There are places you visit—and then there are places you feel. This summer, as the global game captures hearts across North Texas, McKinney invites travelers to discover something deeper: a place where soccer is not just watched, but lived. Welcome to The McKinney Experience – The Summer of Soccer, where small-town charm meets global energy, and every visitor becomes part of the story.
Just 30 minutes north of Dallas, McKinney offers a refreshing alternative to the fast pace of big-city travel. Here, historic streets, welcoming patios, and community traditions create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and electric. It’s the kind of place where a morning stroll through downtown turns into an afternoon of discovery—and where evenings are defined by shared moments, whether that’s a last-minute goal or a toast among new friends.
Discover McKinney During the Global Games This Summer
McKinney’s charm begins in historic downtown, one of the oldest and largest preserved districts in Texas. Visitors will find more than 120 locally owned shops, art galleries, and restaurants, all set against a beautiful backdrop of preserved 19th-century architecture and tree-lined streets.
This is where the Summer of Soccer begins—not in a stadium, but in the heart of McKinney. It’s where fans can gather before watching matches, where scarves and jerseys will blend with boutique storefronts, and where every conversation will circle back to the game.
A Community That Lives the Game
Soccer in McKinney isn’t new—it’s woven into the fabric of the community. From youth leagues to regional competition, the city has long been a hub for player development and grassroots enthusiasm. Families gather on weekends at local fields like McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch, where future stars take their first touches and lifelong fans are made.
That passion extends to the next level with the McKinney Chupacabras, a team that has quickly become a symbol of the city’s soccer culture. Known for their high-energy matches and vibrant fan atmosphere, the Chupacabras deliver more than just competition—they create experiences. In between the global games, you can catch a Chupacabra game at Ron Poe Stadium or attend a youth soccer camp.
A Chupacabras match is part sporting event, part community celebration. Music fills the air, families line the sidelines, and supporters bring a level of passion that rivals much larger markets. It’s accessible, authentic, and unforgettable.
During the Summer of Soccer, that energy extends far beyond matchday in McKinney and McKinney Chupacabras Michael Hitchcok says, "McKinney is buzzing as we kick off the Summer of Soccer with the McKinney Chupacabras home opener on May 16th at Ron Poe Stadium and the soccer party will continue all Summer with Chupacabras home games, festive community events, soccer camps and World Cup Watch Parties at Tupps Brewery, restaurants and bars around McKinney. We look forward to celebrating the World's most popular game with our local community this Summer while welcoming the world to Historic McKinney during the Summer of Soccer."
Where to Watch Soccer Matches in McKinney This Summer
Every great soccer story needs a home base—and in McKinney, that place is TUPPS Brewery.
A cornerstone of the local community, TUPPS has evolved into more than just a brewery—it’s a gathering place, a cultural hub, and this summer, the epicenter of all things soccer. With its impressive 4-acre campus, including green spaces, live entertainment, yard games, kids play areas, and a lively beer hall, TUPPS welcomes thousands of visitors each year and has become one of downtown’s most popular destinations.
June 6 will be the kick off of it all with a Summer of Soccer Launch Party! Come celebrate with family friendly activations, vendors, live music and more.
Then, throughout the Summer of Soccer, TUPPS will transform into a global fan zone. All of the global game matches will be broadcast in a communal atmosphere across the big screen TVs. Visitors and locals can come together to cheer, celebrate, and connect. Watch parties will be complete with themed food, drinks, and an unmistakable sense of camaraderie. And don’t forget to don your favorite teams attire. If you’re looking for the perfect jersey to sport, ProRel Soccer Shop just down the street has a wide variety to choose from.
Even beyond soccer, TUPPS offers a full calendar of events—from live music and trivia nights to seasonal festivals, ensuring there’s always something happening between matches.
Best Places to Experience Soccer Culture in McKinney
What makes McKinney stand out during the Summer of Soccer is how seamlessly it blends global energy with genuine hometown character. Rather than simply moving through the destination, visitors are invited to immerse themselves—joining in community events, discovering locally owned shops, and experiencing restaurants that define the city.
A day in McKinney unfolds with ease. Mornings might begin with a stroll through downtown, browsing one-of-a-kind boutiques or enjoying coffee on a shaded patio. As the day picks up, nearby parks come alive with youth tournaments and casual pickup matches that showcase the city’s deep connection to the sport. Afternoons offer time to dive into local culture, whether that’s exploring art and history or savoring classic Texas barbecue just steps from the square. By evening, the atmosphere shifts as fans gather, whether at TUPPS Brewery or a McKinney Chupacabras match, where the excitement of the game brings people together in unforgettable ways.
For those looking to explore beyond downtown, McKinney delivers a variety of experiences that complement the rhythm of the matches. Nature lovers can recharge at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, a sprawling retreat of trails and native wildlife. History comes to life at Chestnut Square Heritage Village, while a vibrant collection of local galleries offers a window into the city’s creative spirit. Together, these experiences reveal the depth and personality that make McKinney more than a stop—it’s a place to truly explore.
Why McKinney Belongs on Every Itinerary
For international and domestic travelers alike, the Summer of Soccer offers countless ways to engage with the sport. But McKinney offers something different: a chance to slow down, connect, and experience soccer through the lens of community.
Here, you won’t just watch matches, you’ll share them. You won’t just visit, you’ll belong.
The McKinney Experience is about discovery. It’s about finding a hidden gem just beyond the spotlight and realizing it holds something just as meaningful. It’s about walking into a brewery and leaving with new friends. It’s about hearing a cheer rise from a crowd and knowing you’re part of it.
This summer, as the world turns its attention to North Texas, McKinney stands ready to welcome it—with open arms, vibrant energy, and a story worth telling.
Come for the soccer. Stay for the experience. Start planning your trip today. Subscribe to our visitor newsletter to stay up to date on all things Summer of Soccer.
