The Rangers’ old ballpark is getting a new Tex-Mex restaurant, this time backed by a popular North Texas barbecue joint.

ARLINGTON, Texas — A popular North Texas barbecue joint is opening a new Tex-Mex concept at the Texas Rangers’ old ballpark. And it’s apparently replacing a Houston-based restaurant that had a short stay in Arlington.

Hurtado BBQ, which has several North Texas locations and a very popular concession stand at Globe Life Field, is planning to open Loma, the Hurtados first full-service restaurant, at Choctaw Stadium, owner Brandon Hurtado posted on social media Friday.

“Loma” is Spanish for “hill,” a nod to the pitcher’s mound, according to Hurtado.

“Named for the pitcher’s mound, Loma is designed to be your new favorite destination in Arlington’s Entertainment District,” Hurtado posted. “By day, it’s the perfect lunch retreat for fans. By night, the lights go down and the vibes go up for a premier date night experience. Featuring a curated full-service bar and exclusive weekend brunch specials that you won’t want to miss.”

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Loma will replace El Tiempo Cantina, a popular Houston-based Tex-Mex restaurant. However, as the Star-Telegram noted, El Tiempo, which opened at the ballpark in 2024, didn’t have as popular of a run for its first non-Houston location. 

Choctaw Stadium, which remains fully operational just steps away from the Rangers’ new indoor ballpark, has had several restaurants, plus a Starbucks, open in retail space on the bottom level of the stadium. The stadium has also had a Lucchese Boots retail store open there, and it’s been home to numerous high school football games and the UFL’s Arlington Renegades.