Score Big

Sporty Dallasites eat and drink their way to The Tailgate's finish line

Footballs were tossed, cocktails were consumed, and Dallas' biggest sports fans partied overtime at CultureMap's newest signature event, The Tailgate.

Held both indoors and out at The Empire Room on October 13, the celebration of all things sports attracted a crowd ready to have some game day fun.

And they certainly didn't go hungry. Past Tastemaker Awards winners and nominees brought snacks galore, from sliders to pizza to wings and more.

Guests could vote for their favorite munchies via QR code, leading to One 90 Smoked Meats taking home the trophy for their smoked pork belly. TLC Vegan Kitchen was also popular for its Better Balance chicken arrabbiata. Drool over a full list of the snacks here.

Those looking to scoop up ideas for their next watch party could sample catering from Whole Foods Market, then walk away with a stadium-approved clear backpack filled with snacks, samples, and coupons for future purchases.

No one's cup ran dry, thanks to bars stocked with Deep Ellum Brewing Co. beers, Austin Cocktails, and specialty drinks featuring Dripping Springs Vodka and 1800 Tequila.

In between bites and sips, guests could watch Thursday Night Football while browsing a silent auction stuffed with valuable sports memorabilia, with a portion of proceeds benefitting our nonprofit partners. The first bidder for each item scored a special reward: a glittering replica of a championship ring (which we can confirm were appropriately heavy).

Attendees could also learn more about and donate to each of the event's nonprofit partners. There representing The Sandlot were Rangers pitcher Taylor Hearn and former MLB pitcher-turned-sports broadcaster Mike Bacsik.

Former Dallas Cowboys player Tyler Patmon is the founder of Camp Exposure, and he was joined by Cowboys mascot — and keen yard games challenger — Rowdy.

Former NFL player Spencer Drango was also ready to take on anyone who wanted to test their skills, drawing crowds to the Merging Vets & Players tent. Former Cowbows defensive tackle Russell Maryland also made an appearance.

Spotted among the sea of jerseys were Larry McFarlin, Laura George, Elizabeth Morrow, Evelyn Adgate, Denver Morris, Claire Richardson, Amanda Valdez, Jeff Florey, Brandon Beville, Nick Schenkel, Monica Sales, Dalton Stegich, Kevin Lamel, Arun Lammata, Beau Blankenship, Stephanie Craig, Crystal Medina, Lula Said, Irene Alexander, Megan Sikes, Lula Said, Gosai Busoui, Alyssa and Patrick Donlan, Stephanie Ceniza, Natalie Mayoral, Skylar Cheff, and Kat Tabora.

The Tailgate is also happening in Houston on October 27 and Austin on November 3 — we hope to see you there!

Photo by Ashley Gongora

MLB pitcher Taylor Hearn came in support of The Sandlot.

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Taylor Swift News

Plano-based Cinemark to host Taylor Swift album-release movie weekend

Courtesy

Taylor Swift Last Showgirl Party

Global pop superstar Taylor Swift returns to the big screen in October with a movie weekend coinciding with the release of her new album.

According to a release, an event called “Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” will take place October 3-5 at AMC Theaters, Cinemark, and Regal theaters.

The movie weekend begins the same day her new album The Life of a Showgirl is released.

It'll consist of a 90-minute screening, which will include

the world premiere of the music video for the first single, “The Fate of Ophelia”
footage from the “Ophelia” music video shoot
lyric videos for other songs on Showgirl
Swift’s personal reflections.

Screenings will begin on Friday, October 3 and run through Sunday, October 5.

A Cinemark spokesperson says the event is similar to listening parties Swift used to host.

"Visual albums are a newer concept. The audio in the auditorium will be her new album and she's curated 'visuals' for each song," the spokesperson says. "So it will basically be a group listening party with a mix of photos and video to go with each song."

There will also be the world premiere of her first music video from this album as well as a special intro video message from Swift, and some notes throughout about her writing process.

“We’re honored to bring Taylor Swift, one of the most iconic and influential entertainers of our time, back to the big screen at Cinemark with Taylor Swift | The Official Release Party of a Showgirl,” says Cinemark president and CEO Sean Gamble. “We saw her world-class ability to entertain and captivate audiences as fans sang and danced in our auditoriums for the theatrical release of her Eras Tour concert film in 2023. We are thrilled to invite Swifties to celebrate TS12 together in a vibrant, communal setting where the magic of our auditoriums wraps you in the moment with larger-than-life visuals and enveloping surround sound, creating an experience that simply can’t be matched. Congratulations to Taylor Swift and her entire team for what we know will be a visual and auditory masterpiece.”

Tickets are on sale (and are selling fast) via Fandango as well as at Cinemark.com, on the Cinemark app and at Cinemark theater box offices for $12, plus taxes and fees. Fans will have the option to take upgrade to Cinemark XD, which features each theater’s biggest screens and most immersive surround sound.

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