A Sports Paradise That Gets Your Blood Pumping
(Image source: Texas Tourism)
The 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup is in full swing, with each thrilling match leaving a deep impression on fans. When it comes to adrenaline-pumping sports, aside from the well-known NBA basketball teams familiar to many, you can also find football, baseball, car racing, golf, and even rock climbing in Texas.
(Image source: Texas Tourism)
Texas is no stranger to NBA fans and is a top destination for sports travel. Among the numerous NBA teams, Texas is home to three: the Houston Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Mavericks. The Rockets, where China’s Yao Ming once played, are based at the Toyota Center in downtown Houston, which has a capacity of about 20,000. Here, you can not only enjoy the games but also take photos with the jerseys worn by Yao Ming. The AT&T Center in San Antonio, the state’s second-largest city, is the home arena of the San Antonio Spurs, who have won five NBA championships. After the game, you can visit the picturesque River Walk and the Alamo to explore Texas’ beautiful scenery and rich history. Another powerhouse NBA team, the Dallas Mavericks, plays at the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas. Covering 78,000 square meters with a capacity of about 20,000, the arena’s unique roof design has earned it numerous design awards. This outstanding venue also frequently hosts music concerts and events.
(Image source: Texas Tourism)
Buckle up and enjoy an extraordinary thrill ride on Texas’ race tracks. Head to the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth to experience NASCAR and IndyCar racing—you can even ride in the passenger seat alongside professional drivers to feel the rush of speed. This November, the AAA Texas 500 Race Weekend will host a major event. At the Houston Motorsports Park, you can drive NASCAR or Rusty Wallace race cars, and even try your hand at outdoor F1 racing. Southwest of downtown Austin lies a 5.4-kilometer track—the newest high-performance racetrack in the world and the only one in the U.S. specifically designed and built for F1 races. It will host the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in October.
(Image source: Texas Tourism)
Beyond the intense excitement of basketball and car racing, Texas’ exceptional geography also makes it a prime location for golf. The state boasts hundreds of golf courses, and its warm, pleasant climate means numerous golf tournaments are held here from March to May each year. Among them, the Piney Woods Golf Courses are located near Lake Fork, about 144 kilometers east of Dallas. With rolling hills and serene lakes, it’s a popular golf destination where you can also take in the beautiful Texan landscape. Tour 18 Houston in Houston replicates classic holes that have decided outcomes in famous U.S. opens and tournaments. As one of Houston’s top golf courses, it offers comprehensive services and top-tier practice facilities.
(Image source: Texas Tourism)
For outdoor climbing enthusiasts, Texas offers rewarding experiences. Franklin Mountains State Park in western Texas is a popular climbing destination where visitors can challenge themselves with varying difficulty levels and types of climbs—whether free climbing, bouldering, or big wall climbing. You can also climb in designated areas of McKelligon Canyon in the Tom Mays Unit. In addition, the park provides five campgrounds and picnic barbecue areas. The peak climbing season in Franklin Mountains Park is from December to January, while late spring and early autumn are popular for sightseeing. Within the park, you can take the Wyler Aerial Tramway up the Franklin Mountains to enjoy a bird’s-eye view over 1,700 meters above the ground.