Going to a FC Dallas game can be a fun experience for kids and adults alike. As with most professional sporting events, there are usually ticket requirements in order to attend. So do kids need tickets to attend a FC Dallas game? The short answer is yes, in most cases children will need a ticket to enter Toyota Stadium for a FC Dallas match.
FC Dallas Ticket Policies
FC Dallas has specific ticket policies when it comes to children and minors attending games. In general, children under the age of 2 do not require a ticket as long as they sit on a parent or guardian’s lap. However, all other children and minors over the age of 2 will need a valid ticket in order to enter Toyota Stadium.
Here is an overview of FC Dallas’ ticket policies for children and minors:
Age | Ticket Required? |
---|---|
Under 2 years | No, free lap seat |
2-12 years | Yes |
13-17 years | Yes |
Children ages 2-12 must have a child ticket. FC Dallas offers discounted ticket rates for children in this age range. Children 13 and older will need a standard General Admission ticket.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
While the above policies apply to most FC Dallas games, there are some exceptions and special circumstances when children may not need tickets or can receive free admission:
- Special promotional games – Occasionally FC Dallas runs promotions where kids receive free admission with a paying adult. This is not common but does happen a few times a season.
- Team events – Youth soccer clubs and teams that are playing at Toyota Stadium before or after FC Dallas games may allow kids free entry.
- Suite tickets – Some luxury suites may include free admission for children as part of the package.
- Player family members – Children and family members of FC Dallas players may be able to get in without tickets in certain designated seating areas.
If any of these special circumstances apply, it’s best to check with your FC Dallas ticket sales representative for complete details and restrictions. But in most normal game situations, plan on purchasing a ticket for any child over age 2.
Purchasing Child and Youth Tickets
There are several options for purchasing ticket for children and youth who want to attend an FC Dallas game:
- Single game tickets – Child and adult tickets can be purchased separately for individual games through the FC Dallas ticketing website and box office.
- Season ticket packages – Season ticket plans are available and many include discounted youth tickets with the purchase of an adult season ticket.
- Group tickets – Groups of 10 or more can receive discounted youth tickets when booking through the FC Dallas group sales department.
- Resale sites – Third party ticket resellers like VividSeats, StubHub, or SeatGeek will often have discounted FC Dallas youth tickets available.
Here are the typical price ranges for FC Dallas tickets based on age:
Ticket Type | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Child (2-12 years) | $10 – $25 |
General Admission (13+ years) | $20 – $50 |
Club Seating (all ages) | $50 – $150 |
Make sure to double check the FC Dallas website for special discounts that may be running for certain games and groups.
Kids Club Membership
One great option for families is to sign up for the FC Dallas Kids Club. This official fan club is open to kids 12 and under. Membership benefits include:
- Exclusive meet the team opportunities
- Kids Club gift package
- Access to player autograph sessions
- Invites to exclusive events like movie nights
- Discount ticket offers
- And more
Kids Club membership starts at just $25 per year. In addition to all the benefits, members receive vouchers good for 2 free tickets to select regular season home matches.
Attending Games with Older Kids
For parents with tweens, teens, and older kids, FC Dallas games can still make for a fun family outing. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when bringing older kids and teens to matches:
- Kids 13 and over will need their own standard General Admission ticket
- Make sure kids are aware of stadium rules, policies around language, behavior, etc.
- Consider transportation and parking – middles schoolers and teens may enjoy taking DART trains to the game
- Food and money – discuss plans for snacks, meals, souvenirs, and how much money they’ll need
- Meeting spot – pick a spot to meet up after the game in case you get separated
- Schedule – know the game start time, arrival time, transportation plans
By planning ahead, having the right tickets, and reviewing expectations, FC Dallas games can be a fun experience for the whole family – even for older kids and teens.
Do Babies Need Tickets for FC Dallas Games?
A common question that parents have is if infants and babies need their own tickets for FC Dallas games. The official policy is that children under 2 years can attend for free if they sit on a parent’s lap. So no, babies and infants do not require their own ticket as long as they will be sitting on mom or dad’s lap the entire game.
However, if parents want their child under 2 to have their own seat, then they will need to purchase a ticket, even if the child will just be in a carrier or sitting on the parent’s lap part of the time. Strollers are not permitted in seating areas so the only way for an infant under 2 to have their own space is with a purchased seat ticket.
Some parents may find it challenging to hold a baby or toddler for the entire 90+ minutes of an FC Dallas match. Having a separate seat ticket can provide more flexibility to set your child down or let them move around a bit within the confines of their own space instead of having to be help the entire game.
If attending with an infant, be prepared with items like bottle, diapers, small toys, and a baby carrier or headphones. Getting up frequently or having a child that is fussy or noisy could impact other fans, so keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to have a lap seat versus purchasing a ticket for babies and toddlers under 2.
Kid-Friendly Areas at Toyota Stadium
Toyota Stadium has several areas that can enhance the FC Dallas experience for families with young kids and children:
Kids Zone
The Kids Zone is a dedicated play area for young fans located on the north concourse. This space has inflatables, face painting, soccer related activities, photo spots, and more entertainment options for toddlers through tweens. The Kids Zone is open before the match and during halftime.
FC Dallas Youth Jersey Parade
Every match features the FC Dallas Youth Jersey Parade during pre-game festivities. Kids of all ages are welcome to march around the field wearing their FC Dallas replica jerseys and other team apparel.
Kick Childhood Cancer
FC Dallas partners with nonprofit Kick Childhood Cancer to raise awareness. Home matches in August feature special programming and activities related to pediatric cancer.
Post-Game Autographs
Children are welcome to stick around after the final whistle to receive autographs from FC Dallas players as they exit the field. The autograph line forms near the north goal.
Important Tips for Parents
To make sure your trip with kids to an FC Dallas match goes smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive early – Give yourself extra time to get through entry lines, find your seats, and visit the Kids Zone.
- Sun protection – Toyota Stadium is an open-air venue so bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, or seek shaded seats.
- Ear protection – Noise levels can be high so consider bringing ear plugs or protective headphones for sensitive children.
- Pack snacks – Concession lines are long so bring nut-free snacks and filled water bottles.
- Buddy system – Make a plan in case you get separated from your child in the large crowds.
- Review rules – Talk to kids ahead of time about stadium rules and proper game behavior.
By planning ahead for tickets, parking, seating, and navigating the stadium, parents can feel at ease while kids have an enjoyable FC Dallas experience.
Conclusion
In summary, FC Dallas offers a kid-friendly environment but does require tickets for children over age 2 in order to attend matches. Infants under 2 can sit on a parent’s lap for free but having a separate purchased seat provides more flexibility. There are many perks for families at Toyota Stadium like the Kids Zone, autograph sessions with players, and in-game entertainment. By purchasing the appropriate tickets for kids of all ages, reviewing stadium policies, and using kid-focused resources, FC Dallas games can provide lifelong memories for the entire family.