First Time at a Stadium? Here's What You Need to Know Before You Go
Tuesday, April 14
Walking into a stadium for the first time is different from watching on a screen. The sound is louder, the crowd is closer, and the pace of the match feels faster when you can see the entire pitch in front of you.
Texas Health Mansfield Stadium opens in summer 2026 as the home of North Texas SC in the MLS NEXT Pro league. Whether you are attending a match, bringing the family, or visiting for a concert, here is what to know before you go.
Before You Leave Home
A good stadium experience starts before you arrive. Handle these three things, and the rest of the day gets easier.
Get Your Tickets Sorted
Purchase tickets in advance through the official channels. For North Texas SC matches, single-match tickets will be available at ntsctix.com. Check the upcoming events calendar for the full schedule of matches, concerts, and community events. Mobile ticketing is standard at most modern venues, so have your phone charged and your tickets accessible before you leave.
Check the Weather
Texas Health Mansfield Stadium has covered seating on both sides, but the venue is outdoors. Summer evening matches in North Texas can start warm and cool down after sunset. Layer accordingly and bring sun protection for daytime events. Rain gear is worth packing if the forecast is uncertain.
Plan Your Parking and Route
The stadium is in the Staybolt Street Entertainment District in Mansfield, Texas, adjacent to Texas State Highway 360. Parking is available in lots adjacent to the venue. Arrive early, especially for opening-season matches. From downtown Dallas, the drive is roughly 30 minutes. From DFW International Airport, plan for 35 to 40 minutes. Mansfield also has parks, dining, and local attractions worth pairing with a match-day visit.
When You Arrive at the Stadium
Once you are on-site, a few things will move faster if you know what to expect.
Gates Open Before Kickoff
For most events, gates open well before kickoff or showtime. Arriving early gives you time to walk the venue, grab food, and settle into your seat without rushing. The exact gate time varies by event and will be listed on the event schedule page.
Security Screening Is Standard
All guests pass through a security check at entry. Most stadiums enforce a clear bag policy or size restrictions. Keeping your items simple (phone, wallet, keys, small clear bag) speeds up entry.
Finding Your Seat
Texas Health Mansfield Stadium holds more than 7,000 fixed seats in a design built around the pitch. The closest seats sit at field level, putting fans just feet from the action. Even the last row maintains a clear sightline. Staff are stationed throughout the venue to help with directions if you need them.
What to Expect During a Soccer Match
If you are new to live soccer, here is how the match unfolds. According to a Morning Consult survey from 2025, roughly 1 in 4 American children played soccer in the past year. Many families at THMS will be experiencing live professional soccer for the first time.
Match Duration
A standard soccer match lasts 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves with a halftime break of approximately 15 minutes. Stoppage time (additional minutes added at the end of each half to account for delays) may extend each half by a few minutes. From gate to final whistle, plan for approximately two and a half to three hours total.
The Atmosphere
A 7,000-seat soccer stadium is louder and more intimate than what television conveys. North Texas SC supporters create a match-day atmosphere that builds throughout the 90 minutes. Cheering, singing, and standing during key moments are all part of the experience. Join in at your comfort level.
Halftime
Halftime lasts about 15 minutes. Use the break to visit concession stands, explore the venue, or stretch. The Mansfield Mile, the longest bar at any outdoor stadium in North America, anchors the social energy of the stadium and is a destination worth visiting during the break.
Food, Drinks, and the Stadium Experience
One of the advantages of attending a match at a newer venue is the food and beverage program. Read more about the stadium to understand the full scope of what the facility offers.
Concessions and Healthier Options
Texas Health Mansfield Stadium features curated food and beverage offerings that include healthier, balanced options alongside traditional stadium fare. The Texas Health Resources partnership as the Official Health Partner means the concession program reflects a commitment to wellness that most venues do not prioritize.
The Mansfield Mile and Social Spaces
On match days, fans can access the Mansfield Mile, Staybolt Club, Private Suites, and South Plaza. The Mansfield Mile is the social hub of the venue, open for drinks, conversation, and watching the match from a different vantage point. The Staybolt Club offers an upscale indoor lounge with panoramic views. View the full list of venue and event spaces, which are also available for private and corporate bookings beyond match days.
Your First Match Starts Here
Every fan has a first time. For thousands of families in Mansfield and across North Texas, that first live soccer experience will happen at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium in the summer of 2026. Arrive early. Walk the venue. Stay for the full 90 minutes.
Browse the upcoming events calendar and pick the match that brings you through the gates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from first-time visitors to Texas Health Mansfield Stadium.
What time should I arrive for a match at the stadium?
Plan to arrive when gates open, typically well before kickoff. Early arrival gives you time to park, clear security, and find your seat without rushing.
What can I bring into the stadium?
Most stadiums enforce a bag policy with size restrictions. Check the venue’s specific policies before your visit. Keeping your items to a phone, wallet, keys, and a small clear bag is the simplest approach.
How long does a soccer match last?
A standard match lasts 90 minutes (two 45-minute halves) plus a halftime break. Stoppage time may add a few minutes to each half. Plan for two and a half to three hours total.
Is the stadium family-friendly?
Yes. Texas Health Mansfield Stadium is designed for families, with covered seating, accessible facilities, curated healthier food options, and a welcoming atmosphere for first-time visitors and young fans.
Where do I park at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium?
Parking is available in lots adjacent to the stadium in the Staybolt Street Entertainment District. Arrive early to allow time for parking and walking to the gates.
Who plays at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium?
North Texas SC, the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro champions and affiliate of FC Dallas, plays home matches at the stadium throughout the MLS NEXT Pro season.
