It’s hard to find another state in the country that can align itself with sports better than Texas. From football to rodeo, Texans know how to host a spectacular sporting event, and there’s one city that is home to a wide variety of venues for your next athletic competition: Cleburne, Texas. The charming city has a diverse collection of sports venues, and getting here is easy. Cleburne is located only 30-miles south of Fort Worth and is accessible by the Dallas/Fort Worth International airport. The airport offers nearly 900 daily flights from 233 destinations on 21 airlines, including 57 international destinations. Amtrak also services Cleburne, connecting it with other major cities in the South and Southwest, and the city is near major thoroughfares including Interstate 35, which makes driving a simple solution for transporting sports equipment and materials.
You may come to Cleburne for a particular game or competition but plan to stay here for a weekend getaway because the city offers plenty of fun things to do after the competition is over. From biking in Cleburne State Park to going back in time at the Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum to visiting the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum, you’ll find something to pique your interests. Here are some of the top reasons to plan your next sporting event in Cleburne.
Who’s Played Here Before
- June is a busy month for the Lone Star city. Cleburne host the annual Johnson County Sheriff's Posse PRCA Rodeo at Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds, a weeklong show that featured saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and other rodeo sports. The Chisholm Trail Soccer Tournament of more than 200 boys and girls’ teams at the Cleburne Sports Complex also took place in June. July welcomed more athletes with the Tour de Goatneck Bike Ride, where nearly 1,800 cyclists rode one of four bike routes at 10 miles, 27 miles, 41 miles, and 70 miles. The Depot at Cleburne Station baseball stadium has also welcomed the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball championship and its 4,200 spectators.
Check Out The Facilities
- No matter what sports competition you’re hosting, the city has a venue for your needs. Cleburne Golf Links is an 18-hole, par 72 golf course—perfect for youth and adult golf competitions. The Cleburne Youth Sports Complex is a massive area with seven baseball fields and seats for 2,800; two football fields and seating for 720; and 20 soccer fields with seating for 2,400 spectators. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds has a spacious rodeo area to accommodate 4,500 visitors; a bull-riding arena with seating for 4,500; and an indoor roping area for 300 guests. The indoor/outdoor facility the Splash Station has an eight-lane competition pool for swim meets and tournaments. Finally, The Depot at Cleburne Station, home of the Cleburne Railroaders minor baseball team, offers a versatile venue that can accommodate a wide variety of sporting events, including baseball, soccer, cheerleading, and dance competitions, football, kickball, softball, and wrestling, with seating for 4,200 spectators.
Once the Competition is Over, The Fun Begins
- After scoring and winning big, everyone will be eager to enjoy some good Texas cooking. Loaf 'n Dog is a delicious local establishment that is known for its unique Vienna hot dogs and sausages, local art displayed on the walls, and live music from local musicians on Friday nights on the patio. You’ll find a tasty “dog” to satisfy your cravings as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options and create your own combo. La Fiesta is a festive Mexican restaurant that’s family-owned and serves authentic dishes like carne asada, tamales, and enchiladas. For some good ole’ barbecue, West End Grill is the place to go. This Texas barbecue joint serves Southern favorites like fried catfish and peach cobbler. And for the best burgers in town visit Grumps Burgers. Where else can you try a queso burger, chili cheeseburger, or a guacamole hamburger?
- After fueling up, it’s time to explore the idyllic city. The Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum is home to a 6,000-piece collection of items related to the film, including original costumes worn by Scarlett O’Hara and Bonnie Blue Butler, furniture from the Tara Mansion, and Civil War artifacts. Another popular museum is the Layland Museum, which displays rare artifacts from Native American tribes in the region, including a teepee, pottery, and apparel. If you want to take a break from the museums and explore the area by car, check out the Historic Homes tour. This tour is a nice way to spend an afternoon viewing the Civil War-era homes and mansions, including 200-year-old bungalows and Victorian homes.
- As the day turns to night, enjoy a fun night out with your group at one of these places. Plaza Theatre Company is known as one of the best theaters in north Texas and showcases classical musicals, comedies, dramas and Christmas shows. Get a strike at Pin Center Bowl, which is a fun place to burn some energy with teammates over a bowling match, arcade games and billiards. Finally, check the calendar at Songbird Live where local and national jazz and swing artists perform. You never know who may be on stage.