There’s no better place to be than The City that Plays on game day. Frisco hosts some of the biggest sports events in North America and is the home of several professional teams, including FC Dallas. This year marks the 17th season of FC Dallas playing soccer at Toyota Stadium in the historic downtown district. While a game may only last 90 minutes, game-day fun in Frisco starts well before kickoff. From tailgating to shopping, here are five ways to make the most of your experience when watching an FC Dallas match.
Grab a meal before the game
The pre-game meal is an important part of game day for professional athletes. What you dine on before an FC Dallas match may look different from what the pros eat, but it’s still an essential way to fuel up before cheering on the boys in red. Fortunately, Toyota Stadium is conveniently located just a few steps away from some of Frisco’s best restaurants.
Pair mesquite-grilled Tex-Mex fare with beer and margaritas at Blue Goose Cantina, a family-owned chain that’s been part of the North Texas culinary scene since 1984. Rep the same colors as FC Dallas with a burger from Wulf Burgers, serving ground in-house, fresh, never frozen burgers. Where does red come into this? This burger joint is best known for its Red Wulf Buns, colored with natural beet extract. Stop by Hoff’s Steaks and Steins for a filling meal, a Texas-German-style steak house with an outdoor beer garden. When game day is hot, there’s an interior garden with air conditioning.
Tailgate for Soccer, Frisco style
Experience two of the best elements around game day in one spot: supporters’ groups and tailgating before the big game. Soccer clubs worldwide are known for their supporters’ groups, a core group of passionate fans that sing, chant, hang banners, and create an exciting atmosphere for their team. One of the most vocal groups, Dallas Beer Guardians, meets every game in the Red Lot at Toyota Stadium, usually an hour or two before kickoff. After hosting one of the best Major League Soccer tailgates, head inside, and you’ll notice the DBG at the north end of the stadium.
In the southwest parking lot, find El Matador tailgating. One of the oldest FC Dallas supporters’ groups, the fans march from the parking lot to the stadium waving flags, banging drums, and chanting songs in both Spanish and English. You’ll hear El Matador bringing the noise for 90 minutes in sections 120 and 121 inside the stadium.
Book Your Stadium Staycation
There’s no greater luxury than being close to all the action when FC Dallas plays. Staying at a hotel near Toyota Stadium lets you enjoy even more of the day, cutting down the transportation and parking time. As a bonus, the sea of FC Dallas fans wearing red nearby helps build kickoff anticipation. You’ll find many hotels just steps away from the soccer field, including:
Candlewood Suites
Comfort Suites - Frisco Square
Hampton Inn & Suites - North Fieldhouse
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Frisco
Represent Your Team With FC Dallas Merch
Find a souvenir from your time in Frisco and support your team at the same time. Visit the FC Dallas Fan Shop online for jerseys, hats, scarves, and all things FC Dallas. On game day, pick up your new merchandise at Guest Services on the northeast side of the stadium across from the Toyota Terrace. When FC Dallas isn’t playing in Frisco, orders can be picked up at Soccer90 at the south end of the stadium. Soccer90 features a selection of merchandise from domestic and international teams and is one of our recommended stops to pick up a gift for any soccer fan. For everything you need to both play soccer and represent your favorite teams, check out Soccer City, which, as the name suggests, is full of soccer equipment and merchandise. It’s conveniently located on Main Street, a few blocks away from the stadium.
Celebrate an FC Dallas win with a post-game meal
After 90 minutes of cheering, chanting songs, and having a good time, you undoubtedly will work up an appetite. Enjoy craft cocktails and a kitchen menu with burgers, tacos, and more nearby at Snookered Billiards & Bar. Owned by a local Frisco couple who are also passionate about pool, half of this 7,500 sq. ft. facility is a restaurant. The other half is an event space with 14 Diamond pool tables, three dartboards, and shuffleboard. Get your fill of Texas BBQ on game day at Rudy’s Country Store & Barb-B-Que, serving brisket, ribs, and sides every day until 9 pm. Or, if you’re more of a sushi fan than Texas BBQ, make your way to Hikari Sushi & Grill, open late most nights. Eat-in or order from the to-go menu with a selection of options featuring fresh fish from Hawaii.
Add Soccer to Your Next Vacation
Ready for a soccer game day, Frisco style? Learn more about everything you need to know about soccer in Frisco and plan your next game day experience. To stay in the loop about all things Frisco, including our marquee sports events, sign up for our newsletter.