The Star: A Life-Changing Experience for Kids

As a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters, a nationally-recognized volunteer mentoring program for kids, I’m always looking for ways to spark my Little's passions. My Little is a die-hard Cowboys fan, so a trip to The Star in Frisco was a no-brainer.

While I hoped it would be a fun day, it became something way more - a life-changing experience for him.

Wow Moments at The Star

His anticipation was undeniable even before the tour began. Stepping onto The Star Boulevard was like stepping into a dream come true for him. Sculptures, historical displays, and iconic images greeted us at every turn. But the undisputed highlight, the one that had him going "wow", was the magnificent replica Cowboys field at Tostitos Championship Plaza.

But The Star tour took his "wows" to a whole new level. Stepping into the awe-inspiring Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, our tour began. He looked at me with the biggest smile on his face.

Right from the start, the tour was a learning experience for my Little. He absorbed facts about the team, from star players to significant numbers. But minutes into the tour, we reached the window overlooking the outdoor practice fields, and his attention shifted completely - he was mesmerized.

The hallway walls were a museum of sorts, showcasing framed scouting reports of legendary Cowboys players. Stepping across the hall, we found ourselves inside the War Room, where Jerry Jones makes his crucial decisions during the NFL Draft. We snapped photos feverishly, not wanting to miss a single detail of this unique experience.

Ford Center, Trophies, and Fun on the Plaza

The tour took a thrilling turn as we entered Ford Center, the practice field where his football heroes practice. You could see the excitement radiating off my Little!

He was surprised by the stadium's diverse uses. It's not only a practice field for the Dallas Cowboys, but a stage for graduations, high school football games, and a professional tennis tournament starting in 2025.

Soon after seeing the stadium, we began a journey through Cowboys history. It was like time travel for my Little. He learned about the team's storied past with legendary players he didn't know, while also discovering surprising new facts about his favorites like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.

During this part of the tour, he learned about the team's guiding principles - their mantras, work ethic, and commitment to healthy practices. This resonated with him on a deeper level. Understanding the immense effort behind the game was likely the most inspirational takeaway.

After seeing the workout facilities and dining hall, he surprised me by announcing his desire to work hard and prioritize his health, mirroring the Cowboys' dedication.

We were amazed by how quickly the tour flew by, and then, just like that, it was time for the ultimate highlight – a moment etched permanently in his memory. There, in all their glory, sat the five Super Bowl trophies, accompanied by a dazzling display of championship rings. What a way to finish with a bang!

Fresh off the tour, my Little raced with all his might across the mini-field at Tostitos Championship Plaza, finally living out his dream of running on a Dallas Cowboys field.

In that perfect moment, with the Cowboys star beneath his feet and banners of his heroes all around, he declared this the best day ever.

More to Explore at The Star

As we retraced our steps along The Star Boulevard, a stroke of luck led us to Cards in a Box, a sports card store paradise. Finding cards for all his favorite players there was the cherry on top of an already incredible day at The Star.

The first thing my Little said as we drove off spoke volumes, "Can we come back here again sometime?”. With a smile, I said, "Absolutely!" Even after exploring what seemed like the entire complex, I had a feeling there was more to discover, and I wanted him to experience it all.

Seized by a sudden urge to know more, we researched summer events at The Star. A wave of excitement passed between us as we discovered movie nights, live music, and even a Dallas Cowboys youth camp!

No matter which event we attend, it'll be another experience he'll never forget.