What you need to know about the upcoming ‘Games of Texas’ in Bryan-College Station

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – The 2025 Summer Games of Texas officially begin Thursday, drawing thousands of amateur athletes and spectators to venues across Bryan and College Station.

The Olympic-style festival, hosted by the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), runs from July 31 to Aug. 3. More than 8,000 youth and adult athletes are expected to compete in over a dozen sports, including swimming, track and field, boxing, tennis, esports, and ultimate frisbee.

“This, I believe, is our 39th year of the Games here in Texas,” said Mark Lord, executive director of TAAF. ,

Lord said the Games have featured future Olympians like Dana Vollmer, Robert Griffin III (RG3), Marquis Goodwin, and Michael Carter.

“You never know who the next Olympian may be,” he said.

Opening ceremonies

The community is invited to attend opening ceremonies on Friday, Aug. 1, at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the parade of athletes at 7:20 p.m. and a fireworks show set to begin at 8:30 p.m.

Food vendors will be on site. City leaders say residents in nearby neighborhoods should expect loud noises during the fireworks show, which is expected to end by 8:45 p.m.

Parking

Free parking is available at Post Oak Mall on the JCPenney side. Handicap parking will be available in the Wolf Pen Creek parking lot off Colgate Drive and along Colgate Drive. Overnight parking and RVs are not permitted.

Venues and event locations

Competitions will take place at more than a dozen facilities across the Brazos Valley:

• Track and field: E.B. Cushing Stadium at Texas A&M

• Swimming: Bryan Aquatic Center

• Golf: The City Course at Phillips Event Center

• Tennis: George P. Mitchell Tennis Center at Texas A&M

• Esports and pickleball: Legends Event Center

• Boxing: Hilton College Station Hotel & Conference Center

• Archery: Live Oak Archery

• Ultimate Frisbee: Bryan Regional Athletic Complex

Admission and policies

Track and field events require a $10 daily ticket or a $35 all-session pass. Swimming costs $7 per session or $35 for all six sessions. All other events are free to attend.

A clear bag policy will be enforced at E.B. Cushing Stadium. Umbrellas, tents, outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the venue.

Closures and traffic impacts

Due to the Games, multiple facilities and pools will be closed in both cities.

In College Station, the following will be closed Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 3:

• College Station Parks and Recreation office

• Meyer Senior and Community Center

• Gary Halter Nature Center

• Lincoln Recreation Center

• Southwood Community Center

• Adamson Lagoon

• Cindy Hallaran Pool

• The Neal Recreation Center will be closed July 30 through Aug. 3.

In Bryan, the following facilities will be closed from Monday, July 28, to Tuesday, Aug. 6:

• Bryan Aquatic Center

• Henderson Harbor

• Sadie Thomas Pool

City officials urge drivers to prepare for traffic delays near Texas A&M’s E.B. Cushing Stadium, the Bryan Aquatic Center, and Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater. Event parking will be available at each venue, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early and carpool when possible.

Economic impact and community partnership

The last time the Games were held in Bryan-College Station in 2019, more than 20,000 athletes, families, and volunteers participated, generating an estimated $8.1 million in local economic activity.

Lord said hosting the Games requires full coordination with the cities of Bryan and College Station and Texas A&M University.

“They know how to do it and they know how to put on a great show,” he said. “We could set records this year.”

Lord says the Brazos Valley is the perfect place for the Games of Texas because of its central location and strong community support.

“Eighty-five percent of the population in Texas is within three hours of Bryan College Station, so it is a very central location,” he said.

“You never know if you’re not watching the next Olympics.”

He says with top-tier venues like Texas A&M’s E.B. Cushing Stadium and a long history of successfully hosting the event, the region continues to be a trusted partner for the Games.

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