[Sticky] Shared Houston Logistics & Planning Thread
Trying to consolidate because these threads and conversations are popping up all over. Here is your one place for all of the fan-to-fan coordinating of everything but tickets to the game. Looking for ride shares, tailgating, food advice, parking advice, splitting places to stay, flights, offering places to stay, or any Houston/travel things to do other than The Thing, talk about it here. This will stay atop the message board until gameday.
Seth plans:
- I'm flying into Dallas to see my sister on Saturday, then need to be in Houston before noon on Sunday (anyone wanna share a ride)?
- The Alumni Club's pep rally is at 4PM at Rice Stadium. I might be doing a little Q&A there--TBA.
- Our good friends the Sklar Brothers are performing Sunday night at 8PM at The Secret Group at 2101 Polk, Houston TX 77003. If you're in town and looking for something to do with your nervous energy the night before. There are only a few hundred seats so if you're thinking about going, get on that.
- Monday I'm probably at the alumni territory tailgate since that was pretty good in Pasadena.
- Need to get back to Dallas sometime on Tuesday to fly out early morning Wednesday.
Content-wise, I don't think I can have UFR done before I leave. I'll have a ticket watch out tomorrow (Friday) and if it's possible to do a show on Sunday we'll try to get an MGoRadio out.
January 6th, 2024 at 4:28 PM ^
Just checked into our Hotel. We're 2 blocks from the stadium. Now we need to find tickets. Can anyone tell me what hotel Michigan will be at?
January 6th, 2024 at 6:53 PM ^
Does anyone know if the (free if you have a CFB ticket) Allstate tailgate is covered and out of the weather? I see a golf dome to the south of NRG, but not sure if that is an extra practice field or a place for the tailgate. Thanks.
January 8th, 2024 at 12:05 AM ^
Got a weather alert about it from the city so I surmise that this means it is outdoors. Gonna be a wet one for those that go. You would think that an insurance company would cover it. So to speak
January 8th, 2024 at 12:01 PM ^
We were planning to go to this also. I cannot find any alternative venue listed anywhere even thought it is scheduled to start right now.
No way they can be doing this outside with possibility of lightning and tornado
January 6th, 2024 at 8:31 PM ^
Speaking of Houston, did anyone just see that 75 yard bomb to Nico on the Texans' opening play?
We need to take some shots like that...
January 6th, 2024 at 10:39 PM ^
We're here and ready for Monday! 
January 7th, 2024 at 8:34 AM ^
For those there, are there any pop up merchandise stores downtown? Wanted to buy some gear before heading to game.
January 7th, 2024 at 8:52 AM ^
By the stadium is a Fiestas it’s like right next to the stadium. Last night when I drive by there, in the parking lot, was a rather large setup with gear and people shopping.
January 7th, 2024 at 6:24 PM ^
It's in a tent on the Fiesta parking lot, just down the street from the stadium. But be warned: The selection is poor, with lots of outdated merchandise, such as shirts from the 2021 Orange Bowl and even the Final Four, believe it or not. And the prices for current stuff are very high.
January 7th, 2024 at 10:09 PM ^
Oof. Sorry it wasn’t something useful.
January 7th, 2024 at 4:51 PM ^
There is a gear shop with lots of Michigan/ CFP Championship gear in the convention center fan fest. There's some cool stuff in there, but warning, prices seemed to be at least 20% higher than the MDen which is already pricy.
January 7th, 2024 at 10:18 AM ^
My MGoWife has been wearing my freshman year sweatshirt for so many decades that it is nearly falling apart. Does anyone know where in Houston she can get a new one? She's proud to wear this antique, but she'd prefer one without holes in it.
January 7th, 2024 at 10:21 AM ^
Sorry, this is what I get for posting without reading through the thread. I should neg myself. We're staying at the Holiday Inn by the stadium, so as soon as we arrive, we'll head to Fiestas.
January 8th, 2024 at 12:04 PM ^
If she wore the old one for the Rose Bowl, she is required to wear it tonight. She can wear the new one tomorrow.
January 8th, 2024 at 3:26 PM ^
We saw the Rose Bowl from home and she didn't wear it. She wore a Michigan t-shirt that our niece gave her during her freshman year (only about 20 years ago) and she's going to wear it under the zippered pullover she bought yesterday.
And I'm wearing the sweatshirt I wore for the Rose Bowl.
So all good.
January 7th, 2024 at 11:48 AM ^
Are you flying out of Dallas or Houston?
January 7th, 2024 at 11:56 AM ^
Still looking for two tickets to the alumni tailgate (the expensive one) - im at [email protected]. Thanks!
January 7th, 2024 at 12:11 PM ^
The Sklars' show at 8 p.m. is sold out, but they have another show at 10 tonight for which tickets were still available as of a few minutes ago.
January 7th, 2024 at 1:05 PM ^
Anyone know what is happening at this pep rally? Band? Team or coaches speaking?
January 7th, 2024 at 1:29 PM ^
Second this question.
January 7th, 2024 at 2:37 PM ^
Anybody want to ride share from IAH to NRG. Ill be there Monday at around 830ish
January 7th, 2024 at 2:37 PM ^
Any ideas/tips for ground transportation from IAH to NRG tomorrow afternoon? I assume Lyft/Uber/cab for $100+ is my main option. Hopefully find a friend or 2 to split it up with.
Prepared to bail and walk the last ‘mile or 2 depending on traffic. Does it make sense to cab to a metro station and take that in?
January 7th, 2024 at 5:41 PM ^
January 7th, 2024 at 6:15 PM ^
Thanks. Uber to Northline station and take to Asteodome/Stadium district? How long do you think this ride is? Is this better than a reserved Uber from IAH to NRG? (Current plan)
January 7th, 2024 at 6:25 PM ^
Im looking into the same trip. What time your flight arrive?
January 7th, 2024 at 6:27 PM ^
4:07 😬. I know, it’s tight.
pray for no delays.
January 7th, 2024 at 7:02 PM ^
Good luck! I’ll probably head to the stadium before then.
January 7th, 2024 at 2:55 PM ^
What time are people going to the stadium? We just got to Houston, went to get Pinkerton BBQ which was awesome and the line was around the block. At our Podunk hotel now..
I was thinking of leaving the hotel around 4 local. Want to see the band play and any other stuff.
What else happens pregame??
Did anyone go to the convention center? How was it?
Thx
January 7th, 2024 at 7:34 PM ^
I was there today just to find the alumni tailgate location. The room that Michigan has is really big, with a ton of tables - hundreds will be there. I also looked in to the Washington room, which was even a bigger room, but fewer tables, and they were setting up this weird disco lighting for their stage. Michigan has a stage too, but much closer to the tables. The Washington stage looks like it’s 25 yards away from the closest table. Didn’t see any merchandise at NRG Center, which s next door to NRG Stadium, but it’s Sunday, or maybe I just missed it.
January 7th, 2024 at 6:58 PM ^
Any Michigan bars tonight?
January 7th, 2024 at 7:39 PM ^
Just my opinion, but here in Houston, Michigan fans are everywhere - I think every bar is going to be a Michigan bar. Flying Saucer, and also the bar at the JW Marriott (which will be open very late tomorrow per the manager), both on Main Street and almost across the street from each other, are very maize and blue. Right now. Because I am at one of them.
January 7th, 2024 at 11:31 PM ^
Can anyone familiar with Houston chime in regarding best way to get from the stadium post-game to the Galleria area? In a hotel in that area and doesn’t look like the Metro rain system goes in that direction. Trying to avoid an Uber nightmare.
January 8th, 2024 at 12:12 AM ^
You’re in Texas — public transportation options are extremely limited. Check with the hotel to see if they have any kind of event shuttle, but I suspect all nightmares are basically created equally. The stadium was built with the expectation that people would drive to it — that’s why it’s in the middle of thousands of parking spots. :)
January 8th, 2024 at 12:32 AM ^
Weather PSA:
Looks like the front, and major storms, will be moving through the area ~5pm. The gates open at 3:30pm; plan accordingly.
Updated with visual:
January 8th, 2024 at 9:27 AM ^
Monday
Some light rain is falling across patches of the metro area this morning, and we’ll see some additional showers and a few thunderstorms later this morning and throughout the day. A line of storms will move through this afternoon, likely reaching the downtown area between 4 to 6 pm and then pushing off the coast shortly thereafter. The key question is whether these storms will become severe. We can be confident there will be strong winds, primarily from the west. Expect gusts up to 35 to 40 mph later today. Although the overall chances are low, we also can’t entirely rule out severe thunderstorms with the potential for hail and possibly a tornado. Unfortunately a lot of this mess will be setting up just ahead of the College Football National Championship Game at NRG Stadium this evening, and during the afternoon commute.
Highs today will reach into the low 70s, with a decent level of humidity, before the front pushes through this afternoon. After that we’ll turn breezy and colder, with temperatures dropping to about 40 degrees on Monday night. It’s going to be blustery outside with the strong winds overnight.
January 8th, 2024 at 8:38 AM ^
wrong thread. Enjoy the game. Go blue!
January 8th, 2024 at 9:23 AM ^
Where are Michigan fans tailgating today? Didn’t get alumni tailgate tickets in time and with the rain tailgating outside the stadium doesn’t seem great. Any Michigan bars downtown or near the stadium? Will folks be hanging out at the Michigan hotel like yesterday?
January 8th, 2024 at 10:14 AM ^
I haven't heard of any specific bar where UM fans are going. My plan was to go downtown and catch the red line to NRG. Most of the "best" bars will not be open until 4 or 5 today. I will probably end up at Flying Saucer (good beer bar with good food).
I did this for the Final Four last year, and it worked out. The way back is more difficult. I walked north from the stadium about a mile and got an Uber from there.
Update - Holman Draft Hall is opening at 1pm, and they are located near the red line route.
January 8th, 2024 at 9:56 AM ^
Anyone know if the Allstate Championship Tailgate will still happen or be moved inside in the very likely event of continued rain and storms? I haven’t seen anything posted online or the socials about contingencies yet.
January 8th, 2024 at 10:36 AM ^
Someone posted that the stadium opens at 3:30. Is that right? I haven't been able to confirm that on any web site. But if so, and depending on the rain situation, I think we'll head over then and "tailgate" in our seats. There will be plenty to eat and drink there. See https://houston.eater.com/23959032/houston-nrg-stadium-texans-football-concerts-new-food-where-to-eat-drink.
January 8th, 2024 at 10:45 AM ^
My ticket reads, "Stadium Entry 3:30PM".
January 8th, 2024 at 11:35 AM ^
I hadn't thought to look there. But my ticket says, "Entry Info Gates 11:00 AM." It says nothing about Stadium entry. The ticket is from Ticketmaster, bought through Stubhub.
January 8th, 2024 at 11:40 AM ^
I think that means that tailgating will start at 11AM and then access to the actual stadium is 3:30PM.
January 8th, 2024 at 12:08 PM ^
Correct according to this page, which I hadn't seen before: https://collegefootballplayoff.com/sports/2022/8/22/playbook-2024.aspx?spMailingID=10440717&spUserID=ODEzOTQ5MzMyMTE2S0&spJobID=1900157565&spReportId=MTkwMDE1NzU2NQS2
Note that this page lists binoculars among the prohibited items. I can't believe that. I've never been unable to bring binoculars to a game. I'm going to bring mine and hope I can get them in. I'll get there eraly enogh I can take them back to my nearby hotel if they really are banned.
However, small umbrellas that can fit under your seat are allowed.
January 8th, 2024 at 12:29 PM ^
Last minute decided to rent a car. Can someone give me a decent place to park? $30ish?