For those of us going to the game - where are you doing Monday afternoon?
We're not doing the alumni tailgate (I've done that twice before at the Rose Bowl and was quite underwhelmed) and as of now the forecast is for something approximating a monsoon so tailgating is out. We've got a parking pass in the blue lot but it doesnt appear to me that there any good bars in walking distance of there (someone please correct me if I'm wrong).
So we're looking for someplace to hang out Monday afternoon for a few beers and something to eat before heading to the stadium. Any suggestions/ideas would be warmly welcomed.
FYI - We're staying at the Hilton Westchase
January 5th, 2024 at 11:28 AM ^
I bought tickets to the alumni tailgate. Before that, we have a big reservation at Pappacito's near the stadium. Still waiting to hear from other friends what their plans are and will try to meet up with them before the alumni tailgate.
January 5th, 2024 at 12:05 PM ^
On gameday, there will be a tailgate in Blue Lots 16, 17, and 18 starting at 11 a.m. The tailgate features interactive games, activations, concessions, award-winning musical acts, live performances by each team’s marching band, and a chance to watch live ESPN broadcasts.
Fans must present a national championship game ticket for entry to the tailgate as it will be within a secured area.
https://collegefootballplayoff.com/sports/2019/9/28/champ-tailgate.aspx
January 5th, 2024 at 12:24 PM ^
I don't think they could find worse music for that event. Country pop is the worst!
January 5th, 2024 at 12:58 PM ^
Good lord, this is embarrassing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_zuB-ogIBw
George Jones and Conway Twitty would puke if they heard this musical drivel being peddled as "country."
January 5th, 2024 at 1:04 PM ^
User name doesn't check out.
January 5th, 2024 at 1:55 PM ^
I like country music but Walker Hayes is the absolute worst thing to ever happen to it. He did the halftime show at the Orange Bowl two years ago when we played Georgia. I had blood coming out of my ears.
January 5th, 2024 at 11:30 AM ^
I'm seeing 30 - 40% chance of rain, so naively I am hoping it doesn't rain and we can tailgate (we're in the yellow lot). But I'll second this OP, if anyone knows of good indoor backup plans, please share!
January 5th, 2024 at 11:47 AM ^
What'll we do if this affects our passing game...oh no. Does Sherrone have an option with some other players? Maybe some large ones? :)
January 5th, 2024 at 11:52 AM ^
longer cleats.... :)
January 5th, 2024 at 12:16 PM ^
The game is in a covered stadium. Rain and wind will not be a factor in the game.
January 5th, 2024 at 12:52 PM ^
January 5th, 2024 at 12:14 PM ^
the 30-40% chance you are referencing is that the night time chance?
Because on three weather sites I have looked at say 90+% chance of rain all day. Which is when the tailgating would be happening.
January 5th, 2024 at 12:30 PM ^
Same here with some sites saying potential for severe storms and flash flooding.
January 5th, 2024 at 3:35 PM ^
Flash flooding in Houston? Well, at least they should be prepared to handle it.
January 5th, 2024 at 1:06 PM ^
Ah, when I google Houston Weather Hourly, it shows it as never being more than a 30/40% chance of rain at any given time. But I look on other sites and see what you and others are seeing now.
January 5th, 2024 at 11:31 AM ^
drinking
January 5th, 2024 at 11:35 AM ^
Well no shit sherlock, that's why I'm asking,
I dont want to do it in the rain and having some adult beverages with a bunch of you yahoos seems like a good way to kill a few hours before the fun starts.
January 5th, 2024 at 12:06 PM ^
Good advice, as he's pre-med.
January 5th, 2024 at 1:02 PM ^
One of my favorite all time movies.
"Ramming speed!!!"
January 5th, 2024 at 11:39 AM ^
Probably go to one the high end Houston strip clubs and make it rain.
January 5th, 2024 at 11:40 AM ^
Continually refreshing ticketiq until I lose my nerve and pay 400 more per ticket than I was hoping.
January 5th, 2024 at 8:25 PM ^
Way ahead of you buddy!
January 5th, 2024 at 11:40 AM ^
Equal Parts Brewing and 8th Wonder are both pretty solid options. There's very, very little near the stadium. Honestly I think an Olive Garden might be the closest place that serves booze. Not sure if they still do the breadstick thing so you might want to inquire beforehand.
January 5th, 2024 at 12:03 PM ^
I can't tell if this is supposed to be funny or not, but it made me laugh. I don't suppose that someone who spends in excess of $3000 to make this trip is worried about whether or not OG will give free breadsticks while getting drunk at their establishment prior to the game.
Cheers to all of you blessed MF'ers that are able to go, and GO BLUE!
January 5th, 2024 at 12:12 PM ^
Two possible explanations off the top of my head:
1) The human mind is not rational, no matter what neo-classical economists might try and make you believe.
example: When you drop a ton of coin on a game, part of coping for many is chasing deals in the hopes that the feeling of being penny-wise can overcome pound foolishness
2) The human mind IS rational, and all of those psychologist clowns don't know what they are talking about
example: you have spent your whole life eating at Olive Gardens, saving up for premium experiences like the NCG which is how you can afford to drop said coin on this game. But you believe that NCG tickets are a scarce resource while food is....food. As such, you do what you always do
January 5th, 2024 at 12:24 PM ^
This is legit.
Not sure if you're familiar with Ramit Sethi, but he's a financial guru who goes deep in to the psychology and behavior of money and how it affects people. The bottom line is money plays on people's emotions differently.
I bought my flights to Houston over a month ago, but when I saw the ticket prices, I almost bailed. I had to listen to a few of his podcasts to get my mind comfortable with paying a months rent for a pair of tickets since it's going to be something that brings be joy.
But yeah, the prices suck.
January 5th, 2024 at 1:07 PM ^
Gotta check out Sethi myself. But I agree, spending money to bring joy is a good use of money (if all other basic needs like rent, food, etc. are covered -- but even if not!)
Spend your money to be there. Or you could end up waiting until "next time." I said next time prior to the last Rose Bowl Game we played in 07 and ended up waiting 17 years. Go now.
Let's win it
January 5th, 2024 at 8:48 PM ^
lifetime memory. you will remember the game long, long after the money has the faintest echoes of impact on your life.
January 6th, 2024 at 1:02 AM ^
XM, we will create memories no matter where we are. I should have gone, but the spirit did not move me. Still, my best memories are being with people I love to watch these games. Lets do it. Go Blue!
January 5th, 2024 at 11:41 AM ^
Pacing anxiously
January 5th, 2024 at 11:41 AM ^
Probably just rubbing a few out per usual.
January 5th, 2024 at 12:01 PM ^
He asked where?
January 5th, 2024 at 1:09 PM ^
Oh. My bad. Most likely in the hotel room but if the hot tub is nice I might try that.
January 5th, 2024 at 4:56 PM ^
Any chance you will be on a Zoom call? I heard that's a great time to do that.
January 5th, 2024 at 11:42 AM ^
Does anyone have bar recommendations along the metro line? That's my plan.
I also got a recommendation for this in Seth's stickied thread for this topic.
January 5th, 2024 at 12:08 PM ^
Not a ton along the rail line - check out either Wooster's Garden or Holman Draft Hall in Midtown, both within a couple blocks of the rail station and have big patios with good beer/cocktails (they have kitchens as well). Homeslice Pizza (import from Austin) is good if you're looking for an afternoon snack.
Off-rail, here's a few of my favorites that would be a 15-20 minute uber ride on a non-gameday:
-West Alabama Icehouse - Massive patio, big beer menu, and the best taco truck across the street (cash only at the taco truck)
- Little Woodrow's in Rice Village - Big patio and good beer selection, some food; This used to be one of the UM alumni watch bars so they will probably be quite Michigan-friendly
- Goode Company BBQ / Armadillo Palace - Across the street from each other, both have patios and good barbecue (same ownership); Armadillo Palace has a full cocktail bar and does live music (not sure if they have anything set for Monday afternoon though)
- The Pit Room - Fantatstic BBQ, have a big patio shared with a bar next door
January 5th, 2024 at 12:21 PM ^
thank you!
January 5th, 2024 at 1:07 PM ^
A block from Pit Room is Candente, (sister restaurant), that serves great Tex Mex, and gets some of their meat from Pit Room. The queso with brisket is the best I've had in Houston. Margaritas also go down easy. Highly recommend the rib-eye fajitas, but it's pricey.
I plan on taking two visiting Wolverines there on Sunday night.
January 5th, 2024 at 2:41 PM ^
Thanks for all of this!
January 5th, 2024 at 3:24 PM ^
After looking at the area again, I think Rice Village is the best bet.
Man, they really do put these new NFL stadiums out in the middle of nowhere - and this is freakin’ Houston we’re talking about.
January 16th, 2024 at 2:55 PM ^
Commenting here a week after the fact: The Kirby Ice House (on West Alabama) was absolutely awesome. One of 3 places we visited on our first day in Houston, we enjoyed it so much that it immediately became our hangout the remainder of our time in town. On our 3 visits prior to the Championship 🏆 Game, 80-90% of the crowd was Michigan fans; after the game the place was jam-packed even more with Maize and Blue. We stayed until 1:15 am Houston time and Michigan fans were still rocking the joint!
January 5th, 2024 at 11:51 AM ^
reading mgoblog with no more posts about what to do, where to go, who to see in Houston
January 5th, 2024 at 11:53 AM ^
I'll be dooing in the usual place. I'm not an animal.
January 5th, 2024 at 11:53 AM ^
I will be sitting in my hotel room gnashing my teeth, and wringing my hands in anticipation.
January 5th, 2024 at 11:55 AM ^
Gold Digger's Cabaret... let the ladies take the edge off before the game.
January 5th, 2024 at 12:06 PM ^
In terms of where I do, I usually do in the toilet. If I were an OSU fan the correct answer would be a cooler.
January 5th, 2024 at 12:12 PM ^
Working I’m sure.
January 5th, 2024 at 1:02 PM ^
Got a room at Wyndham hotel within walking distance to the stadium. It's a good thing I did since it looks like I am just going to hang out at the hotel till the game time if it is going to be raining.
January 5th, 2024 at 1:18 PM ^
Cocaine