ROUND ROCK EXPRESS
Dell Diamond
The park 20 miles north of Austin co-founded by Nolan Ryan and named for Dell Technologies — the company Michael Dell founded in his UT dorm room in 1984, headquartered 2 miles from the stadium. Dell Diamond opened in 2000 and draws from Austin's explosive growth market. Central Texas smoked brisket over post oak and Torchy's Tacos define the food. The Nolan Ryan statue at the entrance faces the park where the MLB strikeout record holder helped build a franchise.
PHOTO: Billy Hathorn · CC BY 3.0
Architecture & History
Dell Diamond was designed by HKS Inc. and opened April 11, 2000 with Nolan Ryan as a franchise co-founder — holder of the MLB strikeout record with 5,714 Ks.
Dell Technologies' naming rights are the most locally specific corporate partnership in the PCL. Michael Dell founded the company in his UT dorm room in 1984.
Round Rock's growth from a small suburb to a city of 140,000 has given Dell Diamond a steadily expanding fan base.
Build specs
- ARCHITECT
- HKS Inc.
- CAPACITY
- 11,800
- CO-FOUNDER
- Nolan Ryan — 5,714 career strikeouts
Statues & Exterior
EXTERIOR FEATURES
Texas Hill Country Setting
Dell Diamond sits in Round Rock with views of the Texas Hill Country landscape. The surrounding area has grown into a major entertainment hub.
Nolan Ryan Legacy
As co-owner of the Express, Nolan Ryan's influence is felt throughout the park, with displays honoring the Hall of Fame pitcher.
Names & History
2000–present
Dell Diamond
Named for Dell Technologies — HQ 2 miles away.
The Food
Central Texas Smoked Brisket
Low and slow over post oak, no sauce. The Central Texas Hill Country tradition.
Central Texas Smoked Brisket Sandwich
Lone Star BBQ stands — main concourse
Central Texas smoked brisket — low and slow over post oak, no sauce. Post oak. Moist and bark.
Torchy's Tacos
Torchy's Tacos stand
Torchy's Tacos, the Austin-founded taco chain. The Trailer Park taco and the Dirty Sanchez are the signature options.
Round Rock Donuts
Donut stand
Round Rock Donuts, the Round Rock institution since 1926, makes Texas-sized donuts roughly 3x the standard size.
Franklin-Style Smoked Sausage
BBQ stands
Post oak smoked natural-casing coarse-ground sausage. Served with pickles and white bread.
Express Dog
Every stand
Standard hot dog with Central Texas mustard and jalapeño condiment program.
The Beer
Austin Beerworks Pearl-Snap Pils
Austin Beerworks · Austin, TX
Pearl-Snap German-style Pilsner is the most crushable Austin craft option for Central Texas summer heat.
Jester King Spon Spontaneous Ale
Jester King Brewery · Austin, TX
Jester King, the Hill Country wild-fermentation craft brewery. Nationally acclaimed sour ales.
Real Ale Brewing Fireman's #4
Real Ale Brewing Co. · Blanco, TX
Real Ale, the Texas Hill Country craft brewery. Fireman's #4 Blonde Ale is their flagship.
Lone Star Beer
Pabst Brewing Company
The National Beer of Texas since 1884.
Sun & Weather Guide
Austin-area heat — intense June-September
Central Texas summer day games are extremely hot. June through September are demanding.
Central Texas evenings — still warm but manageable
Evening games at Dell Diamond are warm but manageable. The Hill Country evening air helps.
Main entrance — pay respects to 5,714 Ks
The Nolan Ryan statue at the main entrance. 5,714 career strikeouts. Seven no-hitters. The franchise co-founder.
Central Texas spring — pleasant March-May
Central Texas spring games are among the most pleasant in the PCL.
Exposed — Central Texas sun
Left field bleachers are fully exposed in Central Texas summer conditions.
Afternoon shade + best value
Third base lower boxes develop afternoon shade and are well-priced for the PCL East market.
Insider Tips
The One Thing
Get the Central Texas smoked brisket sandwich — no sauce, post oak smoke, thin bark. Eat it as served.
The Nolan Ryan Statue
Find the Nolan Ryan statue at the main entrance. 5,714 career strikeouts. Seven no-hitters. Read the plaque.
Parking Reality
Dell Diamond is suburban with extensive parking. No transit option.
Best Value Seat
Outfield berm for relaxed experience. Third base lower boxes for infield shade.
Pilgrim Stops Near Round Rock
Weird, wonderful, and worth the detour.
Barton Springs Pool
A spring-fed, 68°F natural swimming pool in the middle of Austin that has been a public swim spot since the 1700s. Three acres of cold water inside Zilker Park. Free on weekdays before 8am.
Barton Springs Pool Austin
A 68-degree natural spring pool in Austin, home to a salamander found nowhere else on Earth.
Plan your pilgrimage
Every Park a Pilgrimage.
Plan a baseball road trip through Round Rock and beyond.
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