Dickies Arena
The Fort Worth Chamber this week announced that it would honor Trail Drive Management Corporation, the not-for-profit entity operating Dickies Arena, with the 2023 Vandergriff Award.
The award honors a legacy individual or organization whose contributions positively impact Tarrant County on a national scale. It will be presented formally by sponsor Simmons Bank at the Chamber’s State of the County address on Aug. 17 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
The award is named for Tom Vandergriff, the revered former mayor of Arlington and U.S. House member who went on to serve as Tarrant County judge from 1991-2007.
“We are thrilled to honor Trail Drive Management Corporation with the prestigious 2023 Vandergriff Award.” said Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, “Their visionary leadership and dedication to bringing Dickies Arena to Fort Worth have left an indelible mark on our city’s economic landscape.
“This state-of-the-art venue has not only become a cultural beacon for the community but also a driving force behind significant economic growth. From fostering tourism and attracting world-class events to creating employment opportunities and boosting local businesses, Dickies Arena’s impact on our city has been immeasurable. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Trail Drive Management Corporation for their outstanding contribution to the prosperity of Fort Worth.”
Dickies Arena’s exceptional ranking in Billboard magazine’s Mid-Year Touring Report stands as a testament to the unwavering support from Fort Worth residents and visitors alike. With its world-class facilities and commitment to providing unparalleled entertainment experiences, the arena continues to enrich the cultural vibrancy and economic growth of the region.
“One of the primary goals of Dickies Arena was to consistently bring top-notch sports and entertainment to the great city of Fort Worth for all citizens to enjoy,” said Matt Homan, president and general manager of Dickies Arena. “Dickies Arena has hosted an average of over a million guests per year for the last two years, with guests traveling from a multitude of states as well as internationally to showcase our great city. The [Trail Drive Management Corporation] team is excited to continue to bring a variety of events and shows to our culturally diverse city and be a vital asset to the Fort Worth and Tarrant County community as it continues to grow.”
Dickies Arena
Kid Rock was one of the more recent shows to attract a crowded house to Dickies Arena. Crowded House is a good idea, by the way.
Past recipients include:
2022 — Devoyd “Dee” Jennings
2021 — American Airlines
2020 — Facebook Data Center Fort Worth
2019 — Texas Rangers
2018 — Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base
2017 — TxDOT
2016 — TCU and UNTHSC (med school)
2015 — Cassco Development
2014 — Hillwood
2013 — Sundance Square
2012 — Van Cliburn
2011 — General Motors
“Simmons bank is proud to sponsor the Vandergriff Award and this year we are especially excited to recognize Dickies Arena Trail Drive Management Corp. as the 2023 recipient,” said Lori Baldock, Simmons Fort Worth market president. “As one of the most significant public-private partnerships and economic engines realized in Fort Worth in recent years, it is particularly appropriate that Dickies Arena receives an award named in honor of Judge Tom Vandergriff, a tremendous public servant and longtime private citizen of Tarrant County.”