Getting There
The main gateway for Abilene is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), located approximately 175 miles east of the city, making for roughly a 2.5-to-3-hour drive west on I-20. American Airlines operates multiple daily direct flights from DFW to Abilene Regional Airport (ABI), which puts you just minutes from downtown and the ACU campus. Renting a car at DFW is the most practical choice for most sports fans, as Abilene is a driving city with no direct rail link from Dallas.
Getting Around
Abilene's public transit system, CityLink, operates fixed-route buses Monday through Saturday with no Sunday service, making it unreliable for weekend game travel. CityLink also offers ZipZone, an on-demand microtransit service in northwest Abilene, and an On Call zone in south Abilene, both bookable via app, but coverage is limited. A rental car or rideshare app (Uber and Lyft both operate in Abilene) is strongly recommended for sports visitors who want flexibility getting to and from Moody Coliseum.
Where to Stay
The North College Area corridor along Judge Ely Boulevard and East Overland Trail (I-20 near Exit 288) is the sweet spot for sports fans, putting you within a mile or two of Moody Coliseum and the ACU campus. Options in this zone include the Holiday Inn Abilene North College Area, Courtyard by Marriott Abilene Northeast, and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Abilene Northeast, with rates typically ranging from $90 to $160 per night. The DoubleTree by Hilton Abilene Downtown Convention Center is a strong choice if you want walkable dining and bars in the evenings after the game, at a modest price premium. Book early for rivalry weekends and conference tournaments, as the hotel supply in Abilene is limited and properties fill quickly.
Sports Fan Notes
Moody Coliseum on the ACU campus hosts both the Abilene Christian Wildcats men's and women's basketball programs, giving fans a genuine two-for-one opportunity if schedules align on the same trip. ACU competes in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), so visiting fans may catch nationally relevant mid-major matchups in an intimate, loud arena environment that holds over 7,000 fans. The Wildcats men's basketball program has made NCAA Tournament appearances in recent years, bringing increased national attention and a passionate home crowd that makes road trips here worth the effort. Abilene is a classic West Texas college town, and the campus atmosphere on game nights is a refreshing contrast to Power Five arenas.
Venues in Abilene
Moody Coliseum (Abilene)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from DFW to downtown Abilene?
The most common option is renting a car at DFW and driving west on I-20 for approximately 175 miles, which takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. American Airlines also operates multiple daily direct flights from DFW to Abilene Regional Airport (ABI), which is a short drive from downtown and the ACU campus. Bus services such as FlixBus and Greyhound run from Dallas to Abilene in roughly 3 to 3.5 hours for around $16 to $75 one-way, though departure points are in downtown Dallas rather than at DFW itself.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Abilene for a sports trip?
The North College Area along Judge Ely Boulevard and the I-20 corridor (near Exit 288 on East Overland Trail) is the top pick for sports fans, as it clusters you within one to two miles of Moody Coliseum and the ACU campus. Hotels like the Holiday Inn Abilene North College Area, Courtyard by Marriott Abilene Northeast, and Quality Inn and Suites Abilene North are all in this zone. If you prefer downtown dining and nightlife after the game, the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown adds a short drive to the venue but puts you in the most walkable part of the city.
Which sports teams play in Abilene?
Moody Coliseum at Abilene Christian University is home to two Wildcats programs: the ACU Wildcats men's basketball team (NCAAB) and the ACU Wildcats women's basketball team (NCAAW), both competing in the Western Athletic Conference. A single trip can cover both programs if you time it around a home doubleheader or back-to-back home dates, making Abilene an efficient stop for college basketball fans.
Is Abilene a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Abilene is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The 2026 World Cup is played exclusively across host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest host city to Abilene is Dallas, Texas, approximately 175 miles east via I-20.
Sports cities near Abilene
Close enough to pair with a Abilene trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.