driving their Toyota vehicles to FC Dallas home matches will receive complimentary Toyota Preferred Parking located in the South Sienna Blue Stadium East Lot.
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The reserved Toyota Preferred Parking spaces reach capacity quickly and are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
- Fans are encouraged to arrive 60-minutes prior to kick.
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- Free parking remains available for all guests to FC Dallas home matches in all the Corolla Red Stadium West Lots, the Highlander Green Lots and the RAV4 White Lot.
- Preferred public parking is located in the Camry Gold Lot. The Cost to park in the Camry Gold Lot is $20.
If you don’t come early to enjoy the festivities, then just know you’ll be walking a little bit to the other outlying parking. And it’s a bit of a trek with littles, so plan accordingly. (And remember, no bags and no rentry, so only take what you need!)
What to Expect
Everyone goes through security – no matter the age and has their items checked. The process is easy and once you’re in – the fun begins!
If you’re like me, you like to have a lay of the land – where the food is, where the exits are, and most importantly, where the bathrooms are. So take a look here to acclimated before you go. It’s easy to navigate once you get there as it’s an open space in a big circle.
Now what? Then let’s have some fun! Lots of red, white and blue (the colors of FC Dallas), lots of spirit, and a lot of Toyota love (of course!) This one is rather perfect, don’t you think?
As for the festivities – get ready and come for the full game so you don’t miss them! There’s fireworks, chants, and much more that aren’t always at other games! Make sure to take in the whole experience.
What to Eat
This might have been one of my favorite things I discovered about Toyota Stadium. Most stadiums may have a beer sponsor, but at Toyota, we have a tequila sponsor – Lunazul! So the margaritas here are really good – especially when you’re sitting in the heat! But that’s not all my friends… There was other great cocktails to enjoy too all around the stadium including an Old Fashioned and of course, several beer selections!
We may have covered the drinks, but what about the eats? There are 10 booths serving food at Toyota Stadium. You’ll find your usual suspects like fries, nachos, and burgers. But keep looking – you’ll also find some killer street tacos, elotes and even smothered tater tots! The food was legit and also reasonable, so this stadium gets a two thumbs up!
I hope this guide to a FC Dallas Game at Toyota Stadium helps you take on the day like a pro! You’ll have a great time and get ready for a lot of fun!
Make note if you’re visiting in 2018:
Imagine Dragons? Yes, please!
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