Head to Riders Field this season to catch a game and have a good time. (Joey Held)
The Frisco RoughRiders have been delighting baseball fans for over two decades. Discover what’s made them one of the most endearing shows in town.
The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are one of the main attractions in Frisco. Ever since their debut in 2003, a trip to the ballpark has always been a good time.
For a decade and a half, the RoughRiders led all Double-A teams in attendance. The 2025 season was another impressive one, welcoming 383,515 fans throughout the year. Riders Field also drew a new record crowd during the Frisco Classic, which saw 11,003 fans attend the college baseball matchup between LSU and Nebraska.
As this season gets underway, here’s why the RoughRiders have been such a popular draw. And don’t worry, it’s not too late to become a fan.
They’re located in Sports City USA
If you dropped a baseball field in the middle of a town with, say, an anti-athletics community, you’d expect some pushback. But Frisco is Sports City USA for a reason. Sports fans have no shortage of entertainment. In addition to the RoughRiders, Frisco is home to:
- The Star, the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys
- National Soccer Hall of Fame
- FC Dallas of the MLS
- Texas Legends of the NBA G League
- Dallas Stars of the NHL
- PGA Frisco, which includes two championship golf courses and one of the largest putting greens in the country
The RoughRiders are part of a collection of sports activities throughout the city. With that kind of buzz in the air, locals and visitors alike can’t help but check out a game.
It doesn’t hurt that the RoughRiders host fantastic community events, too. For instance, on March 27, before the season starts, the Kickoff to Baseball allows guests to get in some batting practice at the cages, catch balls in the outfield, and take a VIP tour of the stadium. All of that is for free, jazzing up the city ahead of the dog days of summer.
Additionally, the themed nights and promotional calendar are quite impressive. From live concerts to fireworks and drink specials, there’s always extra entertainment for fans. Zach Bigley, broadcaster and manager of media development with the RoughRiders, says that’s a concerted effort from the team.
“This franchise brings the fun energy of minor league baseball to this area, and the community has really latched onto it,” Bigley told us. “They’re never settling with what they have, always trying to push the boundaries and come up with new and exciting ways to get people to the ballpark. We can’t control who comes here on the field, so we try to do whatever we can to control how the fan experience can be when they come to a game.”
There’s a lazy river in right field
You can go to any baseball stadium in the country and sit in a seat. There are plenty of traditional seatbacks at Riders Field, as well. But in the outfield, you can have a far cooler experience.
On June 9, 2016, the RoughRiders unveiled the Lazy River in right field. It’s the largest water feature in a professional sporting venue, holding 68,000 gallons and spanning 174 feet. That’s larger than an Olympic-sized pool, though thankfully, you do not have to be an Olympic athlete to indulge.
Whether you’re rolling solo or looking for a large group hangout, the Lazy River is a grand time. Even if you decide not to get your feet wet, it’s an impressive feature from any seat in the house. Be sure to take a lap around the stadium to get the full 360 view.
And here’s a bonus fun fact: Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki was the first ever occupant of the RoughRiders Lazy River. He splashed so many fallaway jumpers during his career, he may as well make a splash at the ballpark, too.
They have a proven track record of MLB stars
Not everyone who plays Double-A baseball will make it to the Major Leagues, but the Frisco RoughRiders have a storied history of sending players to the pros.
Adrian González was a five-time All-Star and appeared in 1,929 games, more than any other RoughRider alum. Ian Kinsler won the 2018 World Series with the Boston Red Sox and earned two Gold Gloves. Additionally, his career wins above replacement (WAR) is 53.8, the highest among former RoughRider players. Chris Young, the current president of baseball operations of the Texas Rangers and a former pro pitcher, also spent time on the RoughRiders roster.
Bigley recalled some memorable on-field moments. He cited the game when the RoughRiders won the 2022 Texas League Championship as one of the best games he’d ever called. The following season, while honoring the championship team, Thomas Saggese—who had the game-tying hit that kept the RoughRiders alive and ultimately led to the 2022 title—hit a game-tying grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning. Saggese is now a member of the St. Louis Cardinals in the big leagues.
“That was one of my absolute favorite moments,” Bigley says. “That’s the cool thing about baseball, when you get those moments. We’re so lucky to have amazing players and coaching staffs and teams here to provide those moments over the years.”
The chance to see a talented young prospect is exciting for baseball fans. And though you’d likely have to wait a couple of years for it to happen, it’s cool to point at a major leaguer and say, “Hey, I saw them when they were on the RoughRiders!”
They have a team dog (who is also Chief Morale Officer)
As you’re watching the action unfold on the field, you may notice that one member of the team looks a little different than the rest. Specifically, he has four legs and a tail. That’s Brooks, the Chief Morale Officer, who ensures that every attendee claps their hands (or paws) with delight.
“When the players are here, he’ll hang out with the guys in the clubhouse,” Bigley says. “They’ll probably feed him a little too much, but it’s great to have him around.”
Brooks runs the bases on Saturday nights, demonstrating proper form to the kids who also take a lap around the diamond. He hosts and attends regular community events, such as Brooks’ Reading Club and meet-and-greets in the city. And while we don’t have precise stats, we’d say he’s excelling in his Chief Morale Officer role.
They have one of the best logos and mascots
Have you ever been swayed from buying something because you didn’t like the design or font? People wear sports gear to support their favorite teams, though plenty also rock shirts, hats, and other clothing as a fashion statement or because they love how it looks.
It’s good news for the RoughRiders that “Swinging Teddy” is a charming logo. He looks great on all kinds of apparel, and the team has creatively featured him in Texas-themed designs, such as queso fresco or corny dogs. He also doubles as a fashion spokesperson for history buffs. Maybe you just love all things Teddy Roosevelt!
The RoughRiders are also unique in that they have four different mascots. The OG, Deuce, is a prairie dog who’s not shy about joking around with the umpiring crew. His cousin, Daisy, is a bit more polite, sporting a stylish flower in her hair and always willing to pose for a photo. Bull Moose, named after Teddy Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Party, proves you can, in fact, pull off a backwards hat even when you have antlers. He’s a dancing champion, to boot. Finally, Ted E. Bear is the closest you’ll get to meeting Teddy Roosevelt himself. With his stylish ranger outfit and mustache—perhaps the only bear in nature with distinct facial hair—Ted E. Bear is a charming addition to the mascot crew.
You’ll get a chance to see all the mascots at the game and out in the community. That creates a special bond between the team and fans.
They’ve generally had good success
Losing teams can certainly still draw a crowd, though winning always helps. The RoughRiders started their existence with back-to-back Texas League championship appearances, winning the title in 2004 when the league was called the Double-A Central.
The team sustained that success throughout the next decade. From 2003 to 2014, the team only finished with a losing record once.
Even during a rough stretch in the second half of the 2010s, the RoughRiders continued attracting fans. They led all Double-A teams in attendance from 2005 through 2019.
After the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 season, the RoughRiders bounced back. They won the Southern Division title in 2021 and earned another Texas League championship in 2022. In 2024, the RoughRiders finished in a tie for first place, and its 84-54 record (a .609 winning percentage) was the best regular season the team has ever had.
Last season, on July 3, the club set a single-game attendance record with over 12,000 fans. Bigley notes that the RoughRiders are an excellent attraction for long-time locals, newcomers to the area, or visitors passing through.
“The amazing thing about minor league baseball is that you don’t have to know anything about baseball to have a great time,” he says. “The RoughRiders put on a great show for families and keep it entertaining for all nine innings, or even into extra innings. We work really hard to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves.”
What to expect when you attend a Frisco RoughRiders game
There are plenty of reasons to get on the RoughRiders fan train. Now that you know more about the team, here’s how to maximize your experience during your first (or next) game.
- Address: Riders Field is located at 7300 Rough Riders Trail, Frisco, TX 75304
- Parking: Parking ranges from $10 for the garage to $25 (for lots closer to the stadium, with discounts available for groups. Accessible parking is in Lot B. You can buy onsite or ahead of time.
- Bags: The stadium allows bags that don’t exceed 16″ x 16″ x 8″.
- Prices: Single-game tickets range from about $10 to $50, depending on the date, matchup, and where you’re sitting. Group seats and season ticket memberships are also available.
- Lazy River: Available on Thursdays (21+) and Sundays for single-game purchasers. Groups of 20+ on Wednesdays, and exclusive buyout dates on Fridays and Saturdays. Lockers are available to store belongings, and there are floats for extra fun, but bring your own towels and sunscreen.
Welcome to the RoughRiders fandom. See you at the ballpark!
