12 stories up on the rooftop of the Plaza of the Americas building, a state-of-the art sports facility has become a cultural hub for sports in Dallas. Their 600 N Pearl Street location is the newest success of Austin-based company, Vanta, the world’s most viral rooftop soccer pitch. Offering daily pick-up soccer games, community events, and the biggest community soccer tournaments in the world, Vanta has created a space that feels like home for athletes of all ages.
“We started in Austin on top of a parking garage, and we were able to build up a community so quick down there. The guys who worked in Austin did amazing jobs, and we saw a lot of success there, so we were able to bring it up [to Dallas]…We got a lot of people to support us, and that led to us building this community that you see here” explains Andy Wickman, Director of Vanta Athletics Dallas.
Founder Tanner Friesen, a former college basketball player himself, takes pride in curating the space with intentionality through programming. The genuine, laid back energy of a Vanta rooftop is a reflection of the young, charming staff members who make the daily operations possible. The Vanta team does an excellent job at celebrating the cross cultural connections within soccer, and working directly with local businesses to provide onsite food and entertainment.
Andy Wickman
“What makes us different than other pickup spots is that we’re all about the culture, all about the people”
In collaboration with Nike and Soccer.com, the Dallas rooftop has been elevated to Nike Soccer’s Dallas headquarters for the 6 week duration of the international tournament. With viewings of every single match on their new 30 foot flat screen, an official Nike Team Kit store, a full bar, and the hottest local DJs on rotation, Nike’s take over of the Vanta Dallas rooftop brings out sports enthusiasts and partygoers alike.
“We’re here to support everybody, all types of cultures and ethnicities, bringing everyone together just to experience the rooftop, enjoy the game during the [viewings]. But really, what we’re here to do is just make sure that everyone knows what the rooftop is, and then also celebrate the world of soccer.”
Brenden Lee
Brenden Lee, Community Engagement and Youth Director at Vanta Athletics, fills a critical role at the company. The SMU alum leverages his background in youth engagement and mentorship to create an environment where young athletes can learn, grow, and be inspired by positive role models in the soccer community. On the field, Vanta referees promote sportsmanship and quickly help to squash problems when players get too heated. Male and female athletes are treated equitably on the roof. The team works tirelessly to ensure the space is truly accessible to the whole community.
Each day, kids are lined up waiting before the rooftop opens, and spend all day there playing pickup games. The excitement only grows as young footballers around the city await the rest of what Vanta has in store for Summer 2026. Even the little ones will get their time on the field, with free pick-up games for 3-5 year olds scheduled for June 28th. Between the secret Nike Boot Drops, a Women’s Tournament, and the Mexico/Brazil Afterparty, the Vanta Dallas rooftop will be active for a full 13 hours a day, everyday, leading up to the Vanta World Classic: 48 Teams, 12 Days, 1 Winner, $50,000.
”This will be a home for the soccer community forever”
Tanner Friesen
What caught our attention here at DW, is this company’s commitment to driving a real, lasting impact by increasing accessibility to sports, and creating a community around street soccer culture. The space is truly a much needed addition to the Dallas skyline. Tap in with Vanta Athletics and experience the vibe for yourself. Whether you choose Austin or Dallas, you will be welcomed by passionate folks who just really love soccer. Follow @vantaathletics on Instagram to stay up to date on all their latest tournaments and events.
