Rangers Face Critical Week While FC Dallas Extends Winning Streak

The Dallas sports scene hit a mid-July fever pitch this week, with the Texas Rangers clawing back into playoff contention and FC Dallas notching a statement victory Sunday night at Toyota Stadium. On the facilities front, the city council signaled Tuesday that discussions are accelerating around a master plan for Fair Park, which includes the historic Cotton Bowl, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup looms.

The Rangers, after dropping two of three to the Astros in Arlington, took the series finale 6-3 on Thursday behind a seven-inning gem from Nathan Eovaldi. The win pulled Texas to within three games of the third wild-card spot in the American League. The team drew 32,417 fans that afternoon-above the season average of 28,100-and the buzz around a potential postseason push is building. The Rangers have not made the playoffs since 2023, and the front office has made clear the roster is built to contend now.

FC Dallas Rides Home Form, Star Facility Gets Look

FC Dallas, meanwhile, extended its unbeaten run to five matches with a 2-1 win over LAFC on Sunday. Jesús Ferreira scored in the 23rd minute and the defense held firm after LAFC pulled one back in the 67th. The win pushes Dallas to fourth in the Western Conference with 31 points from 21 games, and the team now heads into a stretch of four straight matches at Toyota Stadium.

The franchise has been quietly exploring upgrades to its Frisco training complex, the Star, which opened in 2016. The facility currently houses a 12,000-seat stadium for FC Dallas and a 5,000-seat indoor arena for its USL affiliate. Team sources say the club is studying expanded locker rooms, a dedicated broadcast studio, and upgraded player recovery areas. No timeline or price tag has been announced, but the Star already hosts the Dallas Cowboys headquarters and the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Cotton Bowl Future Gets City Attention

The city council on Tuesday reviewed a draft framework for Fair Park's 25-year redevelopment, which targets $300 million in private and public investment. The Cotton Bowl, which seats 92,100, stands as the largest venue in the park. Council members specifically noted the need to address aging restrooms, concession stands, and concourse width-issues that have drawn complaints from fans during the annual Red River Rivalry game between Texas and Oklahoma.

The Cotton Bowl was built in 1930 and last underwent a major renovation in 2008, when the field was lowered and new chairback seats were installed. Still, the facility lacks the premium club spaces and luxury suites that modern NFL and FIFA events require. Dallas is set to host matches during the 2026 World Cup-the tournament begins in less than four months, on June 11-and the Cotton Bowl is not among the U.S. host venues. That designation went to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, which will host eight matches including a quarterfinal.

City officials have not committed to any specific Cotton Bowl renovation schedule. The Fair Park master plan is expected to go to a public vote in November 2026 as part of a bond package.

For fans, the immediate future is on-field action. The Rangers head to Seattle for a three-game set starting Friday. FC Dallas hosts San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at Toyota Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. The Cotton Bowl will next see competitive football when Texas and Oklahoma meet for the Red River Rivalry on Oct. 10.