The Mesquite Arena in Mesquite, Texas is one of the best places in the state to witness top-quality bull riding, especially during the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. The renovated arena boasts two large HD video boards, an entertainment area, and plenty of amazing concessions.
When the rodeo is not in session, the arena hosts concerts with major country musicians and other family-friendly events. In recent years, the Mesquite Arena has welcomed the Hella Shrine Circus and Hoosier Arenacross Nationals. Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, Diamond Rio, Clint Black, and Sara Evans are among those who have performed at the arena in the past.
Getting to Mesquite via an RV is usually not an issue due to the many highways in the area, and parking and camping are accessible. Mesquite and the surrounding areas have plenty of space for RV travelers, but make sure to pack for the season before heading out on your trip. The summers tend to be hot, usually between 90 and 100 degrees, while the winters can get cold with temperatures dropping to 30 degrees or below during the coldest months.
The City of Mesquite is only a 15-minute drive away from Dallas, where you can find amazing restaurants and quality attractions. Dallas is home to many professional sports teams and other entertainment venues that host major artists and performers. Fort Worth, less than an hour’s drive away from Mesquite, is another great destination for travelers.
Tickets for events at the Mesquite Arena can be purchased online. Tickets for events are typically sold weeks in advance, which is great for travelers looking to cement their plans. Mesquite Championship Rodeo tickets sell directly through the arena, while other events might be purchased through third-party vendors. Non-rodeo events tend to be more affordable and often start just under $30, and music acts can differ in price depending on the artist.
To get to the Mesquite Arena, you will likely travel on I-635 to arrive in the area. US-80, TX-12, I-20, and I-30 may also show up on your route to the arena located at 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, Texas. Make sure to review weather conditions before making your journey since the roads in this area can ice during the winter.
There are two main parking lots at the Mesquite Arena. Parking spots for vehicles sell for about $10. There is bus parking, but there is no parking for RVs. Mesquite Championship Rodeo patrons may want to arrive a bit early for this popular event. Since RV parking is not available, you may want to leave your rig at your campsite and jump on some of the public transportation choices or use a ride-hailing service to reach the venue.
Mesquite is a small suburb town that does not offer major public transportation routes. There is one bus that runs from Dallas to Mesquite, which is great if you want to take a tour of the city. The City of Mesquite Passenger Shuttle Service (COMPASS) connects with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, which can take you to Downtown Dallas and other areas. There is, however, no public transportation option that will bring you to the venue.
There is no onsite camping at the Mesquite Arena, but there are several nearby campgrounds and RV parks.
Multiple RV parks can be found in Dallas and other nearby cities such as Sunnyvale and Arlington. Expect hookups for your RV’s water and sewage as well as other usual amenities at most locations. Some of these places offer laundry rooms and bathhouses. On occasion, local businesses may also offer overnight RV parking with permission. Stretch your route around to the west of Dallas and camp at the Dallas / Arlington KOA Holiday, about a 40-minute drive from the venue.
Getting around the venue is easy since the parking lots are near. Walking is generally the best way to move around the venue. Apart from the main arena, there are other spaces that may get muddy or require some assistance for wheelchairs in some areas.
Visiting the Mesquite Arena is a nice venture at any time of the year, but it’s important to pack appropriately depending on the season. During the spring and summer months, it’s best to pack for warm weather. Shorts, t-shirts, sandals, and any other breathable and comfortable clothing should be fine. During the fall and winter months, cold fronts can make the weather cold in an instant, so bring jackets, boots, scarves, and other warm clothing. Check the weather forecast when packing for local updates in Mesquite.
To capture memories in high-definition, bring a camera with the capability to zoom. Rodeo rides are over quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on the action. A phone camera with a decent zoom can also help capture the action. Don’t forget gear for your favorite outdoor activities and for exploring around your campsite.
North Texas can get hot in the summer months. Bring plenty of sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. Bringing bug spray is another good idea since there tends to be mosquitoes during the rainy summer season. Finally, bring water with you wherever you go and stay hydrated.
Depending on the RV park you choose, you may be able to cook on an open fire. If you plan to cook outdoors or grill, pick an RV park that can accommodate this option. To stock up on groceries and supplies, visit one of the many grocery stores in Mesquite or fill your shelves before you arrive to keep your travel time simple.
While Mesquite may be close to the big city, there are still many great restaurants to visit. Dine on stick-to-your-ribs Texas cusine like BBQ, fried chicken, and Tex-Mex. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is home to many types of cuisines such as Mexican, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, and many others.
Merchandise such as hats and t-shirts are sold on site for many of the events at the Mesquite Arena. Before your selected concert, Arenacross event, or rodeo, head to one of many concession stands on site and dig in on some delicious food.
Outside food and drink are not allowed into the arena for any of the events. The Mesquite Arena employs regular security personnel. Be prepared for a search before entering the premises for all events year-round.
With temperatures reaching 100 degrees in the summer, it’s important to stay in the shade and drink plenty of water. Thankfully, the venue is air-conditioned for warm summer events. Ice and snow are not uncommon in the winter. When roads ice over, certain roads and highways may close due to weather conditions. Remember to stay alert of inclement weather conditions.
The last thing anyone wants to worry about when visiting the rodeo is getting injured, but it can happen. Luckily, there is a hospital just three miles away. Other hospitals and medical facilities are nearby as well. For minor injuries, it is a good idea to keep a first-aid kit in your RV.
