A Guide to Exploring the History of Sports in Amarillo, TX

Amarillo, TX is a city that boasts a rich sports history. From professional teams and athletes to local legends and traditions, there are countless ways for visitors to explore and experience Amarillos sporting past.

One mustsee destination is the American Quarter Horse Museum (2601 I40 East). This museum celebrates the role of quarter horses in Western culture and provides insights into rodeo events like barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling and bronc riding. The legendary horseman Charles Goodnight helped found this breed almost 150 years ago on his ranch just south of town. Visitors can also catch live equine shows at nearby TriState Fairgrounds (3301 SE 10th Ave), where annual competitions showcase both regional cowboy skills as well as contemporary versions of classic Wild West shows.

Another prominent figure in Amarillos sports history was heavyweight boxer Rex The Moose Layne who fought Joe Louis on June 25th, 1949 hosted by Dick Bestwick at Memorial Stadium (2201 E Interstate 40 #3000) before more than eleven thousand fans gathered under clear blue skies for what became known as The Fight Of The Century. Today part of that location has been redeveloped into Ballpark Village offering shopping venues along with restaurants perfect for grabbing a bite before or after an event.

In addition to these unique experiences there is GlobeNews Center (500 S Buchanan St), which hosts live professional ice hockey today but once served as home court advantage stadium for basketball team West Texas State University Buffs from Canyon located some fifteen miles down I27 South exit. Those seeking indoor activities can visit virtual reality sports simulator facility called Play It Again FX Games where sensors track every move made while players compete against each other in simulations ranging from golf courses to ski slopes.

For those who prefer outdoor adventures, Amarillo has plenty of parks and natural spaces ideal for hiking, biking or simply taking in the scenic views. Palo Duro Canyon State Park (11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5) is a favorite destination having once been home to Comanches, Kiowas and other indigenous tribes up until Texas Rangers led by Charles Goodnight pushed them out during Red River Indian War of late 19th century. The rugged beauty of this natural wonder serves as backdrop for trail rides hosted at Old West Stables located inside park.

No matter what your interests are, Amarillos sporting history offers something for everyone. From museums and events honoring local heroes such as The Moose to scenic outdoor escapes that take visitors back into the heartlands past there is no shortage of ways to explore everything this vibrant city has offer sports fans just like you.

Websites:

American Quarter Horse Museum: https://aqha.com/museum

TriState Fairgrounds: http://www.tristatefair.com/

Ballpark Village: https://bellagreen.com/locations/amarillotxballparkvillage

Globe News Center: https://www.panhandletickets.com/Venues/Globe_News_Center_For_The_Performing_Arts

Play it Again FX Games: http://playitagainsportsamarillotx.com/funzone/playitagainfxgames.html

Palo Duro Canyon State Park :https://tpwd.texas.gov/stateparks/palodurocanyon