The rivalry between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers started as an interleague rivalry until the Astros joined the American League in 2013, making it an intra-divisional rivalry. While they no longer compete for the Silver Boot, the stakes are now much higher as the two teams go head to head for the AL West crown.
The Angels and Rangers have faced off for the AL West crown on several occasions in recent years, which has helped develop a strong rivalry between the two. The matchups between the Angels and Rangers are always intense, so make sure to get your tickets when the Angels comes to town.
The A’s and Rangers have both been going hard for the AL West crown over the past few years, which has led to the development of a fierce rivalry between the two teams. The A’s edged out the Rangers for the division title in 2012 and 2013 igniting a fierce rivalry between the two. If you want to attend a good matchup, then get tickets when the A’s come to town.
Rangers Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
_Tailgating in Arlington has picked up over the last 5 years, and the team has been enjoying more consistent success than the years prior. With that being said, it is not a wild atmosphere like a football game but more of a calm and relaxed environment to sit in the bed of a truck, or post up a few lawn chairs and have a couple of beers before the stadium opens for batting practice.
One of the best options other than using your parking space as your hangout is to stop by the Captain Morgan Club. Other options for the pre-game include Humperdinks Restaurant & Brewpub and Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub & Grill.
The Ballpark in Arlington and the surrounding town of Arlington has a good tailgating scene in the surrounding parking lots which offers a more calm experience, and the local bars/restaurants is a little more rowdy of an experience on game day. For those who want something entirely different and off the wall to do before the game, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is just five minutes from the ballpark. Home to the Titan roller coaster (top speed of 85 mph and 255-foot drops), if you want to get your blood pumping before the gates open then Six Flags is your pre-game destination.
The Captain Morgan Club at Globe Life Field is a popular climate-controlled restaurant and sports bar located in left-center field. With two levels and seating for approximately 230 guests, it offers a spacious area spanning over 9,000 square feet. One of its highlights is the two-story dining area with a floor-to-ceiling glass window, providing a fantastic view of the field. Notably, the club is also home to the studios of FOX Sports Southwest and 103.3 FM ESPN, where live pre and post-game shows are hosted. It’s a go-to spot for baseball enthusiasts looking to enjoy great food, drinks, and a unique view of the game.
Just a few minutes away from Globe Life Field is Humperdinks Restaurant & Brewpub. Here you’ll find a younger and noisier crowd than other spots in the area. So if you’re looking to party before the Rangers play, then this is the place for you.
Before entering the ballpark, stop by the Rangers Fans Statue. The statue is dedicated to Shannon Stone, who died after he fell out of the stands trying to catch a ball.
Arrive early and take a tour of the ballpark before the game. The tour gives you access to the field, press box, and dugout and is a great time for any diehard baseball fan.
Six Flags Over Texas/Hurricane HarborSix Flags Over Texas/Hurricane Harbor
If you made a trip all the way to Arlington for the game and are looking to maximize your time, drive five minutes down the road to Six Flags Over Texas and the Six Flags-owned water park Hurricane Harbor. Featuring the Titan roller coaster, which reaches speeds of 85 mph and a drop of 255 feet, Six Flags is a must for thrill seekers in the area.
Where to tailgate
Humperdinks Restaurant & BrewpubJust a half mile away from The Ballpark in Arlington is Humperdinks Restaurant & Brewpub. Here you’ll find a younger and noisier crowd than other spots in the area, so if you’re looking to party before the Rangers play, then this is the place for you.
Cash D LotMost of the tailgating outside The Ballpark in Arlington can be found in Lt D. Lot D offers an open area with some shade to ward off the Texas heat and fans over here are more likely to be a little relaxed, throwing a baseball, and casually enjoying their tailgate.
Captain Morgan ClubThis more upscale bar is located in the office building in the center field, with two levels of seating and wall to wall TVs. Not only do they offer many beer options (including frozen beer!) and of course plenty of Captain Morgan, their food is worth a try as well. Food options include the Nolan Ryan bacon wrapped hot dog, burgers, tacos, and even the Boomstick - a 2 ft. Long hot dog.
Rangers Stadium Guide
In Game
When the funding for a new baseball stadium was approved in 1991, the city of Arlington and the Texas Rangers chose to build a retro-style ballpark, modeled after some great stadiums already in majors. They pulled inspiration from Fenway (out-of-town scoreboard built into left field wall), Tiger Stadium (roofed home run porch in right field), and the pre-1973 Yankee Stadium (white steel frieze surrounding the upper deck). With its touch of ballparks from baseball’s past and the touch of Texas that was incorporated in its inception, The Ballpark in Arlington is a great field to catch a game.
If you’re looking to take a home run ball or two home with you from the ballpark, sitting in the right field corner presents the best opportunity. This park is very friendly to left-handed hitters, and the wall in right is shorter in height than across the rest of the stadium. Moving towards the center from right field, in the power alley presents another great seating option, right behind the bullpen. This gives you an up-close look at what a major league pitch looks like, and you can also hear the distinct pop of the catcher’s mitt when he takes a fastball in the sweet spot.
Moving in to center field, you’ll notice the large balconies of the home run porch which is a great spot to sit for day games rather than some of the lower seats in the sun, or in the upper decks of the stadium as the area is covered and often air-conditioned and features all you can eat seats where you can pick up the usual ballpark essentials at the grill located in the Home Run Porch itself.
The revamped Texas Rangers Hall of Fame Museum at Globe Life Field offers an array of interactive exhibits that celebrate the team’s legacy. From the early days of the franchise to memorable moments and iconic players, the museum takes visitors on a journey through time. Fans can relive historic achievements, explore captivating artifacts, and gain a deeper understanding of the team’s impact on the sport of baseball.
The Texas Rangers pay homage to the legendary Nolan Ryan with a captivating statue at their new home, Globe Life Field. Ryan, a native Texan, enjoyed a remarkable 27-year career in the major leagues, including five seasons with the Rangers. With 324 victories, eight All-Star appearances, and an astonishing 5,714 strikeouts, Ryan’s contributions to the game are unparalleled. The statue, originally unveiled in 2007 at The Ballpark in Arlington, showcases Ryan atop the pitcher’s mound in his Rangers uniform, tipping his cap to the crowd. As a symbol of his greatness, the statue was relocated to its new residence in Rangers Plaza at Globe Life Field in early 2020, ensuring Ryan’s legacy lives on.
The Texas 24 Stand will treat you to the real MVP of the ballpark…the most valuable pretzel. This behemoth of bread weighs in at 3 pounds, comes with honey mustard, cheese, and cinnamon roll icing as dipping sauces and is available in Section 132 where you can also find other gargantuan food items such as the 2-foot-long Choomongous steak sandwich, and a 2-foot-long Texas Chili Dog fittingly named the Boomstick.
One of the more intriguing aspects of The Ballpark in Arlington is not only their unique food choices but the beverages as well. In section 15 you can find yourself some Keg Wine, and in section 46, they offer fans frozen beer. Yes, a beer slushy. You can’t beat that in the Texas heat. They, of course, offer the usual Bud Light and other baseball classics but be sure to venture out a little bit and try something unique The Ballpark in Arlington has to offer.
Greene’s Hill is a sloped section off of turf located behind the center field fence and serves as a batter’s eye. Look to Greene’s Hill after every Rangers home run as you’ll see the Rangers Six Shooters running a giant Texas flag around the hill.
Experience the thrill of being a Texas Rangers fan at the Texas Rangers Pro Shop. Located within the legendary Globe Life Field, this one-stop destination is your gateway to a world of official merchandise and gear. From stylish jerseys and trendy hats to collectibles and accessories, discover everything you need to showcase your team pride.
The Rangers mascot Captain can be seen entertaining fans throughout the game. The mascot is especially popular among children, so if you see him stop by and give him a high five.
The Rangers PA announcer Chuck Morgan has been the voice of The Ballpark in Arlington for years and is a big part of any Rangers game day. Listen for Morgan’s calls throughout the game as he’ll surely keep you entertained.
The Rangers Six Shooters entertain the crowd with dance routines and promotions. Keep an eye out for these talented young ladies as you wouldn’t want to miss their performances.
[Chorus x 2]
If it hadn’t been for Cotton-Eye Joe
I’d been married long time ago
Where did you come from where did you go
Where did you come from Cotton-Eye Joe
[Chorus x 2]
If it hadn’t been for Cotton-Eye Joe
I’d been married long time ago
Where did you come from where did you go
Where did you come from Cotton-Eye Joe
He came to town like a midwinter storm
He rode through the fields so handsome and strong
His eyes was his tools and his smile was his gun
But all he had come for was having some fun
[Chorus x 2]
If it hadn’t been for Cotton-Eye Joe
I’d been married long time ago
Where did you come from where did you go
Where did you come from Cotton-Eye Joe
He brought disaster wherever he went
The hearts of the girls was to hell broken sent
They all ran away so nobody would know
and left only men cause of Cotton-Eye Joe
[Chorus x 2]
If it hadn’t been for Cotton-Eye Joe
I’d been married long time ago
Where did you come from where did you go
Where did you come from Cotton-Eye Joe
[Chorus x 2]
If it hadn’t been for Cotton-Eye Joe
I’d been married long time ago
Where did you come from where did you go
Where did you come from Cotton-Eye Joe
If it hadn’t been for Cotton-Eye Joe
I’d been married long time ago
Where did you come from where did you go
Where did you come from Cotton-Eye Joe
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