NatNews

Though there were a handful of games last weekend, college football officially kicks off this week, and professional teams will take the field in the first NFL games (preseason not included) the ensuing weekend.

Though the Dallas weather doesn’t exactly reflect what one might imagine for early signs of fall yet, the return of football to our televisions, stadiums, and hearts has many metroplex residents giddy with excitement. Sydney Kinder, who lives in Dallas with her husband, Travis, enjoys watching football wherever she can, whether at beer gardens, outdoor bars, or her home.

“I absolutely love football season,” she said. “I think it brings everyone together and creates such a fun positive energy and atmosphere. I can’t wait to go to an outdoor patio/bar and watch games in the fall weather!”

Dallas resident Jimmy Driver, a former mascot for Purdue University, said he prefers college football over the NFL because of the overall atmosphere and general unpredictability. During football season, he enjoys spending Saturdays at sports bars with his friends.

“You tend to meet other fans of your teams, opposing fans you get to rile up, and others from other teams you don’t know,” he said. “Plus, talking about sports storylines is always an easy conversation starter.”

There are plenty of sports bars throughout Dallas that allow college football and NFL fans alike to connect each weekend in the fall. Many individuals frequent Happiest Hour, Mayer’s Garden, Chelsea Corner, the Nodding Donkey, Henderson Tap House, Hero, Christie’s Sports Bar, the Owner’s Box, Stan’s Blue Note, and Frankie’s (though there are also plenty of other places to watch games).

For Dallas resident and Oklahoma State University alumna Jenny Schultz, there’s an added interest this season because of the changes that are taking place within the Big 12. Schultz said she loves college football because of all of the traditions and the overall atmosphere that’s consistent with each individual campus.

“It’s everything from how and where a school tailgates and the unique recipes that some schools have,” she said. “I love the bands at halftime and all of the organizations that come together to make a great game day experience—ROTC , cheerleaders, mascots, dance teams.”

But not everyone has such enthusiasm for seeing players on the gridiron again. Some people, such Dallas-area resident and avid soccer fan Josh Odegard, simply don’t care about one of America’s most cherished sports.

“I’ve just never liked football,” he said. “It’s too easy. You get to use your hands.”

For those individuals like Kinder who do like the thrill of all that football brings to one’s life, though, weekend plans for the next few months are pretty set.

“I love both college football and the NFL, and I watch both,” she said. “Saturdays are for college, and Sundays are for the NFL.”

With more than 2.5 billion fans, cricket is the second-most popular sport in the world, behind only soccer, which has more than 3.5 billion fans.

On Thursday, September 7, thousands of runners and non-runners from throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex will gather at Reverchon Park for the 25th anniversary of the Katy 5K. While this event includes an actual race, it’s much more than that—it’s the largest fundraiser for the Katy Trail and is capped off by a giant party filled with countless vendors, endless opportunities for socialization, live music, and much more.

Dallas resident and Katy Trail Operation Director Bree Redwine said the Katy 5K is an event unlike any other, is for a good cause, and gives individuals an ideal atmosphere with ample amenities.

“We really know how to throw a party,” she said. “First of all, we’ve got more than 35 restaurants serving up some seriously amazing food. So, if you’re a foodie, this is your paradise. And did I mention there’s free beer? Yes, FREE BEER! That alone should be enough to get you excited.”

There will also be plenty of free swag for participants to take home. Dallas-area resident Robyn Allen, who will be running the Katy 5K for the 13th time, not only loves the post-race goodies but also the gear that is included in registration.

“The race shirts are my favorite to rewear,” she said. “The graphic design is always creative and classy at the same time. I just love them!”

But this race and overall event are about so much more to Allen. For her, it’s one of her favorite outings of the entire year.

“The Katy Trail 5K truly is like no other race in Dallas,” she said. “The backdrop of running through uptown, finishing on the Katy Trail, and celebrating at Reverchon Park are indescribable. Everyone should experience it.”

Redwine began participating in the Katy 5K in 2014 when she was working for Luke’s Locker and has continued to be a part of it with Pint Striders throughout the years since until she stepped into her current role in January 2022. For her, it’s the people who help make the event so memorable.

“Perhaps the best part of all is the camaraderie with fellow runners from Dallas,” she said. “There’s something special about being surrounded by people who share your passion for running and supporting a good cause. That is what makes it so special—every year we have a new level of happy!”

And the fact that this year’s race represents 25 years of celebrating and connecting with one another makes Redwine even more elated.

“That’s a milestone worth celebrating with confetti cannons and a marching band,” she said. “It’s like reaching the silver anniversary of a long-lasting marriage, except in this case, it’s your love affair with the Katy Trail.”

Allen said she is also looking forward to being part of such a monumental celebration that allows people from all different ages and backgrounds to come together in an evening that truly connects people in a unique way.

“It’s exciting that this is the 25th anniversary year because it’s symbolic that the race has become an annual tradition,” she said. “The event is a beautiful way for everyone, including non-runners, to participate in one of the most energetic nights in Dallas.”

For Redwine, it’s a night that she’s anticipating for a number of reasons, especially for the fond memories of the way the Katy Trail has significantly impacted her life.

“I can feel the nostalgia pouring out,” she said. “The Katy Trail has become a part of me, like an artistic masterpiece that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. And why wouldn’t it? I started running on it with the Pint Striders, every Thursday night filled with anticipation for the Katy 5K while creating a running family. The Trail and the Katy 5K will always be some of the best memories of my running and working career.”

NatNews readers receive a $5 discount off registration with code NATNEWS5.

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Dear readers who attend the Katy 5K may get to meet the Mavs mascot, Champ, a local celebrity and future dear reader

Wednesday, August 30: Dallasites101 BFF Bingo at Sweet Tooth Hotel; Jonas Brothers at Globe Life Field
Friday, September 1: Lionel Richie + Earth, Wind, & Fire at the American Airlines Center
Saturday, September 2: WRRC Saturday run at Taco Joint
Sunday, September 3: Rangers vs. Twins at Globe Life Field (use promo code DALLASITES for discount)