There’s never a shortage of sporting events in Texas, whether you prefer to participate or spectate. And senior sports fans are every bit as enthusiastic as younger fans. After all, a love of sports isn’t something you grow out of, is it?

For Seniors Who Are Fans of Professional Sports

Since sports are such a big part of life for most Texans, it’s hard to believe that 19 states have no professional sports teams. We kind of feel sorry for them. But here in the Lone Star State, we do our part to make up for it.

Professional Sports in the Dallas Area

For example, Dallas has a professional sports team for each of the four major sports: the Rangers (MLB), the Stars (NHL), the Mavericks (NBA) and, of course the Dallas Cowboys (NFL). (Technically, the Rangers and the Cowboys are based in Arlington, about half an hour from Dallas). There’s also FC Dallas, the major league soccer team formerly known as the Dallas Burn, and the Dallas Wings, a WNBA team.

Fans of indoor football can cheer on the Frisco Fighters in Frisco. Those who enjoy indoor soccer can catch a Dallas Sidekicks game in Allen. Both cities are less than an hour from Dallas.

Professional Sports in Houston

Here in The Hallmark’s hometown of Houston, we have the Astros (MLB), the Rockets (NBA), the Texans (NFL) and, for soccer fans, the Dynamo and the Dash. The Hallmark’s prime location in the prestigious Galleria/Tanglewood area means we’re only about 15 to 20 minutes away from NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park, Shell Energy Stadium and Toyota Center, where these teams have their home games.

(Incidentally, the World Series has been played at Minute Maid Park four of the last eight years!)

Rugby fans can catch the Houston SaberCats at SaberCats Stadium, less than half an hour from The Hallmark, and the Houston Roller Derby games at the Bayou Music Center are about 15 minutes from us.

Houston also has professional indoor soccer, dodgeball and cricket. In January 2025, LOVB Pro, a professional women’s indoor volleyball team, will begin its first season at the Fort Bend Epicenter, which is about half an hour from The Hallmark.

The San Antonio Spurs

If you’re an NBA basketball fan and you happen to be down San Antonio way, you can see the sensational Spurs in action at Frost Bank Center.

Austin FC

Professional soccer has proved extremely popular in the capital city since Austin FC began playing at Q2 Stadium in 2021. The team competes as a member of Major League Soccer’s Western Conference and more often than not plays in front of a sold-out crowd.

For Pro Golf Fans

Attending a PGA event is sometimes more about the social aspect than watching the actual match. The biggest names in golf compete in several Texas tournaments each year, including:

  • The Texas Children’s Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course
  • The Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio
  • The CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney
  • The Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth

There’s also the LPGA’s Chevron Championship at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, about half an hour north of Houston.

Texas Collegiate Sports

College football is hugely popular in Texas, and rivalries between certain universities frequently generate more passion among fans than professional teams do.

But football isn’t the only college sport with an ardent fan base in Texas. Dozens of universities represent the Lone Star State in the NCAA, with teams competing in football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and men’s and women’s soccer.

Four teams compete in the Big 12 conference: Baylor University in Waco, the University of Houston, Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and Texas Tech in Lubbock. The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University in College Station both compete in the SEC, and the Rice University Owls, in Houston, compete in the AAC.

The Texas Bowl is played each year at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Sports for Seniors Who Want to Play

While some are perfectly happy to watch from the bleachers, others want to be part of the action. Physical activity benefits people of all ages, though older adults may need to exercise some caution when choosing to participate in a sport.

In general, the best sports for seniors are those that don’t jar or strain the joints. They also don’t require a lot of sudden twisting or pivoting, which could cause a fall or a pulled muscle.

As an example, pickleball might be a better choice than tennis because it’s a lower-impact sport. It’s played on a smaller court, so players don’t need to run as much. There’s less strain on muscles and joints, especially in the knees and hips. There’s also less risk of overexertion and injury.

The best activities for seniors who want to increase their fitness level — particularly for those who’ve been sedentary or have physical limitations — may or may not be thought of as “sports,” but they can help improve strength, balance and heart health. Some suggestions include:

  • Swimming
  • Hiking
  • Exercise classes (such as water aerobics, tai chi, Pilates and yoga)
  • Dancing (anything from Zumba to ballroom)
  • Golf
  • Bocce
  • Cycling
  • Bowling
  • Walking soccer
  • Pickleball

It’s always smart to check with your doctor before starting a new physical activity and to begin slowly, gradually working your way to a higher intensity level or longer duration.

Competitive Sports for Seniors

Just like older adults often maintain their love of sports, many also keep their competitive spirit. For those who want to challenge themselves while competing against others in their age group, the Senior Games (sometimes called the Senior Olympics) are an option.

Anyone who’s at least 50 years old (by the end of the year in which the games are held) can participate. Although the National Senior Games are held every other year, regional competitions are held annually in all states. Houston hosted the National Senior Games in 2011.

The Texas Senior Games, held in San Antonio, include more than 20 different sports, from pickleball and tennis to swimming, cycling, golf and track and field. Anyone who meets the age requirement and who lives in the state can compete in the Texas Senior Games.

Seniors at The Hallmark Are Sports Fans, Too!

Being so close to NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park, Shell Energy Stadium and Toyota Center makes it easy for residents at The Hallmark to see their favorite teams play here at home, all throughout the year.

Staying active is easy here as well, with exercise classes in our fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, a putting green and walking trails throughout the community.

If you’d like to learn more about The Hallmark and see how convenient our location is to world-class shopping, dining, cultural events and more, we invite you to schedule a tour and come visit.

Featured Image: LightField Studios / Shutterstock