The Dallas Mavericks have donated $5,000 to Dallas Park & Recreation to provide free State Fair of Texas tickets for local teenagers, city officials announced this week. The gift funds Teen All-Access Passes for residents ages 13 to 17, offering an opportunity for families to attend the fair at Fair Park without purchasing individual teen admissions.
How to obtain a free teen pass
The passes funded by the Mavericks are available for pickup at any City of Dallas Recreation Center during normal business hours while supplies last. To claim a pass, a teen must show proof of City of Dallas residency. Once claimed, the pass must be presented at the State Fair admissions counter to be exchanged for entry to the fairgrounds.
- Donation amount: $5,000 from the Dallas Mavericks to Dallas Park & Recreation.
- Eligibility: Dallas residents aged 13–17.
- Pickup: At any City of Dallas Recreation Center during normal working hours, while supplies last.
- Redemption: Present the pass at the State Fair admissions counter to receive the ticket.
The State Fair of Texas opens this year on Sept. 25 and runs through Oct. 18 at Fair Park in Dallas. Tickets for the fair went on sale the Tuesday before the Mavericks’ announcement.
Local impact and access
The Mavericks’ contribution is part of a broader effort by civic and nonprofit groups to increase access to cultural and recreational events for young people in Dallas. The Teen All-Access Pass program is managed by Dallas Park & Recreation, which operates dozens of community recreation centers across the city that serve as distribution points for the free passes.
For families who depend on city facilities for youth programming, the passes can reduce the cost barrier to attending one of the largest annual events in North Texas. The State Fair draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, featuring exhibitions, rides, livestock shows and numerous food vendors — activities that can be cost-prohibitive for some households without community or corporate support.
What parents and teens should know
City officials remind residents that supplies are limited. Teens and parents should plan ahead and visit their nearest recreation center during regular hours to secure a pass. Proof of Dallas residency will be required at pickup; the city’s recreation centers typically accept utility bills, school IDs, or other documents that establish local residence.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Donation | $5,000 from the Dallas Mavericks |
| Program | Teen All-Access Pass (Dallas Park & Recreation) |
| Eligibility | Ages 13–17, City of Dallas residents |
| Pickup locations | Any City of Dallas Recreation Center (normal hours) |
| Fair dates | Sept. 25–Oct. 18, 2026 (Fair Park) |
The Mavericks’ gift follows similar partnerships in other cities where sports franchises support community access to cultural events. In Dallas, the team’s backing aligns with ongoing efforts by the city to expand youth programming and remove cost barriers to city-sponsored activities.
Residents with questions about pickup requirements or recreation center locations should contact Dallas Park & Recreation directly or visit the city’s recreation center webpages for hours and address information. Because the program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, interested teens are advised to claim passes as soon as possible.
More information about State Fair ticketing, attractions and schedules is available from the State Fair of Texas’ official channels. Teens who acquire an All-Access Pass will still need to exchange it at the admissions counter at Fair Park to get a valid entry ticket for the dates they plan to attend.
The Mavericks’ donation provides a practical avenue for Dallas teens to experience the annual fair and helps ensure that cost is not an insurmountable hurdle for local families this fall.
