Destinations

Just north of Austin, Round Rock, Texas is a fast-growing community of more than 125,000 residents known for its family-friendly atmosphere, strong schools, and thriving business sector.

Like Overland Park, Round Rock has successfully balanced suburban comfort with big-city opportunity — a mix that makes it both a great place to live and a powerful destination for sports and events.

Round Rock’s commitment to sports tourism has been deliberate and data-driven. The city invested early in high-quality facilities like the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex, Dell Diamond, and Rock’n River Waterpark, creating an ecosystem that attracts youth and amateur tournaments year-round.

These investments have turned sports into a significant economic engine, bringing thousands of visitors and millions in visitor spending each year.

What We Share with Round Rock:

Both Round Rock and Overland Park have built their reputations through forward-thinking city planning, regional collaboration, and a deep understanding of the family travel market. Each community champions a high quality of life, exceptional sports venues, and a welcoming hospitality culture.

The Opportunity:

Round Rock shows what’s possible when a city fully leans into its sports identity. Their success offers tangible lessons for Overland Park as we continue expanding our reach, attracting larger tournaments, and amplifying the impact of sports tourism on our economy and community pride.

"Round Rock was established as the Sports Capital of Texas in 2004 with just a handful of sports facilities. The moniker gave Round Rock credibility and a mission to live up to. With the building of each new sports facility, Round Rock was able to fully realize its potential as the Sports Capital of Texas."

- Go Round Rock

Located in the fast-growing Dallas–Fort Worth metro area, Frisco, Texas is one of the nation’s top examples of sports-driven community development.

Over the past two decades, Frisco transformed from a quiet suburb of about 225,000 residents and into a nationally recognized destination. Home to professional franchises, cutting-edge venues, and national sports museums, Frisco has built a reputation for blending sports, entertainment, and economic growth.

The city’s sports portfolio is unmatched for its size: Toyota Stadium (home to FC Dallas), The Star (headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys), Riders Field, and numerous youth complexes that host regional and national tournaments.

These venues didn’t appear by accident. They’re the result of intentional collaboration between the city, private developers, and sports organizations to position Frisco as a sports powerhouse.

What We Share with Frisco:

Like Overland Park, Frisco is rooted in a commitment to family, youth development, and economic innovation. Both cities recognize that sports tourism is more than events — it’s a catalyst for community identity, visitor engagement, and long-term prosperity.

Each community leverages smart growth, accessibility, and public-private partnerships to fuel momentum.

The Opportunity:

Frisco’s rise shows how a strategic focus on sports tourism can redefine a city’s brand and economic landscape.

As Overland Park continues to grow, we have the infrastructure, partnerships, and vision to carve out our own distinctive leadership role in the Midwest, just as Frisco has done in Texas.

“Frisco has become ground zero for sports in the U.S. We have a rabid fan base for every sport, and for every level from Pee Wee to Pro, and event organizers recognize that.”

-Gina Miller, Vice President of Media, FC Dallas