Dallas Park Officials to Vote on Licensing Deal with Atlético Dallas
Dallas’ park officials will vote Thursday on a three-year licensing deal with Atlético Dallas, a new United Soccer League team, to use the Cotton Bowl stadium and MoneyGram Soccer Complex for three years, two city officials with knowledge of the deal told The Dallas Morning News.
MoneyGram Soccer Complex, a potential FIFA training location, is operated by a subsidiary of FC Dallas, which has offices in Frisco. Fair Park’s Cotton Bowl stadium is home to Dallas Trinity FC, a new women’s pro-soccer team. Officials are expecting to generate a minimum of $1.2 million in revenue over those three years.
The Plan to Bring a New Soccer Team to the Cotton Bowl
Dallas’ plan to bring a new soccer team to the Cotton Bowl is the latest effort to bring tenants to the iconic stadium. The city used the Fair Park field and a soccer park in northern Dallas to attract the team.
Atlético Dallas declined to comment on the agenda item, but said “the club is excited about opportunities throughout the City of Dallas and Dallas County.” The team will play its inaugural season in 2027.
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Related: Garland considers $70M soccer complex to court new pro soccer team
Contract Details and Youth Soccer Programs
The contract with FC Dallas allows the city to use the property for 700 to 1,000 hours for youth soccer programs. The three-year licensing deal, if it involves playing time, may exceed those allowed hours, according to the agreement obtained by The Dallas Morning News.
Related: Dallas wants to be a ‘sports city.’ Economists caution using public funds to get there
Garland’s $70 Million Soccer Complex Plan
Last month, Garland began discussions to build a $70 million soccer complex to help attract Dallas Atletico and retain it for at least 20 years. The plans include eight soccer fields, a training facility and a youth soccer academy.
Dallas’ contracts with the team include two one-year renewal options.
Garland’s Assistant City Manager Comments
Andy Hesser, Garland’s assistant city manager, declined to comment, citing ongoing negotiations.
MoneyGram Soccer Complex and Industrial Development
Last week, the 19-field MoneyGram soccer complex was at the center of a vote that pitted industrial development against park properties. The complex is located in an industrial hub in northwest Dallas near the Elm Fork floodplain, and is composed of mulchers and concrete crushing and batching plants.
Environmentalists and park officials won last week’s vote, but there’s rising pressure to correct a “schizophrenic land use” that puts the soccer complex and other park properties, such as the nearby municipal golf course and a tennis and pickleball center, in close proximity to the industrial operations.
Clarification on Atletico Dallas’ Training Facilities
Clarification, June 5, 2025, 4:38 p.m.: Atletico Dallas’ training facilities and headquarters are anticipated to be located in Garland. Dallas will host the team until the team finds a soccer stadium.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the licensing deal between Dallas park officials and Atlético Dallas is a significant development for the city’s sports scene. The deal has the potential to generate significant revenue and bring new life to the iconic Cotton Bowl stadium. However, there are also concerns about the impact of industrial development on the surrounding area and the need to balance the city’s economic and environmental goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the licensing deal between Dallas park officials and Atlético Dallas?
A: The licensing deal is a three-year agreement that allows Atlético Dallas to use the Cotton Bowl stadium and MoneyGram Soccer Complex for their home games and training sessions.
Q: How much revenue is expected to be generated from the deal?
A: Officials are expecting to generate a minimum of $1.2 million in revenue over the three-year period.
Q: What is the status of the MoneyGram Soccer Complex?
A: The MoneyGram Soccer Complex is a potential FIFA training location and is operated by a subsidiary of FC Dallas. However, there are concerns about the impact of industrial development on the surrounding area.
Q: Where will Atletico Dallas’ training facilities and headquarters be located?
A: Atletico Dallas’ training facilities and headquarters are anticipated to be located in Garland.
