Game on

CultureMap's ultimate sports bash The Tailgate returns with early-bird tickets for an MVP experience

Haley Fahrenthold Jackie Heston Grace Ryan Peyton Ross

Haley Fahrenthold, Jackie Heston, Grace Ryan, and Peyton Ross at the 2022 Tailgate event.

Photo by Emily Jaschke

As anyone who’s rolled up to NRG Stadium before dawn with brisket, beer, and gameday gear ready to go knows, Houston tailgating isn’t for rookies.

With that in mind, CultureMap and SportsMap are teaming up to celebrate the return of the big fall sports season with The Tailgate, our all-out party devoted to our favorite sports pastime, which debuted as a smash-hit event last year.

It all goes down on Wednesday, October 25, at Silver Street Studios, and tickets are already on sale.

Tailgaters can look forward to sports-inspired bites from favorite local restaurants, premium cocktails, coveted memorabilia from Texas legends, and plenty of game-day fun at this signature event, which shows major-league love for the MVP fans who cheer them on.

Favorite Houston restaurants and chefs will create tailgate-inspired dishes for you to sample and vote for your favorite. Participants include (with more restaurants to be announced):

FM Kitchen
Wild Concepts
Aiko
Good Vibes Coastal Kitchen
Cobos
Twin Peaks
Quad HTX
Patterson Park
Maple Leaf Pub
The Phoenix on Westheimer
Rockhouse Southern Kitchen
The Waffle Bus
d'Alba Craft Kitchen and Cocktails

As a new twist this year, readers will get to vote for their favorite local sports bar in our Ultimate Sports Bar Showdown. Think of this as sort of like the Sweet 16, where local champs face off in an online tournament. The winner will be revealed at the party.

The event also will shine a spotlight on sports-related nonprofits and give you the chance to pitch in and make a difference for the causes they champion. You'll get to learn more about Dynamo and Dash Charities, Houston Texans Foundation, and more nonprofit partners to be announced.

We'll keep you up to date on all things Tailgate-related in a special editorial series of stories leading up to the event.

A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $35 for general admission (regularly $50) and $60 for VIP (regularly $75).

All tickets include bites by participating restaurants, complimentary premium beverages, and access to fun activities throughout the event. VIP tickets get you one-hour early entry, a dedicated VIP bar, and more perks for an elevated experience.

Head here to buy your tickets now.

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The Tailgate is sponsored by Bud Light, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, Cutwater Spirits, 1800 Tequila, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and more to be announced.

event-planner sports charity chefs sports bar

bay area rising

$150 million, 12,500-seat entertainment venue coming to Houston in 2027

Sunset Amphitheater Houston at Webster rendering

Sunset Amphitheater Houston at Webster/Facebook

A rendering previews the Sunset Amphitheater.

A massive new entertainment venue is coming to Houston in 2027. The Sunset Amphitheater will be an all-season venue with a 12,500 person capacity and a $150 million price tag.

Located near Great Wolf Lodge in the Flyway Entertainment District, the Sunset Amphitheater is a public-private partnership that unites entertainment venue company VENU with the City of Webster and the Webster Economic Development Corporation. The Colorado-based company operates the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has plans to open other Sunset Amphitheaters in McKinney, El Paso, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“This is an announcement we’ve been thrilled to make, and it represents a major step forward,” said J.W. Roth, founder, chairman, and CEO of VENU. “With Webster’s deep roots in innovation and exploration, Flyway is elevating the region’s entertainment scene to new heights.”

With a canopy roof, wind walls, and a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, Sunset Amphitheater is designed to operate year-round. It is predicted to generate more than $3.7 billion in economic impact and over 400 new jobs in its first 20 years, according to a study commissioned by the venue.

Among Sunset’s amenities will be the Aikman Club, named for NFL Hall-of-Famer and Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman. The members-only, 350-seat space will offer prime views of the stage and a luxurious experience. An additional 217 “Firesuites” will offer seating for groups of 4-10 people along with in-seat service.

“This announcement marks a defining moment for Webster and for Flyway,” Webster Mayor Donna Jasso said. “This amphitheater advances Webster’s super-regional draw and builds on strengths that continue to fuel Flyway’s momentum, further establishing the district as a premier entertainment hub for the Southeast Texas region. It brings long-term economic growth, new jobs, and increased visitor traffic that supports our businesses. We are proud to partner with VENU on a project that reflects the scale, ambition, and energy of our vision for Webster’s future.”

openings sunset amphitheater