Getting There
The primary gateway for Commerce is Dallas Love Field (DAL), a single-terminal airport dominated by Southwest Airlines located about 6 miles northwest of downtown Dallas. Commerce itself sits roughly 65 miles northeast of Dallas, making the full journey from DAL to Commerce approximately 75–80 miles via I-30 East and Highway 24, typically taking around 1 hour and 15 to 30 minutes by car depending on traffic. A rental car or rideshare from DAL is your best option, as there is no direct transit connection between the airport and Commerce; expect to pay roughly $80–120 for a rideshare for the full trip.
Getting Around
Commerce is a small East Texas university town with no fixed-route public bus or rail service for visitors, so a personal vehicle or rideshare is essential for getting around. Hunt County offers a demand-response transit service primarily for seniors and those with disabilities, but it is not practical for sports fans moving between hotels, The Field House, and local restaurants. Uber and Lyft both operate in Commerce, though availability can be limited on game nights, so booking ahead or arranging a rental car from the Dallas area is strongly recommended.
Where to Stay
The closest lodging to The Field House and the East Texas A&M campus is the Magnuson Hotel Commerce on Culver Street, which is just steps from campus and under a mile from historic downtown Commerce, making it the top pick for visiting fans. The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Commerce offers a more modern option with complimentary breakfast and is a short drive to the venue. Nightly rates in Commerce are very budget-friendly by national standards, with most properties coming in at $60–$110 per night. Fans who strike out on Commerce properties can look 15 miles west in Greenville, which has a wider selection of chain hotels along I-30.
Sports Fan Notes
Commerce is a classic small-town college sports environment where the university completely defines the sports calendar, meaning game days have an outsized energy for the town's size. The Field House hosts both the East Texas A&M Lions men's and women's basketball programs, so a well-timed visit in winter can land you back-to-back games on the same day, offering excellent value for a sports travel weekend. The Lions compete in the Southland Conference, and regional rivalries with other Texas schools give home games a genuine atmosphere. Fans who want to extend their trip can easily drive into the Dallas area to catch professional sports across the Metroplex, which is under 90 minutes away.
Venues in Commerce
The Field House
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from DAL to downtown Commerce?
There is no direct public transit from Dallas Love Field (DAL) to Commerce. Your best options are renting a car at the airport or booking a rideshare for the roughly 75–80 mile drive. The route runs east on I-30 and then north on Highway 24, with a typical drive time of 1 hour and 15 to 30 minutes. A rideshare will cost approximately $80–120 one way; a rental car gives you more flexibility for the full trip.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Commerce for a sports trip?
Stay as close to the East Texas A&M campus as possible, ideally on or near Culver Street where the Magnuson Hotel Commerce sits just steps from the university. This puts you within easy walking or a very short drive to The Field House, and within a mile of the historic downtown area for pre- and post-game dining and bars. There is little reason to stay elsewhere in Commerce given how compact the city is.
Which sports teams play in Commerce?
Commerce is home to the East Texas A&M Lions men's basketball team (NCAAB) and the East Texas A&M Lions women's basketball team (NCAAW), both playing their home games at The Field House on campus. A well-planned visit during basketball season can include both a men's and women's game on the same weekend, and the Dallas Metroplex is under 90 minutes away for pro sports options.
Is Commerce a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Commerce is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Dallas, Texas, located roughly 65 miles southwest of Commerce, where matches are being played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington as part of the Dallas host region.
Sports cities near Commerce
Close enough to pair with a Commerce trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.