If you're asking what time does Dallas play, you're likely staring at a calendar and realizing the North Texas sports scene is a chaotic mess of overlapping seasons. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the schedule is packed. Whether you’re looking for the ice, the hardwood, or wondering why nobody is at AT&T Stadium today, here is the breakdown of exactly when and where the Big D teams are taking the field.
The Big Matchup: Dallas Stars vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Right now, the hottest ticket in town isn't on grass. The Dallas Stars are currently tearing through the NHL season, sitting comfortably with a 27-12-9 record. Today, they face off against a powerhouse from the East, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
What time do the Stars play today?
The puck drops at 1:00 PM CT (that’s 2:00 PM ET if you're tuning in from the coast).
This is a "Kids Day" matinee at the American Airlines Center, which means the energy is going to be high, loud, and probably involve a lot of cotton candy. If you aren't at the AAC, you can catch the game on NHL Network or locally via the Victory+ app.
- Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
- Radio: The Ticket 96.7-FM / 1310-AM
- Player to watch: Keep an eye on Mikko Rantanen. He’s been a beast this season with 63 points so far.
Wait—before you head out, there’s a massive traffic warning. Interstate 30 is basically a parking lot today. Both eastbound and westbound lanes in downtown Dallas are closed between I-35E and the I-45/US-75 interchanges. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes unless you enjoy watching the first period from your dashboard.
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What About the Dallas Mavericks?
If you were hoping for a Mavs double-header today, I’ve got some bad news. The Mavericks are currently in the middle of a travel day. They just finished a home stand and are heading to the Big Apple.
When do the Mavericks play next?
They play tomorrow, Monday, January 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM CT. They’ll be taking on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
It’s an early tip-off for a Monday, so make sure you’re settled on the couch by the time you finish work. After that, they head back to Dallas for a home game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, January 22, at 6:30 PM.
Why Aren't the Cowboys Playing?
This is the part that usually stings. If you searched for what time does Dallas play hoping for some NFL playoff action, you’re looking at a quiet AT&T Stadium. The 2025-2026 season was... let's just say "challenging" for America's Team.
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The Cowboys finished the regular season with a 7-9-1 record. For the second year in a row, they missed the postseason. While the NFC Divisional round is happening today (with teams like the Eagles and 49ers still in the hunt), the Cowboys are officially in "offseason mode."
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since they aren't playing today, the focus has shifted to the draft and the 2026 schedule. We already know who they'll face, even if the exact dates won't be out until May. They’ll be hosting some heavy hitters next fall:
- Baltimore Ravens (The interconference showdown)
- San Francisco 49ers (A classic rivalry)
- Jacksonville Jaguars They also have a road trip down I-45 to face the Houston Texans. That "Battle of Texas" is already being hyped as the game of the year for local fans.
FC Dallas and the 2026 MLS Kickoff
Soccer fans, we are almost there. The MLS season is right around the corner. FC Dallas is currently in pre-season training, but the official schedule is locked in.
What time is the first FC Dallas game?
The season opener is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
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- Opponent: Toronto FC
- Time: 7:30 PM CT
- Where: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
Basically, if you're looking for Dallas sports right now, the Stars are your only live option for Sunday.
Actionable Steps for Fans Today
If you are planning to follow the game or attend, here is what you need to do immediately:
- Download the Victory+ App: If you don't have cable, this is how you're going to watch the Stars today without a blackout headache.
- Check Waze or Google Maps: Seriously, that I-30 closure is no joke. If you are going to the AAC, use Woodall Rodgers as your bypass.
- Set an alarm for 5:00 PM Tomorrow: The Mavs game in New York starts earlier than usual. Don't let the 5:00 PM tip-off catch you off guard.
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Mavs or Stars websites and download the "Add to Calendar" file. It automatically updates for time changes or flex scheduling, which happens a lot this time of year.
The "Dallas play" search is always a moving target because this city never stops. Between the NHL push for the playoffs and the NBA mid-season grind, there's almost always a game on. Just not always on a Sunday afternoon.