The Arizona paper ran a blow-by-blow on each of the new Big 12 schools, with information like how to get there, stadium facts, etc. One of the topics was “Where to hang out.”
I’ll let you read the Houston entry below and chuckle.
Houston
How to get there: There are two options, one is Bush Intercontinental (IAH), which is bigger and has more international flights but is further from downtown (30 miles). It is a Hub for United. Then there is William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) which is smaller and serves primarily Southwest Airlines. It is closer to downtown (11 miles), has quicker city access, and often cheaper fares. Choose IAH for connections and options, HOU for convenience and Southwest.
Stadium: TDECU Stadium (2014, capacity 40,000). Built on the former site of Robertson Stadium, which was the intermittent home of the school’s football program since 1946. In 1994 the Cougars started splitting their home schedule between the Astrodome and Robertson Stadium. The final game at Robertson Stadium was the 2011 Conference USA Championship game. Builders broke ground on the new stadium in 2013. The “East-West” configuration allows for a maximized view of the Houston skyline.
Tickets/parking: Phone: 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647). Email: tickets@central.uh.edu. Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: TDECU Stadium, Gate 1. Fans are encouraged to pre-purchase parking passes for all home games. Click here to purchase your parking pass in advance of arriving on campus. Passes should be downloaded onto your mobile phone and placed in the digital wallet for safe contactless scanning.
What you need to know: Cougar Alley is a pregame destination for fans. The pregame zone is located on the east and north end of TDECU Stadium with easy access to Schroeder Gate 1, ICON Gate 2 and Gate 4, located on the northeast and southeast corners of the stadium, respectively. The bag policy allows clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, as well as a clutch purse no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
Where to hang out: The Space Center Houston is located at 1601 E NASA Pkwy, about a 30-minute drive from the stadium. It is probably something you would want to do if you come in the day before the game because it can take anywhere from three to six hours to tour. The Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts are other options for those looking for something other than sports-related stops. The Willowbrook Mall is the largest in the area, but it’s about 30 minutes from the stadium, too.
