EXCEL Campus Activities is hosting EXCEL Summer Takeovers 2026 through Aug. 13, allowing students to experience free live performing arts and museums around the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Elizabeth Gonzales, president of EXCEL Campus Activities, said the program is an opportunity for students to go to experiences they may not have the money or transportation to go to.
“We’re just trying to be really accommodating of everyone and give them experiences they might not otherwise have,” Gonzales said.
In the fall and spring semesters, the organization hosts Mavs On The Town, a similar program to give students off-campus experiences, and Gonzales said they wanted to bring that for the summer semester students.
Gonzales said one of the organization’s biggest goals is to create a sense of belonging with students.
“These takeovers creates a space for people to get to know each other and create those connections and community on campus,” she said.
According to Gonzales, EXCEL will provide transportation to the free experiences and some even include a meal.
Current and recently graduated UTA students, faculty and staff can sign up for the event through the EXCEL Summer Takeovers 2026 form.
Participants must ride in the provided transportation. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations are available to travel on the charter bus through the form.
Attendees can rank the events they would like to attend, and they will try to take students to their top choice and more if available, Gonzales said.
Upcoming events include:
Watching “The Odyssey”
Event goers can watch Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” with a meal included at 2 p.m. Saturday at Studio Movie Grill.
Visiting Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Attendees can go kart, bowl, play laser tag and enjoy an included meal at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games.
AT&T Stadium tour
Participants will receive a tour of the stadium at 1 p.m. Aug. 3.
Watching “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”
Participants can watch the newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a meal included at 2 p.m. Aug. 5 in Studio Movie Grill.
Spend a day at Six Flags Over Texas
Attendees can spend a few hours at the amusement park from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 7.
Visiting Cidercade
EXCEL will take over Cidercade Arlington from 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 13. The venue includes different arcade games.
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