Must-Visit DFW Basketball Arenas & Training Facilities
Dallas–Fort Worth offers basketball enthusiasts world-class venues worth exploring. You'll find NBA action at the American Airlines Center, home to the Dallas Mavericks, and college hoops at SMU's Moody Coliseum and TCU's Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena.
For community play, check out Mavericks Foundation–supported courts or well-kept outdoor courts in neighborhood parks like Reverchon and Alta Mesa. From professional arenas to neighborhood courts, DFW's basketball scene caters to fans and players at every level.
The American Airlines Center: Home of the Dallas Mavericks
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Since its 2001 opening, the American Airlines Center (AAC) has stood as Dallas's premier multi-purpose sports arena. You'll experience NBA action in this roughly 19,000-seat basketball venue where the Mavericks clinched their 2011 championship. The arena's high-definition center-hung video board and immersive sound system elevate the in-game experience.
Located about a mile from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the AAC is conveniently reached from Dallas Love Field and DFW International Airport. The facility spans more than 600,000 sq. ft. of event space with extensive concessions throughout. Visitors can also enjoy games from one of the arena's 100+ luxury suites that provide an elevated view.
When you're not catching Mavs games, you might attend major concerts or other marquee events—the AAC's retractable seating enables quick turnarounds between basketball and large-scale shows.
Dickies Arena: Fort Worth's Premier Basketball Destination
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Nestled in Fort Worth's Cultural District, Dickies Arena has rapidly emerged as the city's premier basketball destination since its 2019 completion. This $450 million venue offers an intimate basketball experience with seating up to 13,000+ across configurable levels. You'll appreciate the state-of-the-art scoreboard and production systems that deliver a crisp, arena-wide presentation. Event operations run seamlessly with ample loading access and flexible back-of-house spaces that adapt to NCAA-caliber events. The arena is owned by the City of Fort Worth and managed by not-for-profit Trail Drive Management Corp. The venue's Southwest Art Deco touches—brick, stone, and tile motifs—echo local iconography. With dozens of suites, premium clubs, and an attached parking structure, Dickies Arena blends convenience and design in a modern setting. While Fort Worth boasts modern Dickies Arena, Dallas features a storied landmark: Moody Coliseum, SMU's home court since 1956. Following a major renovation completed in 2013–2014, this ~7,000-seat venue pairs classic lines with premium seating, clubs, and upgraded concourses. You'll feel the legendary "Moody Magic" generated by a lively student section and intimate sightlines. The court was officially named Dave B. Miller Court in 2018, honoring the distinguished SMU alumnus. Beyond basketball, the building's multi-use design regularly hosts volleyball matches, commencements, and high-profile speakers at its central University Park location. Beyond professional and college facilities, DFW features numerous community courts that serve local neighborhoods—many supported by the Mavericks Foundation since 1996. Across North Texas, the Foundation has funded dozens of Learn & Play spaces and refurbished courts, pairing new playing surfaces, goal systems, and visibility upgrades with youth programming. These spaces are strategically placed to maximize impact for youth development and healthy living, often in partnership with community organizations and sponsors. The result: safe, modern places to play that strengthen neighborhood connections to the game. On TCU's Fort Worth campus, the Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena represents one of the region's premier collegiate basketball facilities. A $72 million renovation (completed 2015) transformed the former Daniel-Meyer Coliseum into an ~8,500-seat arena with improved sightlines, wider concourses, and upgraded video systems. Lowering the playing surface created a more intimate atmosphere and added valuable courtside seating. The adjoining complex features: The arena's TCU brickwork and modern interiors house integrated operations for both men's and women's programs under one roof. In downtown Dallas, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (KBHCC) frequently converts into a multi-court basketball hub. Spanning over 1 million sq. ft., the campus includes a historic Arena and expansive exhibit halls—like the column-free Hall F—that can host tournaments, showcases, and fan events. Long known for large conventions and sports programming, the complex continues modernization with design partners such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Its downtown location—minutes from the AAC—forms a convenient event cluster that attracts high visitor volume and helps anchor Dallas's sports & entertainment district. Navigating DFW's basketball landscape is easier when you know the options. DART Light Rail connects directly to the AAC via Victory Station, while major venues provide ADA-accessible entries and parking. Park-and-ride facilities and event shuttles cut down on congestion, and clearly marked ride-share zones simplify drop-offs and pickups. Eco-minded fans can make use of bike racks and micromobility options around urban venues. With comprehensive traffic-management plans in place on game nights, you can focus on tip-off instead of traffic. The DFW metroplex offers a deep bench of playing options beyond pro and college arenas. In Dallas, Reverchon Park remains a go-to outdoor spot; in Fort Worth, parks such as Alta Mesa offer accessible outdoor hoops and active pickup scenes. Prefer indoor runs or structured play? City recreation centers and YMCAs across the region host leagues, skills clinics, and open gyms, supporting inclusive environments for newcomers and veterans alike. From neighborhood parks to community gyms, there's a court for every skill level and schedule. Whether you're catching a Mavs game at the AAC or shooting hoops at a neighborhood park, DFW's basketball scene truly offers something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to experience these incredible venues firsthand. From professional arenas to college facilities, you'll find top-tier basketball across the metroplex. Plan your visit, grab your gear, and immerse yourself in DFW's rich hoops culture.SMU Moody Coliseum: Historic College Basketball Venue
The Mavericks Foundation Community Courts Initiative
Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena & Basketball Complex: TCU's Elite Facility
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center: Versatile Basketball Events Space
Getting to DFW Basketball Venues: Transportation & Accessibility
Beyond the Arenas: Local Courts and Recreational Basketball Spots
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