Photos by Jared Goodman and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
AirHogs Stadium 1651 Lone Star Pkwy Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Year Opened: 2008
Capacity: 5,445
Taking Flight in Grand Prairie
EDITOR'S NOTE: AirHogs Stadium transitioned to a major league cricket ground in 2023.
The Texas AirHogs compete in the independent American Association and play their home games at AirHogs Stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas. Both the ballpark and the team itself are inspired by the aviation industry, which has a long history in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Nearby Fort Worth is currently home to the headquarters of both Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Bell Helicopters, while the former operates a Missiles and Fire Control center in Grand Prairie. “AirHogs” is a slang-term used by the military to classify individuals who demand more than their fair share of flying missions.
The team, originally the Grand Prairie AirHogs, merged with a franchise from Amarillo in 2016 and split home games between the two cities. During this tenure, the team adopted the Texas moniker; when they returned to Grand Prairie full-time the following season, the name stuck.
Food & Beverage 3
There are several concessions located on the main concourse and most of them serve your typical ballpark food. Down the first base side, gourmet cinnamon rolls are available at the Cinnaholic stand. The national chain offers AirHogs fans four different options, including banana, caramel, cream cheese, and berry-flavored cinnamon rolls that cost $7 each.
Atmosphere 3
The aviation theme is prevalent throughout the ballpark and tin metal seems to be the predominant décor choice. The suites, along with the large roof, overhang the main seating bowl and provide much-needed shade from the Texas heat.
Fans who would like to eat and enjoy the game at the same time can do just that by utilizing one of the park’s many picnic tables. A small artificial grass-covered party area is located behind the bullpen on the third base side and features a few games, including corn hole. However, the area seems to be a magnet for foul balls, so watch out!
Kids have two choices of entertainment besides the game. First, there’s the 17,000 square-foot Wide World of Parks Kids Zone on the first base side. This area includes a jungle gym, as well as other playground activities. The second option is a swimming pool in right field that enables folks to cool down during hot summer days. Pay attention though: the pool juts into the outfield, so it’s not uncommon for home runs to land in the pool.
Neighborhood 3
Grand Prairie is a few miles south of the DFW airport and is almost equidistant from Dallas and Fort Worth. Dallas, by far, has more things to see and do, including The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Reunion Tower and the George W. Bush Library and Museum. Fort Worth, on the other hand, is home to the world-famous Stockyards, as well as a branch of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Nearby Arlington is jam-packed with entertainment options, from Six Flags Over Texas to taking in a Rangers game at Globe Life Park. AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Cowboys, is also available for tours year-round.
Texas-born Whataburger is the closest restaurant to the ballpark and makes for a fantastic pre or post game meal. Whataburger is an institution for Texans and well-worth a stop if you’ve never been.
Fans 1
Due in part to their location in an over-saturated market, the AirHogs do not draw real crowds during games. The major league Texas Rangers play just down the road in Arlington, while their Double-A affiliate is located in nearby Frisco.
It’s almost a crime that the AirHogs consistently rank near the bottom of American Association attendance charts, as the stadium is by no-means old or shabby. In fact, if the ballpark were home to a minor league team, it could easily be classified as a Double-A caliber facility. The venue is both affordable and has all of the amenities that would enable it to earn that title.
Access 5
AirHogs Stadium is located in Lone Star Park just off I-30 on Belt Line Road in Grand Prairie, about 15 miles west of downtown Dallas. Arlington, home of MLB’s Texas Rangers, is just 7 miles away and Fort Worth is 20 miles to the west.
There’s ample free parking available both in front of and behind the stadium. Since AirHogs games are not heavily attended, you’ll have no trouble at all moving around the ballpark between your seats, the restrooms, and the concessions. There will also be little to no traffic out on the roads, barring any major events at the nearby horse track or amphitheatre.
Return on Investment 3
General admission tickets are $8 and since the stadium never fills up, there’s no reason whatsoever to upgrade to a $12 reserved seat. Parking is free, leaving concessions as the only other game day cost. Overall, a family of four can enjoy a night of baseball in Texas for around $70.
Extras 3
One bonus point for the unique hangar and runway design of the exterior. Another bonus point for the ample shade provided, and a final point for the swimming pool behind right-center field.
Final Thoughts
While it’s unfortunate that AirHogs games aren’t attended by more fans, there’s no denying that the ballpark is top-of-its-class and is undoubtedly a must-visit for sports fans in the Metroplex.