Valley Ranch

The former home of Dallas Cowboys practices from 1985 to 2016.

Valley Ranch is a master-planned development in Irving, Texas, situated on land that was formerly a working cattle ranch. The name reflects its location below a large ridge, creating a valley-like appearance. In the 1970s and 80s, as Interstate 635 was built westward and connected to Highway 121, this area transformed from undeveloped ranch land into a signature residential and commercial hub. It notably hosted the practice facilities for the Dallas Cowboys football team starting in 1985, serving as their training ground until the franchise moved its operations to Frisco, Texas, in 2016.

Quick Facts

Official name: The Valley Ranch Association

Lore & Background

Before becoming a bustling community, Valley Ranch was largely undeveloped ranch land shared with much of Irving. The turning point arrived with the construction of the I-635 loop around Dallas in the 1970s, which opened new opportunities for development north of the highway. By the time the highway connected to Highway 121 and the full loop in the 1980s, development began to soar. It was during this era that the area became the home of the Dallas Cowboys' practice facilities in 1985. The site also hosted the Dallas Stars hockey team's operations before both franchises relocated to Frisco in 2016, marking a significant shift in the region's sports history.

Reader's Guide

Visitors to Valley Ranch can explore over five miles of landscaped canal walkways that wind through parks and ponds. The centerpiece of local recreation is Cimarron Park, an Irving city park featuring a gymnasium, tennis courts, two basketball courts, an outdoor swimming pool, and large fields for soccer or other activities. The park also offers playground equipment and a covered picnic area with a barbecue pit, accessible via trails. The community is governed by the Valley Ranch Association, where five volunteer board members serve two-year terms on the Master, Residential, and Commercial boards, ultimately reporting to the city of Irving.