MEDIA CONTACTS
Jessica Christopherson, AVP Marketing
JessicaChristopherson@FortWorth.com
Sarah Covington, Assistant Director of PR
SarahCovington@FortWorth.com

FORT WORTH TO HOST THREE MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS THIS SPRING

Health and safety precautions set as top priority to safely welcome fans


FORT WORTH, Texas (March 30, 2021) – Fort Worth is gearing up to host three major sporting events this spring thanks to the work of the Fort Worth Sports Commission, a division of Visit Fort
Worth, Dickies Arena and the Fort Worth Convention Center.

The U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Wrestling (April 2-3), NCAA National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships (April 16-17) and USA Fencing April North American Cup (April 16-19) are confirmed to take place.

The Fort Worth Sports Commission, Dickies Arena and the Fort Worth Convention Center are working closely with event organizers to provide a safe and welcoming experience for all fans by maintaining all safety protocols in place over the past several months which include, but are not limited to: regular cleaning of public areas, limited capacity, mandatory masks for employees, fans and athletes, and sanitizer stations throughout the venues.
 
“Coming off the heels of successful events like National Finals Rodeo, the American Athletic Conference Championships and the Women’s NIT Regionals, we feel well prepared to safely host athletes and visitors in Fort Worth,” said Jason Sands, director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission. 
 
Between the American Athletic Conference Women's and Men's Basketball Championships and the Women’s NIT Regionals held this last month, a total of 2,500+ COVID tests were administered to athletes, coaches and staff with zero positives.
 
“We absolutely love Fort Worth and Dickies Arena, which was a great venue for our women’s and men’s basketball teams,” said American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco. “We brought 21 teams to Fort Worth and were able to play safely all 19 games as scheduled, providing a first-class championship event for our student-athletes. We conducted more than 2,100 COVID tests and did not have a single positive, which is a testament to the concerted effort of our schools, the Dickies Arena staff and the Fort Worth Sports Commission. We look forward to many more years in Fort Worth and to welcoming a full complement of fans to enjoy the entertainment, cultural and educational attractions in the city as well as the state-of-the-art Dickies Arena.”
 
In addition to the above, each upcoming event has outlined their own safety protocols to comply with local state health requirements as well as their national organizing bodies. 

  • U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Wrestling has arranged a safety “bubble” for athletes, coaches and tournament staff, and mandated testing protocols. Reduced ticket sales and spaced seating blocks are in place to maintain social distancing.
  • NCAA National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships has arranged a controlled environment for athletes, coaches and tournament staff, and mandated testing protocols. Attendance is capped at 25% of the overall venue capacity and reduced ticket sales and spaced seating blocks are in place to maintain social distancing.
  • USA Fencing North American Cup has arranged a controlled environment for athletes, coaches and tournament staff, and mandated testing protocols. Masks will be required, and outside fans or spectators will not be allowed.
     

“After safely returning to events last August, we look forward to welcoming the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Wrestling and the NCAA National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships to Dickies Arena this month,” said Matt Homan, president and general manager of Trail Drive Management Corp. (TDMC), the not-for-profit operating entity of Dickies arena. “From the beginning, we have worked closely with our event partners, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and others to ensure a safe return to live events. We continue to enforce safety protocols – such as socially distanced seating and face covering mandates – to make our guests, event promoters, partners and team members feel safe at Dickies Arena.”
 
Schedule information, ticket sales and more can be found at www.FortWorthSports.com
 

 # # #

ABOUT FORT WORTH SPORTS COMMISSION:
The Fort Worth Sports Commission advances the city as an international sports destination. A division of Visit Fort Worth, the Sports Commission attracts youth, collegiate and professional events that deliver economic impact and boost Fort Worth’s image. The Commission supports development of and access to facilities that enhance the quality of life for all Fort Worth. For more information, visit FortWorthSports.com and follow on Instagram and Twitter @FortWorthSports.

ABOUT DICKIES ARENA:
Dickies Arena is a 14,000 seat, spectacular multipurpose venue located adjacent to the Will Rogers Memorial Center campus in Fort Worth, Texas. The facility is the result of a pioneering public-private partnership between the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, the State of Texas and a group of private-sector participants, including foundations, individuals and organizations. The arena is owned by the City of Fort Worth and managed by the not-for-profit operating entity, Trail Drive Management Corp. (TDMC). The state-of-the-art arena hosts concerts, sporting events and family entertainment, and is home to Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo performances. For more information, visit www.DickiesArena.com.