On March 2, 1836, with the Alamo under siege, delegates from across Texas met and declared their independence from Mexico. Various flags have flown over Texas – Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States, and the Confederacy.
Join IGARSS in celebrating some of the unique heritage of Texas.
Location: Fort Worth Water Gardens
Time: 19:30 to 21:30
Cost: Included in registration
Greet old friends and meet new ones as the convention kicks off at the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a beautiful and refreshing oasis adjacent to the Fort Worth Convention Center. Designed by Phillip Johnson, the Fort Worth Water Gardens is an architectural and engineering marvel to be enjoyed any time of the year. Visitors can experience a variety of water features as they wander through this relaxing urban park.
Location: Joe T. Garcia’s Restaurant
Time: Load buses in front of the Omni beginning at 19:00. Dinner begins at 19:30.
Cost: $35 in advance; $45 on-site
Enjoy a mouthwatering Tex-Mex meal at Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant. Tex-Mex cuisine melds traditional Mexican flavors with spicier Texan influences. Joe T’s was established on July 4, 1935, by Mr. and Mrs. Joe T. Garcia and remains in the same family today. Customers waited for hours just to try the famous enchiladas and handmade tortillas. By the 1970’s Joe T. Garcia’s was one of the most popular restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With its loyal customers, the restaurant began to grow not only in popularity, but in size. Even though the restaurant continues to grow, the same style of cooking and original recipes are used, and the same determination and love for the business that was instilled by parents and grandparents is evident in the younger generation.
We are also privileged to have 3 members of the Julio Alvarez Mariachi band entertain us; part of a rich and vibrant culture; a dynamic influence and part of Texas.
Shuttle bus transportation will be available for the evening back to the Omni hotel.
Location: Billy Bob’s Texas
Time: Load buses in front of the Omni beginning at 19:00. Dinner begins at 19:30.
Cost: $35 in advance; $45 on-site
Billy Bob’s Texas is the World’s Largest Honky-Tonk — a 127,000-square-foot dancehall, complete with live indoor professional bull riding every Friday and Saturday night. Billy Bob’s Texas provides live music nightly and an authentic western atmosphere. Have a delicious meal and step out with your friends as you channel your inner cowboy with line dancing or two-step lessons and have your photo taken on their signature faux bucking bull, or participate in a cowboy quick draw competition.
Shuttle bus transportation back to the Omni hotel will be available for the evening.
Please note the following policy on bags/containers at Billy Bob's Texas:
Location: Campus Recreation Fields complex (CRFC), 1100 Allan Saxe Parkway (between W.Park Row drive and W. Mitchell Street off of Fielder Road)
Time: Load bus in front of the Omni beginning at 18:15. The game begins at 19:30.
Cost: $25 for participants (includes transportation and refreshment); $15 for spectators (includes transportation only)
It’s your shot for athletic glory as attendees from around the world vie for bragging rights at the IGARSS World Cup! The University of Texas at Arlington is your host. The weather likely will be very hot and humid! Further, since the World Cup will consist of two teams playing a single game, we are all likely to do quite a bit of running in the heat. The IGARSS committee will provide water bottles, energy drinks, fruit, and energy bars for the players, but we recommend coming equipped with additional sources of water to make sure we all stay hydrated. Wear light clothing (such as soccer shorts); t-shirts and penny jerseys will be provided. With regard to safety, soccer is a physical sport! Players will be of varying levels of experience, but we want to ensure that everyone is prepared for a competitive game. For that reason, we recommend bringing the proper safety equipment, such as shin guards and soccer cleats. The IGARSS committee will have medical support at the facility just in case there are any issues.
Finally, the IGARSS committee has also arranged for a grill to make burgers and hot dogs for the spectators (and players, though not recommended until after the game!), so that everyone can have the complete ‘at the ball game’ experience!
Looking forward to seeing everyone for a fun evening on the field!
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Time: Load buses in front of the Omni beginning at 17:30.
Cost: $60 in advance; $75 on-site (not available past July 24th)
Once you arrive at the stadium you’ll begin your “backstage” technical tour of the facility. The tour will be about 45-minutes and involves a great deal of walking, so please wear good walking shoes. Dinner will await you as you return from the tour. Please join us for this special evening — facts, fun, awards, and more!
Buses will board for the return trip to the Omni at 21:40.
Location: Cowtown Coliseum
Time: Load bus in front of the Omni beginning at 19:00. Rodeo from 20:00 to 22:00.
Cost: $28 in advance; $30 on-site
The Cowtown Coliseum was built in 1908 and is one of the architectural gems of the Fort Worth Stockyards. It was the site of the first-ever indoor rodeo, and it currently hosts the world’s only year-round rodeo. Grab a seat at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, held every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. You’ll see thrilling, authentic rodeo – bull riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping, bronc riding and more.
Upon arrival we suggest that you begin the evening by walking in the stockyard area; another unique experience. There are plenty of places to eat before you walk into the coliseum for the rodeo. The rodeo will end around 22:00, and our bus will be waiting for you in the front yard.
