BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
“These are all young men that are pursuing the dream. ... They haven’t made it. They’re not doing it for the money. They’re doing it for the love of the game,” Hitchcock said. Also of note The team saw 37 sponsors and partners sign on to support the Chupacabras, including local partners like Tupps Brewery, Mary’s Mountain Cookies, Lockwood Distillery and Hugs Cafe. Aaron Werner, executive director of Visit McK- inney, one of the team’s sponsors and the city’s tourism bureau, said the Chupacabras’ rst season brought new visitors to McKinney. “They brought great energy to the community, connected with local businesses and created mem- orable experiences for both residents and visitors,” Werner said in an emailed statement. Looking ahead The team’s 2026 season will begin in May and continue through July, with playo s extending in early August.
Owner and managing partner Michael “Hitch” Hitchcock said when forming the team, he didn’t know what the fan turnout would look like for the team’s games but that he aimed to create an experience for the community. Diving in deeper Hitchcock, a soccer management executive and former FC Dallas general manager, has ownership in 19 other soccer teams across the country. The Chupacabras were formed when Hitchcock decided to launch a “hometown team” in McKin- ney where he lives and works with his wife. The launch of the team involved members of the community, including a community vote to decide the team’s name and jersey design. The Chupaca- bras name won by more than 1,000 votes. The team played in the USL 2 League’s Mid- South Division, a pre-professional developmental soccer league. More than 250 players attended a series of open tryouts, and other players were recruited to the team. The team’s 30-person roster featured players from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including many from McKinney.
More than 3,000 fans attended the July 5 game.
Tickets sold to McKinney Chupacabras FC home games in 2025
May 24 , vs Denton Diablos FC May 29 , vs Mississippi Brilla FC May 31 , vs. Hattiesburg FC June 25 , vs. Little Rock Rangers FC
3,631
4,192
3,176
3,576
June 28 , vs. Red River FC
3,112 3,187
July 5 , vs. Louisiana Krewe FC
SOURCE: MCKINNEY CHUPACABRAS FC COMMUNITY IMPACT
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