On game day, nothing feels more like the center of the NFL universe for Houston Texans fans than the plush surroundings of the owner's suite at Reliant Stadium. So it was Sunday when Janice and Bob McNair packed their luxurious aerie, high above the playing field, with a contingent of VIPs as powerful in city dynamics as the Texans heavy-hitters are on the playing field.
Those with the coveted invitation, the early arrivals, have the added treat of joining Bob McNair on the sidelines before kick-off as did Faith and Lee Majors. From that stance near the players' bench, they marveled at the stadium structure and the zealous fans that excitedly pour in to fill every seat in the house.
Following the kickoff, McNair, Texans general manager Rick Smith and COO Cal McNair returned to the suite to take their front row seats, binoculars in hand in order to observe in close detail every move on the field. Those moves are expected to catapult the Texans into the Super Bowl in 2014, an anticipation that was palpable throughout the owner's aerie.
Across the expanse of the suite, which occupies the top level of the south end of Reliant, Janice McNair played gracious hostess, mingling with guests and encouraging them to partake of the lavish buffet featuring everything from made-to-order omelettes to made-to-order ice cream sundaes, the latter offered during half-time and thereafter.
Mayor Annise Parker, accompanied by her son, Jovon Tyler, (and her security escorts) was one of many with eyes glued to the field, along with Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and wife Gwen.
Early arrivals in the suite that provides a luxurious viewing perch for as many as 60 guests included former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, Lynn and Oscar Wyatt, Terrie and John Havens, Hannah McNair, Anne and Dr. John Mendelsohn, Margaret Alkek Williams and Jim Daniel, Alice Burguieres, Joanne King Herring, Robin King and Joanna Hartland Marks and Brad Marks.
Jovon Tyler and Mayor Annise Parker in the owner's suite at the Texans' opening home game.
