McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium: Complete Guide
McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium is a 13,500-seat high school football stadium at 2001 N Bicentennial Blvd, McAllen, TX. Opened in 1976, it is the largest stadium in the Rio Grande Valley. The facility, also known as DQ Fan Field, hosts football games, graduations, the McAllen Holiday Parade, and tributes to veterans and first responders.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility | McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium (DQ Fan Field) |
| Capacity | 13,500 |
| Location | 2001 N Bicentennial Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501 |
| Phone | (956) 618-6089 |
| Owner | McAllen Independent School District |
| Opened | 1976 |
| Current Renovation | $2 million turf and track replacement (2026) |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium?
McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium is a high school football and multi-purpose stadium owned and operated by the McAllen Independent School District in McAllen, Texas. The stadium opened in 1976 and holds 13,500 spectators, making it the largest stadium in the Rio Grande Valley.
The venue is the home field for three McAllen ISD high school football teams:
McAllen High School Bulldogs
James “Nikki” Rowe High School Warriors
McAllen Memorial High School Mustangs
In 2018, the field playing surface was renamed DQ Fan Field through a six-year partnership with Dairy Queen. No taxpayer or district funds were used for the naming rights agreement.
Why Veterans Should Know This Facility
The stadium’s name honors U.S. veterans and active-duty service members. It has hosted annual tributes to veterans, first responders, and military personnel, including halftime ceremonies and patriotic events. The McAllen Holiday Parade — which passes through the stadium area — includes a tribute to veterans and those currently serving.
Location and Contact Information
McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium is located at 2001 N Bicentennial Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501. The phone number for ticket inquiries is (956) 618-6089.
Getting There
The stadium is in central McAllen, easily accessible from major roads:
From Expressway 83: Exit Bicentennial Blvd and head north
From Nolana Loop: Head south on Bicentennial Blvd
GPS Coordinates: 26.2239° N, 98.2373° W
Parking
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe stadium has a large parking area. Visitor reviews consistently note easy access and spacious parking, even during major events. For large events like the McAllen Holiday Parade, free shuttle service is available from South Texas College on Pecan Boulevard, running continuously starting at 12 p.m..
2026 Renovation: What’s Changing
McAllen ISD is investing approximately $2 million in stadium upgrades in 2026. The project includes replacing the entire artificial turf field and installing a new track.
Why the Renovation Matters
The track had not been replaced in 20 years
The artificial turf had not been replaced in 10 years
Safety concerns arose from uneven track surfaces and turf wear
McAllen ISD Superintendent Rene Gutierrez stated the safety concerns drove the decision: “There was already a safety concern with the track, where it was uneven because of the wear and tear. The turf field — it was time to replace it”.
Completion Timeline
Work is expected to be completed by April or May 2026, weather permitting.
Press Box Renovation
Separately, McAllen ISD completed a $4 million press box renovation after two years of construction. The new press box stands 87 feet tall and spans 5,200 square feet. It includes an elevator for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
Stadium History and Notable Events
The Palm Bowl Era (1978–1985)
From 1981 to 1985, McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium hosted the NCAA Division II Football Championship, known as the Palm Bowl. The first two Palm Bowl games (1978 and 1979) decided the NAIA Football National Championship.
The 1979 Palm Bowl appeared on ESPN — then in its first year of operation — with a Goodyear blimp overhead. The bowl folded after the NCAA moved the Division II championship to Florence, Alabama, in 1986.
Veterans and First Responder Tributes
The stadium has served as a venue for honoring military service. On September 11, 2015, McAllen ISD hosted a ceremony honoring first responders and veterans during a football game between McAllen Memorial and San Benito High. All first responders and military personnel in uniform received free admission. The McAllen Fire Department displayed a large American flag from a fire truck ladder during the halftime ceremony.
McAllen Holiday Parade
The McAllen Holiday Parade — the largest holiday parade in Texas — passes through the area around Veterans Memorial Stadium each December. More than 265,000 people are expected to attend in 2026. The parade includes a tribute to veterans and active-duty service members, and the theme has historically featured patriotic elements.
Other Events
The stadium has hosted:
High school football games (regular season and playoffs)
College football and soccer games
Track and field meets
Graduation ceremonies
Marching band competitions, including Bands of America regional events
Autism awareness walks
Seating and Accessibility
Capacity
The stadium seats 13,500 spectators, making it among the largest high school football stadiums by capacity in Texas.
Seating Arrangement
Bench-style seating throughout the grandstands
Sections labeled A through E and G (based on event configurations)
Accessible seating available in Row 1 of sections A, E, and G for events like the Holiday Parade
Accessibility
The new press box includes an elevator for ADA compliance. Accessible seating is available for events. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the stadium at (956) 618-6089 to confirm specific accommodations for their event.
Concessions
The stadium features a concession stand with a variety of snacks at reasonable prices. Visitor reviews frequently highlight the food selection and clean restrooms.
Veterans Benefits: Resources in the McAllen Area
VA Health Care in the Rio Grande Valley
Veterans in McAllen and Hidalgo County can access VA health care through the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. The nearest VA medical center is in Harlingen, with outpatient clinics serving the McAllen area.
How to Enroll in VA Health Care
Apply online at VA.gov/health-care/apply
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ
Call 1-877-222-8387 for assistance
Visit your nearest VA facility with your DD-214 and photo ID
Who qualifies: Veterans who served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Hidalgo County Veterans Services
Hidalgo County operates a Veterans Service Office that assists veterans with:
VA disability claims (VA Form 21-526EZ)
Pension applications
Survivor benefits
Education benefits (GI Bill)
Housing assistance (VA home loans)
Appeals and C&P exam preparation
Contact: Hidalgo County Veterans Services, Edinburg, TX
Veterans Crisis Line
If you or a veteran you know is in crisis: Dial 988, Press 1. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7 to all veterans regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment.
Common Questions
1. What is the capacity of McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium?
The stadium seats 13,500 spectators, making it the largest stadium in the Rio Grande Valley. It is owned and operated by McAllen ISD and serves as the home field for McAllen High, Rowe High, and McAllen Memorial High School football teams.
2. What is the address and phone number?
The stadium is located at 2001 N Bicentennial Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501. The phone number for ticket inquiries is (956) 618-6089. The stadium is in central McAllen, easily accessible from Expressway 83.
3. What is the stadium’s name now — Veterans Memorial or DQ Fan Field?
Both names are correct. The stadium itself is McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. The playing field surface was renamed DQ Fan Field in 2018 through a six-year sponsorship agreement with Dairy Queen. The field name honors the business partnership; the stadium name honors veterans.
4. Is the stadium open to the public for non-event visits?
The stadium is primarily an event venue. It is not generally open to the public for casual visits outside scheduled events. Visitors should check the McAllen ISD events calendar or the stadium’s ticketing pages for upcoming games and events open to the public.
5. How do I get tickets for events at the stadium?
Tickets for McAllen ISD athletic events are available through the district’s ticket platform (Etix) and at the gate. For the McAllen Holiday Parade, tickets are available through the event’s official ticketing partner. Prices vary by event.
6. What renovation work is happening in 2026?
McAllen ISD is investing $2 million to replace the entire artificial turf field and install a new track. The work is expected to be completed by April or May 2026. Separately, a $4 million press box renovation was completed earlier in 2026.
7. Does the stadium host veterans events?
Yes. The stadium has hosted tributes to veterans and first responders, including halftime ceremonies, free admission for military personnel in uniform, and patriotic-themed events. The McAllen Holiday Parade also includes a veteran tribute segment each December.
8. What is the history of the stadium?
Opened in 1976, the stadium hosted the NCAA Division II Football Championship (Palm Bowl) from 1981 to 1985 and the NAIA Football National Championship in 1978 and 1979. It has been the home of McAllen ISD football for nearly 50 years.
9. Is there accessible seating at the stadium?
Yes. Accessible seating is available in Row 1 of sections A, E, and G for events like the Holiday Parade. The new press box includes an ADA-compliant elevator. Contact the stadium at (956) 618-6089 for specific accommodations.
10. What veterans resources are available in the McAllen area?
Veterans in McAllen can access VA health care through the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, file disability claims through Hidalgo County Veterans Services, and use the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1). VA home loan and GI Bill benefits are also available.
Key Takeaways
McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium is a 13,500-seat high school football stadium at 2001 N Bicentennial Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501.
The stadium opened in 1976 and is the largest in the Rio Grande Valley.
The playing field is named DQ Fan Field through a Dairy Queen sponsorship; the stadium name honors veterans.
A $2 million turf and track replacement project is underway in 2026, expected to be complete by April or May.
A separate $4 million press box renovation was completed in 2026.
The stadium hosted the Palm Bowl (NCAA Division II championship) from 1981 to 1985.
Veterans and first responders have been honored at stadium events, including 9/11 tributes and Holiday Parade ceremonies.
The stadium is home to McAllen High, Rowe High, and McAllen Memorial High School football teams.
Phone: (956) 618-6089 for ticket and event inquiries.
Veterans in the McAllen area can access VA health care, disability claims assistance, and crisis support through local and national resources.
Official Resources
McAllen ISD: McAllenISD.net
Veterans Crisis Line: VeteransCrisisLine.net (Dial 988, Press 1)
Hidalgo County Veterans Services: HidalgoCountyTX.gov
VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System: VA.gov/find-locations
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 877-424-3838
USA.gov Veterans Benefits: USA.gov/veterans-benefits
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