Arlington entrepreneurs Rebecca Gallagher, her husband Paul, and their son Davin have transformed a longtime family pastime into a brick‑and‑mortar business. Ballpark Cards opened its doors on the ground level of Choctaw Stadium, the former home of the Texas Rangers, offering a dedicated space for sports‑card collectors and casual fans.
Location and concept
The store occupies a street‑side storefront that overlooks the stadium’s concourse and upper stands, giving shoppers a clear view of game‑day activity. Inside, the centerpiece is a 40‑seat “card bar” where customers can sit, sort through boxes organized by sport or player, and hunt for that elusive card to complete a set. The shop carries both full‑card boxes and single cards, and the Rangers have contributed a rotating selection of game‑used and signed memorabilia.
Family‑driven entrepreneurship
Gallagher explained that the family drafted a business plan and renderings last year, then set to work converting the space. “We wanted a large, exciting area with many activations for the card community,” she said. Her son Davin, an avid collector, helps price items at the bar, while Paul focuses on building relationships with partners and investors.
Early traction
Since the soft opening, business has been steady and growing. Customers often spend an hour or more at the card bar, leaving with anywhere from a handful of cards to a stack of dozens. Ballpark Cards has a direct account with Topps, allowing the store to purchase the latest releases, including the 2026 holiday collections that arrived just before the article was written.
Connecting with fans
Gallagher said the store’s proximity to Rangers and Cowboys games presents a unique opportunity. “On game days we want the place packed with fans, not just Rangers supporters but anyone who loves collecting,” she noted. The family hopes the shop becomes a community hub where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a hobby that brings people together.
Future goals
Looking ahead, the Gallaghers aim to make Ballpark Cards a nationally recognized destination. Their goal is to be voted the top sports‑card retailer next year and to host player appearances and special events that further embed the shop in the district’s culture.
Community impact
Beyond sales, the family envisions the store as a place for families to spend quality time. “A kid could ask, ‘Can we stop by after the grocery store?’ and find a fun, educational experience,” Gallagher said. By offering a welcoming environment for newcomers to the hobby, the Gallaghers hope to grow the collector community in Arlington and beyond.
Ballpark Cards is located at 1725 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington, TX 76011. The shop can be followed on Instagram and shopped online at ballparkcards.shop.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
