Harris County Judge Ed Emmett was on his feet, famed cardiologist Dr. Jim Willerson cheering and Lynn Wyatt high-fiving in the owner's suite at NRG Stadium as the new Houston Texans proved their prowess in the season's first game. Even the most sophisticated Houstonians, guests of team owners Janice and Bob McNair, turned into giddy football fans with Sunday's win.
The who's who of notables filling the posh aerie in the upper deck at the south end of the stadium held little back as the Houston Texans came to life. Transwestern's Jodie Jiles beelined for Willerson after the Texans made their second breathtaking score and jovially thanked him for his pacemaker.
Former Secretary of State James Baker and wife Susan, seated with the McNairs, were on their feet with excitement. Even before the scoring, Joanne King Herring was optimistic about the season, appearing well-informed on the new coach and new quarterback.
"It's an exciting day, trying to see what we have, new players, new coaches, new schemes," Bob McNair said at halftime. "And you really don't know til you get out on the field."
As is befitting of the heavy-hitter crowd and the gracious team owner, the luxe environs and service of the suite elevate the NFL football experience to the sublime. Plush carpeting, original artwork, rich furnishings and lavish floral arrangements set the elegant tone of the surroundings. Think Ritz-Carlton sophistication, comfort and service.
Guests who arrive early enough are escorted to the field for a player's ground zero view of the field and stadium. Back in the suite, the lavish buffet opens before kickoff. The menu includes everything from roasted salmon to beef, to jalapeno grits, sausage, bacon, breakfast pastries, made-to-order omelets and eggs and plenty more. (For the record, the quality of the food in the McNairs' suite far surpasses the offerings in the suites of lesser mortals.)
Bob McNair and son Cal McNair, Texans' COO, and Texans GM Rick Smith start the game on the sidelines with the team and make their way to the suite by the second quarter while Janice McNair holds down hosting duties. On this Sunday, family in the suite includes Hannah McNair, Cal's wife, and Joanna and Brad Marks, Hannah's sister and brother-in-law.
"It's an exciting day, trying to see what we have, new players, new coaches, new schemes," Bob McNair said at halftime. "And you really don't know til you get out on the field."
As for the suite life, Cal McNair said, "It's always fun in here. We've got a great bunch of people in today, like usual. It's just a lot of fun at halftime especially, I get to visit with a lot of the people . . . I'm just glad to be invited. I'm just glad to be on the list. Mom and Dad put that together."
During halftime, the buffet switches from hefty brunch to bountiful desserts — an entire sideboard of sweets and the oh-so-popular ice cream sundae buffet. Calories be damned on this exciting football day. Among those lining up for ice cream and various toppings were University of St. Thomas president Bob Ivany and wife Marianne, Annette and George Strake and Sally and Dr. Charles Neblett.
Texans fans garnering one of the coveted invitations to party with the McNairs were Texans minority owner Phillip Burguieres and wife Alice, energy mogul Oscar Wyatt, JPMorgan Chase's Marc Shapiro and wife Jeri, Anne and Dr. John Mendelsohn, Tommy Reckling, Astros investor John Havens, Defender CEO and publisher Sonceria Messiah Jiles, Interfin president Giorgio Borlenghi and wife Cathy and recently-engaged Fayez Sarofim and Susan Krohn, her amazing yellow diamond engagement ring from Valobra catching all the ladies' eyes.
Anne and Dr. John Mendelsohn.
