FIFA 2026: Dallas Recap

We're almost through July and FIFA Fever hit the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. I miss it! Everywhere I went, there was merch for sale, people's homes/rooms were up for rent in residential neighborhoods, SOOOO much art was installed (some art UNinstalled, sadly), banners hung, food and beverage specials posted, local media gimmicks (like The Ticket's Summer Chill handing out FIFA x 1310 scarves)...you know...capitalism a true fan experience!

In 1994, my first husband and I were visiting Dallas on vacation. While here, we heard the World Cup was in town, so on a whim, we found a local ticket vendor, bought some tickets and attended a game!  I couldn't remember the teams, but I reached out to my ex and he said we saw Saudi Arabia v. Sweden in the Round of 16. I remember it was at the historic Cotton Bowl, where the Red River Rivalry is played every year. I also remember that it was so damn hot. I mean, reallyfuckinghot. We were in the sun, not prepared AT ALL for this exhausting excursion! I didn't make it to any games or the Fan Fest activities, but I enjoyed the heck out of listening to stories from friends who did. 

One day, two friends of mine and I were driving around town on a bookstore crawl to celebrate a birthday. One of the stores was in Plano. Coincidentally, there was a fan festival - Japan Day - happening at the same time. Loads of people were walking the downtown Plano area, a giant stage was erected, the Mayor was hype; it was a VIBE!

Having Japan, Norway (long live Erling Braut Haaland), Croatia, England, Netherlands, Jordan, Austria, Spain (let me move there!), France, Portugal (let me live there!), Ivory Coast, Egypt, Australia and, of course, Argentina, in town was ELECTRIC. Messi scoring his record-setting goal at Dallas Stadium (colloquially known as Jerry World or The Death Star). I wonder what these players though of Sky Mirror?

 I may have little knowledge of soccer rules, but I will fully engage in these kinds of tournaments. Also, I love Ted Lasso. Of COURSE I'm a footy fan (lol - I'm such a food addict. I literally mis-typed "footy" as "foody"! #HelloFreud)! Having the Muppets, Madonna, Shakira (meh) and Justin Bieber perform at halftime was cool - not as cool as Bad Bunny during Super Bowl, but still cool. Really loved the "BELIEBE" sign.

Economically, the greater metroplex profited, of course. I just really enjoyed seeing strangers come together in public spaces, welcoming one another, accepting each other, learning about cultures. It was so refreshing.

Thanks to FIFA for scheduling the tournament in the Americas. Such a blast!
 

 

 

 

 

 

Number Nine, It's Time

Le sad sigh....

He's been around for about a third of my life. I've been around for his WHOLE life! Fourteen years, Tony Romo has been the quarterback of the (MY) Dallas Cowboys. He and I have watched each other grow professionally and personally. It's been a heckuva ride!

Le second sad sigh.....

Where do I think he'll end up, if he continues to play professional football? Denver is my gut feeling. Houston would be next. In fact, I'd love to see Houston get Romo! 

Dear Texans,

It's okay to admit you made a very expensive mistake. 

Love, 

The Weirdly Loyal Fans of the Jerry Jones Ownership Era of the Dallas Cowboys (we should know...)

My heart of hearts wants him to retire from playing football. I have an admiration and respect for NFL players who retire from the same team they started with -- never leaving. I love the reciprocal loyalty in that relationship that exists behind the business of the NFL. This feeling is also a bit selfish on my part because I've felt betrayal by the likes of Emmitt Smith (who should NOT have been allowed to retire as a Cowboy after what he said about the Cowboys when he was on the Cardinals). 

But my heart of my heart of hearts wants him to win a Super Bowl first. Wait -- if he's playing for Washington, Philadelphia or the New York Football Giants -- I don't want that. Pretty much any other team, I approve -- go for it Number Nine!

Back to retiring....  Tones Romes has a young family that's expanding, has enough money to rule Texas, he's revered in Dallas, has a place in the community, is very well connected to football and the Dallas Cowboys organization. After taking some time off, I can see him easily transition to front office or even coaching. The guy is athletically gifted in basketball and golf -- play all day! He is an exceptional craftsman baker "actor" -- CROWNIES! Maybe he could go into "acting" like Peyton Manning has (a million commercials & the occasional skit on late night television shows). 

It's a sad day for me, as a lifelong Cowboys fan. In fact, I think I'm more sad today than I was when Number Eight, Troy Aikman, retired. 

Le third sad sigh....

Tony -- do well, be well. Much love.

Now it's time for me to make a meatball sandwich.

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

I'm so excited to be an American, a Texan and a Dallasite today! There's definitely a buzz in the air knowing that all five living presidents are in attendance.

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I'm trying to imagine what it must be like to be GWB. And I'm wonder what's going on while spectators and dignitaries are taking seats.

Is Condi there?

Are snarky remarks being made between the presidents?

What will Laura Bush be wearing?

I hope GHWB is feeling well.

I can't wait to see the white-haired, strong matriarch of the family, Barbara.

What must she be thinking -- Barb?

I read that it's the first Leed Certified presidential library. It's also the smallest building on the SMU campus. Don't even go there.....

Lovely

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Thank you, President Obama, for visiting West, Texas today, too.