Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie has been a centerpiece of local sports and entertainment for nearly three decades, and this fall it’s buzzing again as Quarter Horse Season kicks off. I sat down with Rodney Nelson, Marketing Manager at the park, who wears many hats—promoting races, securing sponsorships, and even helping newcomers learn the ropes of betting. He’s been part of the Lone Star family since 2011, but his love for the track goes back even further, from the days he came simply as a fan eager to place a wager.

Rodney shared what makes Lone Star Park stand out not only in DFW but across Texas. It’s one of three Class One tracks in the state, offering thoroughbred racing in the spring and summer and shifting to quarter horses, Arabians, Paints, and Appaloosas in the fall. Beyond the traditional races, Lone Star Park is known for its fun and quirky events—everything from Extreme Racing with camels and ostriches to Lone Star Bark, an amateur dog racing event where families can cheer on their pets. It’s an experience that blends serious sport with family-friendly entertainment, complete with pony rides, face painters, and even community-focused charity days that funnel money back into local nonprofits.

The track itself is impressive, with the Silks Dining Room overlooking the course from the fourth floor. On big days like the Kentucky Derby, Mother’s Day, or Father’s Day, the room can host over 1,500 guests, who enjoy an all-inclusive ticket that covers admission, buffet dining, and beverages. A typical race day at Lone Star Park lasts four to five hours, with eight to fifteen races depending on the season. Quarter horse races fly by in thirty seconds, while thoroughbreds stretch out over a mile or more, but the downtime between races is filled with betting, food, music, and atmosphere.

For those new to racing, Rodney explained that it doesn’t take much to get started. A simple “win,” “place,” or “show” bet is easy to learn, and racing ambassadors in their bright shirts are always available to help. More adventurous fans can dive into exotic bets like trifectas and superfectas, where small wagers sometimes lead to big payoffs. But, as Rodney points out, you don’t have to bet to have a good time—standing close to the track and feeling the thunder of hooves is thrilling in itself.

This fall promises big moments for racing fans. September brings the start of the Fall Meeting of Champions, followed by the Dash for Cash Futurity and Derby in October, and culminating in November with the Texas Classic Futurity—the richest horse race in Texas with a purse of around one million dollars. Add in Dollar Days, where admission, hot dogs, beer, popcorn, and Pepsi all cost just one dollar, and it’s easy to see why Lone Star Park continues to draw crowds from across the region.

Nelson also pointed out that Lone Star Park is more than just a racetrack. With over 280 acres, it doubles as a venue for corporate events, reunions, proms, and charity galas. The city of Grand Prairie owns the facility, ensuring constant upgrades and top-notch conditions that rival any track in the nation. And for those who want the racing action year-round, the Bar & Book simulcast building is open seven days a week, streaming races from around the world.

At the end of the day, Lone Star Park is about more than horses. It’s about community, entertainment, and creating memories. Whether you’re betting on a million-dollar race, bringing your kids to see camels run, or hosting a celebration with a view of the track, it’s a place where Grand Prairie’s sports and culture come together in one unique venue.

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Jennifer McFalls joins me on the podcast for a special conversation recorded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when college sports—and much of the world—were completely shut down. We connected over Zoom while the country was still under lockdown to talk about the unique challenges of coaching a Division I softball team in such an unprecedented time.

Jennifer has been the head coach of the University of Kansas softball team since 2018, a position she continues to hold today. Her journey to KU is built on an impressive softball legacy. A 1990 graduate of South Grand Prairie High School, McFalls went on to play shortstop for Texas A&M University, where she earned numerous honors—including being named Texas A&M Female Athlete of the Year in 1994. She stayed on as an assistant coach until 1997 and was later inducted into the Texas A&M Hall of Fame in 2001.

Beyond college softball, McFalls is an Olympic gold medalist. She was an alternate on the 1996 U.S. Olympic Softball Team and later played shortstop for the gold medal-winning team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. From 2005 to 2010, she also served on the USA Softball selection committee. A proud Grand Prairie native, her hometown recognized her achievements by renaming Cottonwood Park to Jennifer McFalls Park in her honor in the early 2000s. The park, located at Dickey Rd. and 3rd St., is now a symbol of her enduring legacy.

In this episode, Jennifer shares her journey to the Olympics and offers insight into the struggles of navigating college athletics during the pandemic. At the time of our recording, college sports seasons were still on pause, and recruiting had shifted entirely online. Jennifer reflects on the impact this had—especially on senior athletes whose final seasons were cut short, and on the recruiting process, which now relied on game footage rather than in-person scouting.