[Sticky] Shared Houston Logistics & Planning Thread

Submitted by Seth on January 8th, 2024 at 6:00 PM

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:

  1. 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)?
  2. The Alumni Club's pep rally is at 4PM at Rice Stadium. I might be doing a little Q&A there--TBA.
  3. 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.
  4. Monday I'm probably at the alumni territory tailgate since that was pretty good in Pasadena.
  5. 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.

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treetown

January 4th, 2024 at 7:24 PM ^

Don't fret.

If you do see something on UFR, get it to the team and don't publish it for the Huskies to read.

Enjoy this season. MGoBlog works because it is clearly a labor of love for you and Brian, so take a moment and enjoyed as well!

Thank you, Brian and everyone at MGoBlog for all of your wonderful work. Go Blue!

Joined: 11/10/2010

MGoPoints: 6339

rob f

January 4th, 2024 at 9:15 PM ^

I'll do a reply/hijack here so that I can insert the very well-written 'Houston Area Guide' which was posted in an OP 

https://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/houston-area-guide

...earlier this week by MGoUser Coffee_Addict.

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tZz8Od5Z4qvzU3tXkBapTxCuM9xOLauJY0ZbrGPvLaU/edit?usp=sharing%20%20%20%20%20MGoBoardFootball%20Comment%20%20About%20text%20formats

 

Lots of useful Houston-area info plus comments with additional insights by others familiar with the Houston area.  Thanks especially to those who added Championship Weekend event info in their thread comments.

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 194774

m1817

January 5th, 2024 at 4:19 AM ^

Here’s a guide to help you navigate the parking situation.

On-site parking:

NRG Stadium offers on-site parking. Parking permits are available for purchase at $50 plus fees for automobiles and $200 plus fees for oversized vehicles. Purchase your parking space in advance through the official website (https://am.ticketmaster.com/cfbplayoff/2024parking) or on game day, subject to availability.

On-site parking lots will open at 11 a.m. on game day and close two hours after the conclusion of the championship game.

RVs/recreational vehicles will be allowed to park at NRG Stadium in Yellow Lot 36. No overnight RV parking will be allowed at NRG Stadium for the 2024 national championship game.

Accessible parking:

On-site accessible parking is available for purchase on game day for $50 plus fees per vehicle. Accessible parking spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with a valid accessible license plate or hangtag, combined with a purchased parking permit, will be directed to the nearest accessible parking space. Accessible drop-off and pick-up points are available in Blue Lot 19.

Overnight RV parking:

Overnight RV parking is not permitted at NRG Stadium but nearby RV parks like South Main RV Park and Lakeview RV Resort offer accommodations. Make reservations directly with the respective RV parks, as these lots are not controlled by the CFP or NRG Park.

Public transportation:

Public transportation is available through Houston Metro and its METRORail services. All trains are accessible, and a dedicated shuttle will operate from the Stadium Park/Astrodome Station to a drop-off point near NRG Stadium entries. Visit ridemetro.org for detailed schedules and parking information.

Rideshare:

For rideshare, enter Yellow Lots 35 and 38 through Gate 16B from Main Street as the designated NRG Stadium pick-up/drop-off location.

Tailgating Guidelines:

Tailgating is allowed in all NRG Park parking lots for the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.

For more details, see https://collegefootballplayoff.com/sports/2017/12/1/parking.aspx & a full size map of the area around the venue.

 

Joined: 01/15/2011

MGoPoints: 21350

m1817

January 5th, 2024 at 10:40 AM ^

Playoff Fan Central is a free event open noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Saturday and Sunday.

It include games, clinics, pep rallies, band performances, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history.

Arrive early (9 am) on Saturday for Media Day. Fans get free access as Michigan and Washington coaches and players are interviewed.

The Michigan marching band will perform on Sunday at 2 p.m. 

The event also features Houston-specific vendors, including NASA and a mechanical bull.

You can get your picture with the CFP trophy.

https://collegefootballplayoff.com/sports/2018/9/25/pfc.aspx

Video from past Playoff Fan Centrals

https://youtu.be/ZEUKkRVgF4w

 

Joined: 01/15/2011

MGoPoints: 21350

m1817

January 5th, 2024 at 7:29 AM ^

Indulge in a variety of gourmet food and drink prepared by an all-star roster of chefs and more than 30 restaurants at Taste of the Championship on Sunday evening.

It is curated by Midwest-raised, James Beard Award-winning Chef Chris Shepherd. 

For details, click on Taste of the Championship.  Use code CFP2024 for a $100 discount.

Here's video from last year's event.

https://youtu.be/Y3S5ugIfVq4

 

Joined: 01/15/2011

MGoPoints: 21350

m1817

January 5th, 2024 at 11:02 AM ^

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

Joined: 01/15/2011

MGoPoints: 21350

RadOWon

January 6th, 2024 at 2:44 PM ^

I lived in Houston area (Katy) for a while. When I think of Houston and things to do it all seems to revolve around food. Whenever I return to Houston I try to hit one or all of these spots, they are not all the most well known but these places are at the top of my list. In random order:

 

Pappa Genos

Any of the Philly's are amazing or if you are feeling particularly glutenous, the FAT PHILLY is an option. I'm a philly cheesesteak and DISCO FRIES kind of guy.

 

https://www.pappagenos.com/menu.html

 

Lupe Tortilla

The original west Houston location is in a house and the others were designed to replicate it I believe but they are all great.  For me, the Three Pepper Cheese Steak (not a sandwich, it's Carne Asada) is worth its weight in gold. Also, if you are looking for brunch, holy smokes, go here.

 

https://tex-mex.com/west-houston/

 

Christians Tailgate

I believe this is still the best burger I've had at a restaurant/bar EVER. The double with cheese and bacon is like crack. If you're feeling a little foo-foo-ish, the truffle fries are perfect.

 

 

https://www.christianstailgate.com/

 

Laredo Taqueria on Snover St

This is a true hole in the wall, not a chain but one of my all time favorites. I usually get the lunch special so I dont have to wait in line, the line is for those ordering from the menu. If you  have the special you bypass the line and sit down, they will bring you your lunch. Dont forget to add an original Mexican coke for desert. INSANE. I was unable to find a website so I linked to this.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g56003-d1091309-Reviews-Laredo_Taqueria-Houston_Texas.html

 

Zydeco's Louisiana Diner

For those who don't know, after Katrina, a ton of Cajuns relocated to Houston and brought some amazing Cajun cuisine. It may sound odd but if you are in Houston, you have to have GUMBO. There are hundreds of  great places but this place stands out.

https://zydecolouisianadiner.com/houston-zydeco-louisiana-diner-food-menu

 

There are many more but these are my favorite.

 

 

Joined: 03/28/2013

MGoPoints: 1556

BLUEinRockford

January 4th, 2024 at 7:25 PM ^

Safe travels Seth and everyone else going to the game. I'm counting on y'all to bring home a great big beautiful Meeeechigan Football Victory!!🏈🏈🏈

Go Blue!!

Joined: 08/09/2016

MGoPoints: 29985

ST3

January 4th, 2024 at 7:52 PM ^

I had a mental image of Seth working on the UFR on the plane ride back while someone sitting next to him looks over his shoulder and wonders what the heck he’s doing. I had to chuckle at that.

We are an interesting group, the UFR’er and the UFR’d. 

I will be looking forward to UFR surprises dropping sometime this offseason, whether that be next week, next month, or the summertime.

Joined: 09/11/2010

MGoPoints: 52560

the Glove

January 4th, 2024 at 8:13 PM ^

Like some of you I purchased my national championship reservations back in August. I received my tickets for the game today in section 139. I was a little concerned because that section leans a little bit closer to the Washington sideline. CFP RSVP let me know that ticket allotment for the national championship is a little different. They provided a map on the teams allotment locations. I thought I would share it if anyone was curious. If you purchased a reservation you will definitely be with other Michigan fans.

Joined: 07/01/2008

MGoPoints: 10438

othernel

January 4th, 2024 at 8:57 PM ^

If you don't mind me asking, how did the reservation work? I checked the site once a couple weeks ago, and Michigan was already $700+ for the reservation alone.

Do you lose the reservation if your team loses? Because otherwise, I'm just going to make a reservation for every season going forward.

Joined: 08/04/2009

MGoPoints: 19920

the Glove

January 4th, 2024 at 10:57 PM ^

The reservations are based on Vegas odds on the chance of your team making it to the title game. It also depends if you are wanting lower bowl or upper bowl. They're generally always in the corner or the back of the end zone. In 2021 the reservations were only $8 because no one saw us coming, but this year I paid $260 for the lower bowl. If Michigan makes the title game you get tickets at face value, but if they don't you lose the money for the reservation. 

Joined: 07/01/2008

MGoPoints: 10438

Niels

January 4th, 2024 at 8:26 PM ^

So I am flying in to Austin on Sunday with my 11 yo son and am undecided between heading to Houston Sunday vs Monday (flying out Tuesday from Austin as well). 

If anyone wants to share a ride let me know as I have room for 2-3 in the SUV I rented.

Thanks for doing the ticket watch thing tomorrow, Seth. I have been holding out and need some guidance. Hope to run into you at the game!

 

 

Joined: 09/04/2009

MGoPoints: 3428

Niels

January 5th, 2024 at 9:56 AM ^

It's a bit up in the air. Our flight as it stands leaves Austin early on Tuesday so I'm leaning towards a long night on Monday back to Austin. 

As for when we head to Houston, there's a snow storm heading to us in Boston which also could impact us.

That said, if you just need a ride there and back I'm happy to help.

Joined: 09/04/2009

MGoPoints: 3428

WorldFlyer747

January 4th, 2024 at 8:44 PM ^

I just got my ticket and am in Section 607.  I plan to fly in Monday Morning from Grand Rapids. I’m a solo non-graduate, (Wolverine from another University) but I can’t wait to be in Houston and partake in the days events. 

Joined: 11/20/2015

MGoPoints: 602

samsoccer7

January 4th, 2024 at 9:07 PM ^

I have tickets to the alumni tailgate, but several of my friends do not. Is there another tailgate or tailgate area for before the game? Seems odd to not have something at a restaurant or bar or even an area setup in the parking lot for such a huge game like this where most fans don’t know the area or have a place to go.

Joined: 07/08/2008

MGoPoints: 11868

mp2

January 4th, 2024 at 9:12 PM ^

I guess you mean Wednesday morning because if Tuesday morning, that seems nearly impossible. Someone get him a ride so he can rest.

Joined: 10/17/2014

MGoPoints: 7161