A destination hub for arts, entertainment, food, sports and more, the City of Arlington sets its sights on becoming a hub for college football. In a two-week span of July 2023, Arlington hosts four conference football media days: the American Athletic Conference, Big 12 Conference, Conference USA and United Athletic Conference. 

During a conference’s football media day, head coaches and student-athletes from a school or university’s college athletic football program within that conference participate in media availabilities and events for media members to receive the latest news and information about the team ahead of the upcoming season.

“The City of Arlington and the Arlington Sports Commission are excited to host the pride and pageantry of four college football conference’s media days and introduce new fanbases while welcoming in returning friends to The American Dream City, where ‘We Crown Champions,’” said Matt Wilson, the Senior Vice President of Sports and Events for the Arlington Sports Commission. “We strive to further enhance Arlington’s footprint into the sporting world.” 

The Big 12 Conference held its two-day event presented by Old Trapper at AT&T Stadium Wednesday, July 12 and Thursday, July 13, 2023. The 2023 football season marks the debut of BYU, UCF, Cincinnati and Houston in the league, as they join continuing members Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech and West Virginia. Additionally, the Big 12 extended its agreement through the 2030 season to continue to host the Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium.

"The Big 12 is thrilled to announce our Football Championship will be staying at AT&T Stadium through 2030," said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. "The Big 12 and AT&T Stadium both call the Metroplex home - through this extension, we will host our Football Championship at a world-class venue in our own backyard. We are grateful for the support and partnership of the Dallas Cowboys organization."

The United Athletic Conference kicks off its inaugural NCAA Division I FCS football season with the conference’s Media Day Friday, July 14, 2023, at Texas Live! The United Athletic Conference is a football partnership between the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) and Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The newly christened conference currently has nine participating institutions: Abilene Christian University, Austin Peay State University, University of Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky University, University of North Alabama, Southern Utah University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Tarleton State University and Utah Tech University. The WAC has its conference headquarters here in Arlington.

Live! by Loews hosts the 2023 American Athletic Conference’s Football Media Days Monday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 25, 2023. The event serves as a celebration of The American’s 10th anniversary and will be the first formal event under the league’s new 14-team configuration. The conference welcomes UAB, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice and UTSA to its ranks in 2023, as they join continuing members East Carolina, Memphis, Navy, South Florida, SMU, Temple, Tulane and Tulsa.

Globe Life Field serves as the backdrop for the 2023 Conference USA (C-USA) Football Kickoff and Media Day Tuesday, July 25, 2023. This marks the first formal event under the league’s 2023 nine-team configuration. Conference USA welcomes Jacksonville State, Liberty, New Mexico State and Sam Houston to its membership in 2023. They join continuing members FIU, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, UTEP and WKU.

“With the various amenities and venues the City of Arlington has, welcoming in these college football partners provides an even greater platform and position that Arlington is a Sports/Entertainment-Friendly City,” Wilson said.

Sports in Arlington happen at world-class facilities like AT&T Stadium, Choctaw Stadium, College Park Center, Esports Stadium Arlington and Globe Life Field. In addition to the college football media days in July, the College Park Center hosted the finals of the 2023 Women’s Nations League Wednesday, July 12 through Sunday, July 16, 2023. This event is regulated by the International Volleyball Federation (or Fédération Internationale de Volleyball – FIVB), the international governing body for all forms of volleyball.

“Sporting dreams become reality in Arlington,” Wilson said. “There is local pride and support for the sporting championships and events here that draw Arlington natives, regional allies and visitors from across the state, country and internationally, to enjoy high-quality entertainment in superb venues.” 

From a Super Bowl, a World Series, FIFA-sanctioned international friendlies and competitions, NCAA Men’s Final Four event, the Cotton Bowl Classic, WrestleMania, The American Rodeo, the University Interscholastic League's Football State Championships, the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, Monster Jam, the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, 2024 PBR World Finals, participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and much more, Arlington continues its love for sports. Several championship teams play in The American Dream City, including the five-time Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League, two-time American League pennant winners, the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball, 2023 XFL Champion Arlington Renegades, WNBA’s Dallas Wings, Major League Rugby’s Dallas Jackals, MLS Next Pro squad North Texas Soccer Club, the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame, Division I / National Collegiate Athletics Association athletic program, the University of Texas at Arlington Mavericks and Division II / National Christian College Athletic Association athletic program, the Arlington Baptist University Patriots.