The cities of Dallas and Houston have a fierce rivalry, and it's no different when it comes to their MLS teams. Not only are bragging rights on the line when FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo meet, but also El Capitan, a replica Civil War cannon. There isn't bigger matchup at Toyota Stadium than a Texas Derby, so make sure to get your tickets when the Dynamo come to town.
There has been a lot of bad blood between the Rapids and FC Dallas over the last few years, which has ignited a fierce rivalry between the two. FC Dallas fans loathe the Rapids, so don’t miss this matchup if you want to see Toyota Stadium at its best.
The Brimstone Cup is an excellent opportunity for FC Dallas fans to see their team take home some silverware. While the rivalry between the Fire and FC Dallas isn’t as fierce as it once was due to the two teams playing in different conferences, there are still plenty of bragging rights on the line when the Chicago Fire and FC Dallas square off.
While both the Columbus Crew and FC Dallas are founding MLS members, the Lamar Hunt Pioneer Cup didn’t come into existence until 2007. The trophy is named after American soccer support and former owner of both teams Lamar Hunt. A Columbus-Dallas match has more at stake than you’re typical inter-conference MLS matchup making it the perfect opportunity to catch a game at Toyota Stadium.
FC Dallas Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating and Texans go together like peanut butter and jelly, so you better believe you’ll be in for an incredible tailgating experience when attending an FC Dallas game. The parking lots around Toyota Stadium offer plenty of space for tailgating, and best of all a good portion of them are free. In addition to the benefit of free parking, the lots outside Toyota Stadium are also home to some of the best supporter group tailgates in all of MLS. The Dallas Beer Guardians tailgate is especially well regarded, so if you’re not looking to set up your own tailgate then just show up and join the fun.
If you’re more into the bar scene than tailgating, the FC Dallas supporter groups have you covered there as well. The Dallas Football Elite make their home at Stans Main Street, which is within walking distance to Toyota Stadium. No matter how you like to pregame before a soccer match, you’ll find lots of friendly FC Dallas supporters so don’t hesitate to take part in the pregame festivities surrounding Toyota Stadium.
Every year before FC Dallas’s first home match, the club hosts a 24-hour tailgate. FC Dallas fans camp out the night before the game and tailgate all night making it one of the biggest tailgating celebrations in not only Major League Soccer, but all of sports. The tradition dates back to the team’s first game at Toyota Stadium in 2005 and has been going strong ever since. If you can only get to one FC Dallas match, then make sure it's the first one so you can take part in the 24-hour tailgate.
The Dallas Beer Guardians supporter group throws one of the best tailgates in Major League Soccer. Here you’ll find great food, beer, and lots of new friends. Just make sure to bring a few bucks as a donation.
Another supporter group tailgate to check out is the El Matador Tailgate. These diehards throw an excellent tailgate party, so stop by and join in the fun before taking in an FC Dallas game.
Dallas Football Elite Tailgate at Stans
The DFE can be found tailgating before each match at Stans Main Street. Those of you who prefer the bar scene will want to check out the DFE and join them as they make their way to the stadium.
Where to tailgate
Supporter Group Tailgate AreaIf you’re looking to tailgate with the most diehard FC Dallas fans around, then make sure to stop by the supporter group tailgate area in the Sienna Blue Lot. Here you’ll find all of the supporter tailgates including the famous Dallas Beer Guardians tailgate.
Dallas Football Elite Tailgate at Stans Main StreetThe DFE can be found tailgating before each match at Stans Main Street. Those of you who prefer the bar scene will want to check out the DFE and join them as they make their way to the stadium.
Red and Blue LotsParking and tailgating are free in the red and blue lots. The free lots offer an excellent option for anyone looking to set up their own tailgate, so just park, break out the coolers and fire up the grill.
FC Dallas Stadium Guide
In Game
An FC Dallas game at Toyota Stadium presents one of the most lively atmospheres in Major League Soccer. The FC Dallas supporters groups go all out to support their team, and their chants can be heard all throughout the stadium. The supporter groups here are more spread out, but most are located in the North End creating an intense atmosphere that makes it difficult for any opponent to play here.
It’s not just the supporter groups and fans that make attending an FC Dallas match a good time. Toyota Stadium offers great views of the pitch from just about every seat and puts you right in the heart of the action. You won’t be able to help but join in the cheers and chants, so don’t hesitate to book your trip to Frisco.
During your trip to Toyota Stadium, take some time to check out the Lamar Hunt statue. The statue honors one of the pivotal figures in the founding of Major League Soccer as well as FC Dallas making it a must-see for any fan.
Those of you looking to pick up some FC Dallas gear will want to stop by the FC Dallas Team Shop. The shop is located in the Northeast corner of the stadium and is the best place to pick up FC Dallas merchandise including jerseys, t-shirts, scarves, and more.
FC Dallas has several supporter groups who provide an incredible in-game atmosphere. Unlike a lot of places where the groups are confined to one corner of the stadium, at Toyota Park you’ll find several groups strewn throughout the stands. The Beer Guardians, Inferno, and Lone Star Legion make their home in the North End while the DFE and Red Shamrock are located in Section 101 on the west side. No matter where you’re sitting at Toyota Stadium, you’ll be able to feel the excitement created by the FC Dallas supporter groups.
Before each game, An FC Dallas scarf is wrapped around the neck of the Lamar Hunt statue. A local celebrity typically performs the scarfing, and it gets everyone pumped up to cheer on FC Dallas. Don’t miss this FC Dallas tradition when visiting Toyota Park.
Don’t miss the FC Dallas mascot Tex Hooper during your trip to Frisco. Tex Hooper performs all kind of antics throughout the game and is especially popular with children.
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