UH should be hosting outside events in its facilities when they are unused. This generates much-needed revenue. That’s what they did here. Sometimes you do the right thing, and it still gets messed up.
It was a church service, and I understand that the church contracted with a company to erect a stage for the service, but allegedly used equipment larger than agreed upon. A screenshot of the stage, taken from the church’s YouTube feed.
GoCoogs heard about this last week, but we were led to believe that the issue had been resolved. So Sunday night, I asked Willie Fritz on Talkin’ Bout Them Cougars night if they were doing the Spring game at TDECU, and he said, “That’s what we are hoping.” That sorta confirmed it, but someone in the know texted me during the show to say they wouldn’t be able to host it at TDECU.
There’s no reason to believe a church service, or anything related to it, should mess up the field. But that’s why you have contracts that cover damages.
I don’t think UH has done a great job of marketing this spring game, before or after this issue. They’ll hold it at 9:30 Saturday on the practice fields (between Melcher Gym and Scott Street), and fans are invited. It’s still a great chance to see the Cougars in action for the first time since the Texas Bowl. It’s the first chance to see Keisean Henderson (who I believe will play quite a bit) and the rest of the newcomers.
But after a few years without the event at TDECU, it’s a bummer to have to go another year without it there.
The football program, obviously, is not responsible for any of this.
Will there be stands to sit in?
Yes, there are a tiny amount of stands there normally, but they are bringing in more.
I can see where that huge stage and associated supports would screw up the field. Hopefully that is the last time they rent the stadium for such an event.
THANK YOU for the thorough explanation.
They sure as h3ll did not. Echoing the sentiments of red, as a Big 12 member now. The school must do better going forward.
Signed–
Season ticket holder
DITTO
From the Winter Olympics?
This follow-up article indicates that the crane used to build the stage is what damaged the turf. The crane company was hired by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and not UH.
Hopefully they get the liability issue sorted out quickly and get it fixed.
https://www.chron.com/sports/college/article/houston-spring-game-wheeler-avenue-easter-22208070.php
It would be nice if UH could get a new turf at TDECU installed because of the damage. Replacing just the section damaged will not blend in well with the rest of the turf.
Good marketing would have sent out a press release calling them secondary bleachers or just practice field bleachers.
Too many bad memories!
Three guys I’ve enjoyed watching in practice (and a few other names, too)
More failures by Eddie imo…
On Parker Ainsworth’s Spring Game preview, he said to look out for Jalen Mayo at DB.
What is your take on him?
Also, is the RB from Oregon/Tulane in camp? If so, then how does he look?
Even dropped a little lagniappe up in there… Aiiiiyyeee Coogs!!!
These must be the “Family and Friends” bleachers, since there is no way UH is prepared for a significant crowd.
We were going to drive from Lake Jackson but with these changes and seating , decided to stay home
Now we have Bleachergate and Eastergate…
Not to mention preachergate.