As my first game with season tickets (and first in a long time live with the Cougars), I noticed many things both good and bad about my day. I think there were a few other posters who had their first visit back in a long time (or ever) and they may be able to add more.
Pregame outside stadium:
I expected more activity outside the stadium. There were several areas for specific groups, but little for a passer-by to just step into it seemed. I saw a student area that seemed for the greek organizations that was very active and lively. That was good to see and brought a nice energy to that area.
I did not see private tailgating just the big tent areas.
The biggest issue I think that I was very disappointed to see was the store fronts in the stadium garage empty. No restaurant and no UH apparel store (just a sign on a closed shop). Really made it feel like the school did not support the game.
Into the Stadium:
Did not like having to go through metal detectors. Bag checks I expected. Once inside about an hour before kickoff, I walked around and really liked seeing the stadium design. The open spaces allowed for a nice breeze. fairly easy access all the way around around the field on a walk around. I liked the view from the upper deck.
Overall a nice stadium, but does not feel like a college stadium with all the steel girders and little brick, a little highschoolish. The tile patterns on the upper deck walls needs to change. Add some red rectangles as all the brown and off-white look more like shower tiles, but a few red ones would pop nicely. More on this in a bit.
Do they know what a trash can is? I had to walk around awhile to find one. Eventually there was one off by the gate I got to.
Not a fan of cashless concessions, so only got one drink and skipped dinner until I left. This is at other schools too, so not just a UH thing.
Really liked the opening video before kickoff. Did not like the third down in the third ward phrase. But, I do think UH could really take off the urban feel more so. Really own it, as opposed to just kind of hinting at it. Going back to the stadium design, instead of just steel beams, bring in a more urban design. Houston has great murals and artwork all over the city. Bring in some of that in a quality way. Add some steel art work to highlight the skyscrapers and city look. That would give the base structure more story to the design as opposed to the “it was cheaper to build” look. Lots of potential that would not cost hundreds of millions, maybe not even 1 million.
Did not think I would like having the speakers all one one end behind me (I was in a corner of the lower bowl), but was pleasantly surprised at how well the sound worked without blasting me out.
Enjoyed the people in the stadium. Everyone I came a cross was friendly. Just need to convince a few more to come, but Houston has always been a fair weather fan base for all sports. Lots of red around me. I do think improving the game day experience will help get people to come, and more importantly, to return. More things outside the stadium, places to sit, things to eat, etc without having to be a member of a specific group.
Overall, lots of positives, but as always there is room to improve.
