Ever since things got heated between the Jays and the Texas Rangers in the 2015 ALDS, capped off by Jose Bautista’s triumph bat flip, seeing these two teams go at it always has a little extra juice. Now imagine seeing this rivalry play out in enemy territory?
Why just imagine it? Plan a Toronto Blue Jays package to Texas to see it live. To help you put it all together we’ve organized this in-depth guide.
But before you get started, here are a few cool facts about Globe Life Field, the home of the Texas Rangers:
- Built in 2020, Globe Life Field is the Texas Rangers ballpark and one of the newest major league baseball fields.
- The stadium has a modern, futuristic look. It also has a retractable roof. Why? Because summer temperatures range between 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Like at Minute Maid Park in Houston, when the roof is closed the interior of Globe Life Field is kept in the mid-70s.
- Individual field dimensions pay tribute to various ball players’ numbers and moments from Rangers history. For example, left field is 334 feet from home plate to recognize Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan’s #34.
- The Rangers played their first game at Globe Life Field against the Colorado Rockies.
- Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees hit his record-breaking 62nd home run, to set the single-season American League record on Oct. 4, 2022, at Globe Life Field.
The first 3 things to do when planning your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Texas
1. Book your accommodations and flight
By booking your flight and hotel accommodations at the same time you will save money. To do this we suggest using Expedia. There are a few reasons why:
- The Expedia booking platform is simple and easy to use.
- By bundling your flight and hotel purchase on Expedia you can save an average of $600.
- When you sign up and become an Expedia member (it’s free) you will earn rewards points on both flight and accommodation bookings. You can then use these points to reduce the cost of booking flights and hotels for your next Toronto Blue Jays travel package.
- As an Expedia member you will save an additional 10% on select hotel accommodations.
To book your accommodation and flight at the same time go to the Expedia website. On the home page, click on “Packages” which is displayed in the main menu. (Don’t forget to sign in so you can earn your rewards points.)
A few Texas hotel suggestions near Globe Life Field
For your Jays game at the Rangers ballpark there are several accommodation options nearby. Here are a few to consider:
In the heart of it all. Live! by Loews – Arlington, TX (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor): This upscale hotel is located right in the Arlington Entertainment District. Globe Life Field and AT & T Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys play, are both just short walks away. Accommodations are luxurious and there’s a cool infinity pool.
Funky, industrial vibe. Aloft Arlington Entertainment District (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor): If you like your hotels chic and cool, this is the one. This hotel has a modern vibe and comfortable accommodations. Close to all the restaurant and bar action and just a minute’s walk away from Texas Rangers baseball stadium.
Affordable & Comfortable. Courtyard Dallas Arlington South (3.5/5 on TripAdvisor): Budget-friendly place to stay that is conveniently located close to Globe Life Field, AT & T Field, the roller coasters at Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor waterpark and the Texas Live! entertainment district.
Clean, Comfortable and Close. Sheraton Arlington Hotel (4/5 on TripAdvisor): Everything you want to see and do during your visit to the Texas Rangers home field is near this hotel.
24-hr. IHOP Nearby. Holiday Inn Arlington NE-Rangers Ballpark (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor): Features spacious rooms that have an HDTV, microwave, and mini fridge. Heated pool and hot tub for relaxing. Globe Life Field and other area attractions are a short walk away.
2. Buy your tickets to the game
Being one of the newest, coolest ballparks in the majors and the home of a team that has experienced recent World Series success, seeing a ball game at Globe Life Field is a hot ticket.
Ensure you have tickets for your Jays game at the Texas Rangers home field. Plan to buy your seats in advance.
Tickets can be bought by visiting the Texas Rangers website or a reseller like Stubhub or SeatGeek.
JAYS FAN INSIDER TIP: Get cheaper tickets on Tuesdays
If you’re planning to book a Toronto Blue Jays game at the Texas Rangers baseball stadium mid-week, Tuesday would be a good night because that’s when Family Fun Tuesdays happen.
You’ll be able to save on tickets, parking, food, and drink. Plus, Globe Life Field opens 30 minutes early on Tuesdays so you can watch players taking batting practice.
Seating suggestions for your Jays vs. Rangers game at Globe Life Field
Need help deciding on what seats to purchase for your Blue Jays road trip to Texas? Here are a few ideas:
- Most affordable ticket: Upper Reserved or Upper Home Run Porch standing room area.
- Catch-a-home-run ticket: The Home Run Porch seats in right or left field.
- Avoid the sun ticket: If the roof is open the upper deck seats on the third base side are in the shade or partial shade. Sections 308 to 320.
- Most unique ticket: Sky Porch Rocking Chairs. Watch the game in a relaxing rocking chair. Located in the left field Upper Concourse (Sections 201-204).
- Splurge: Home Plate Suites. Dug out of the ground behind home plate, these 14 suites feature seats that put you super close to the action.
3. Include a tour of Globe Life Field in your Toronto Blue Jays travel package
There are two ballpark tours you can take of Globe Life Field. Each one is led by a knowledgeable guide.
Ballpark Tour: Globe Life Field is a leading-edge ballpark design. You can learn more about what makes it state-of-the-art by going on this guided, behind-the-scenes tour of the Rangers ballpark.
You’ll venture into areas such as premium venues, unique club spaces, luxury suites and more! Plus, hear facts and stories about the history of the Texas Rangers too. The tour is approximately 60 minutes.
Premium Tour – Play catch on the field: Planning to visit Arlington, Texas for a few days? If the Rangers head out of town, you should definitely plan on signing up for the Premium Tour at Globe Life Field.
Here’s why.
Not only does this tour of the Texas Rangers home field include the 60-minute behind-scenes guided walkabout; it also gives you 30 minutes to play catch in the outfield.
How cool is that?!
Make sure you bring your own glove and ball though as the ballpark does not provide any equipment.
Tour tickets can be purchased at: https://globelifefield.com/toursexperiences/
Free transportation to the Texas Rangers baseball stadium
Don’t want to walk or drive to Globe Life Field to see the Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers play? Jump on the Arlington Trolley. It’s a free service for guests of participating hotels.
The trolley will take you to and from the Rangers ballpark as well as other attractions in the area. To use this fare-free ride, just go to your hotel’s front desk and ask for a trolley pass.
Things to do before your Jays game at Globe Life Field in Texas
For afternoon games at the Texas Rangers ballpark the gates open 1.5 hours before game time.
If it’s an evening game, the fans are allowed into the stadium 2 hours before first pitch.
Here are a few reasons why you may want to arrive at the Globe Life Field as early as you can:
Do a little tailgating: Tailgating is permitted at Texas Rangers games in many of the parking lots at Globe Life Field. The exceptions are parking lots A, B and T. You can only tailgate on the grass areas that are along the perimeter of the parking lot.
Check out the memorabilia: Throughout the Texas Rangers ballpark you’ll see team memorabilia on display such players jerseys, plaques and more.
Take a ballpark tour: On game days, 60-minute guided tours of Globe Life Field are available prior to game time. Book your tour on the ballpark’s website.
Get a giveaway: If the Texas Rangers are having a game day promotion like a bobblehead or baseball cap giveaway, the earlier you’re in Globe Life Field the better your chances are of getting the giveaway item before they run out.
What time is batting practice at Globe Life Field?
The Texas Rangers usually take batting practice early in the afternoon before the gates of Globe Life Field are open to the public. So, if you enter the ballpark as soon as it opens you will only get to see the Blue Jays taking batting practice.
JAYS FAN INSIDER TIP: On Family Fun Tuesdays the gates to Texas Rangers baseball stadium open 30 minutes earlier than the regular time. This is to ensure families will be able to see the visiting teams’ players taking batting practice.
Best place for autographs at the Rangers ballpark
Have a favorite Jays or Rangers player that you would like to get an autograph from? Get to the ballpark as soon as it opens and head down to the field level seats located around the dugouts. As players exit or return to the dugout during the warm up period on the field they may stop and sign an autograph.
Another way to get a Rangers player’s autograph is to visit the New Era Alumni Alley at the stadium behind section 101. On Friday and Saturday game days a former Texas Rangers player or coach will appear here to sign autographs. Check online to see which Rangers alumni will be signing when you’re visiting.
Don’t forget epic selfies as part of your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Texas
Let your buddies back home know about your trip to Globe Life Field with the perfect pic.
Here are a few ideas for photo locations at the Ranger ballpark that will let them know in a snap what you’ve been up to:
In front of the Globe Life Field Sign: The large and distinctive “Globe Life Field” logo outside the stadium serves as an iconic backdrop for selfies.
The Nolan Ryan statue: A flame-throwing pitcher, Nolan Ryan holds the major league records for no-hitters (seven) and strikeouts (5,714), plus he accumulated 324 wins. His statue is located outside of the stadium on the north side in the Rangers Plaza.
Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez statue: An outstanding catcher, Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez appeared in 14 All-Star games, won 13 Gold Glove Awards, and caught 2,427 games. All three of these numbers are the most in major league baseball history. His statue is located outside the home plate entrance of the Texas Rangers baseball stadium.
3 life-size bobbleheads: If you collect bobbleheads, you have to make your way to the concourse level of Globe Life Field. That’s where you’ll find life-size bobbleheads of 3 Texas Rangers players from the past–Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, Adrian Beltre, and Michael Young.
With Rangers memorabilia: As you walk through Globe Life Field you will see lots of displays featuring Texas Rangers memorabilia, including jerseys, bats, and other items. For example, you could take a selfie with the great Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan’s shirt in the background.
Inside, behind home plate: Get to the Texas Rangers ballpark early and you should be able to make your way down to the seating area behind home plate. Here you can take an awesome pic with the field and the entire stadium as your background.
4 ballpark foods you gotta try at Globe Life Field
The Boomstick Dog: A staple at Texas Rangers games since 2012. The Boomstick Dog is a two-foot-long hot dog loaded with jalapenos, cheese sauce, onions, and chili. Feeds two people.
The Boomstick Burger: Added to the menu at Globe Life Field in 2023. This colossal burger has a 2-foot Nolan Ryan Beef patty. It’s then topped with Texas Chili Company chili, Rico’s nacho cheese and jalapenos, and crisp onion rings all served on a fresh-baked brioche bun. Feeds four people.
Brisket Croissant: Loads of house-smoked Nolan Ryan Beef Brisket hand-rolled between layers of buttery, mouth-watering croissant dough and baked until golden. Finished with a generous drench of Sweet Baby Ray’s donut-style glaze.
Texas-style BBQ: Barbecue is big in Texas. The concession stands at Texas Rangers ballpark provide plenty of options for satisfying your craving for smoked meat smothered in barbecue sauce.
Shop for a souvenir of your Toronto Blue Jays vacation package to Texas
The place to get Texas Rangers swag is the Grand Slam Team Store inside Globe Life Field near section 134. This place is huge and carries all kinds of Rangers souvenirs including modern and retro styles.
Be sure and check out the gigantic hat wall. They even have a line of Texas Rangers pet wear.
If you can’t hit the store during game day at Globe Life Field it’s also open on non-game days. You can enter from the street near the North Plaza by Texas Live! The store is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If it’s game-worn or game-used memorabilia you’re after the team has a different store for that. It’s called Rangers Authentics.
You’ll find this store on the main concourse out in center field.
Depending on availability, the items you can purchase include game-used baseballs, bases, lineup cards, diamond dirt, pitcher’s mound rosin bag and more.
If you don’t find what you want in the brick & mortar store, you can also shop Rangers Authentics online.
After-the-game plans to include in your Blue Jays road trip itinerary to Texas
4 restaurant recommends near Globe Life Field
Hungry for some restaurant recommendations for your visit to the Texas Rangers ballpark?
Here are 4 unique dining destinations within in minutes of Globe Life Field where you can fuel up before or after the game.
Texas Live!: This is actually the entertainment district located next to Globe Life Field. Here you’ll find a variety of dining options. A few to consider are: Lockhart Smokehouse (known for BBQ), Pudge’s Pizza, and Troy’s.
Saltgrass Steak House: A classic Texas steakhouse experience with a variety of cuts and sides. Located a short drive from the Texas Ranger baseball stadium.
Freebird’s World Burrito: Great place if you’re in the mood for build-your-own burritos and bowls. Located a short drive from the Texas Rangers home field.
Twisted Root Burger Co.: Named the best burger in Arlington. Home to unique and creative burger combinations. Also has a tailgating-themed dining area and a Winnebago bar.
3 sports bars near the Rangers’ stadium
Dare to wear your Blue Jays swag while chilling before or after the game at a Texas sports bar. Here are three suggestions for you:
Sports & Social: This is a sports bar and gaming lounge located in the Texas Live! Entertainment district next to Globe Life Field. Play some skeeball, table tennis, bowling, shuffleboard, air hockey, old-school arcade games, virtual golf simulators, and more. Plus, enjoy food and drinks of course.
BoomerJack’s Grill and Bar: A sports bar that serves up a wide range of food and drink options like smoked brisket nachos and hand-crafted burgers. Plus, there are plenty of TVs to catch the latest game.
J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill: Known for its classic pub atmosphere and Irish-inspired fare. It’s not far from Texas Rangers baseball stadium and provides a cozy spot to watch sports.
Other things to add to your Toronto Blue Jays vacation package to Texas
When you go to see the Blue Jays vs. the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field you will be in the heart of so many other things to see and do in Arlington, Texas.
To help you fill out your visit, here are some of the attractions to consider including in your plans.
Go to a Dallas Cowboys game: If you’ve timed your trip to Globe Life Field right, you could be in town when the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL are playing. Purchase your tickets in advance or the week of your stay using a reseller like Stubhub or SeatGeek.
Take a guided tour of AT&T Stadium: Go behind the scenes at the home field of football’s famous Dallas Cowboys.
Watch a University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) sports event: If you’re a college sports fan, consider catching a UTA Mavericks game. The university hosts various sports events, including basketball and baseball.
Roll over to the Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame: Located in Arlington, this unique museum showcases the history of bowling and its significant impact on American culture.
Go Golfing in Arlington: Before you head out on your baseball road trip to Globe Life Field throw your golf clubs into the trunk. Arlington has several picturesque courses waiting for you to tee it up on.
Plus, I would suggest checking Groupon and Viator for more money-save discounts on things to see and do in Texas.
Enjoy your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Arlington, Texas!
Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated
