A New Playground for the City
A bright new street court has appeared on Exposition Avenue, just steps from Fair Park, where the sound of a ball hitting concrete now mixes with the hum of downtown traffic. The court is open to World Cup fans and passersby for free pickup games, turning a simple stretch of pavement into an impromptu arena.
Co‑founder Sam Morton explains that the project is about more than soccer; it is about weaving a new social fabric into the neighborhood. "I remember Fair Park as a magical place," he says, "and I want to bring that feeling back for everyone."
Developer Evan August, whose firm August Real Estate has acquired dozens of buildings in the area, envisions Expo Park becoming a major destination. "We’re buying structures, revitalizing blocks, and now we’re laying down courts that anyone can use," he notes.
The court’s opening coincides with a broader shift in Dallas sports geography. While Atlético prepares to move its headquarters, FC Dallas continues to play in Frisco, about 30 miles from downtown, reflecting a trend of teams seeking larger venues.
Next year Atlético will compete in the United Soccer League Championship, and the city will also host Trinity FC’s matches in the Gainbridge Super League, adding a professional women’s presence to the local scene.
James Moore, the team’s director of hospitality services, was spotted playing outside in the heat on opening day, embodying the club’s mission to create a community‑oriented space in Fair Park and South Dallas.