Houston’s biggest sports fans partied overtime at CultureMap's newest signature event, The Tailgate.
Recently held at Silver Street Studios, the celebration of all things sports attracted a crowd ready to have some game day fun.
And they certainly didn't go hungry. Past Tastemaker Awards winners and nominees brought snacks galore, from Thai sausage to pizza bites to brisket sliders and more.
Guests could vote for their favorite munchies via QR code, leading to d’Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails taking home the trophy for their Falcon Lakes Bolognese. J-Bar-M Barbecue’s cochinita pibil sausage wraps also earned raves. Drool over a full list of the snacks here.
Those looking to scoop up ideas for their next watch party could sample catering from Whole Foods Market, then walk away with a stadium-approved clear backpack filled with snacks, samples, and coupons for future purchases.
No one's cup ran dry, thanks to bars stocked with 11 Below Brewing Company beers, Austin Cocktails, and specialty drinks featuring Dripping Springs Vodka and 1800 Tequila, the official tequila of the Houston Texans.
Speaking of sips, five local bars competed to create the best vodka cocktail with Dripping Springs vodka. In the end, Loch Bar’s Lavender Rose cocktail was the big winner.
In between bites and sips, guests browsed a silent auction stuffed with valuable sports memorabilia, with a portion of proceeds benefitting our nonprofit partners. The first bidder for each item scored a special reward: a glittering replica of a championship ring (which we can confirm were appropriately heavy).
Attendees could also learn more about and donate to each of the event's nonprofit partners. The Sugar Land Space Cowboys and their mascot Orion represented The Astros Foundation, which harnesses the passion of baseball fans to support youth baseball and softball programs, the recognition/honor of our nation's military, childhood cancer awareness, and efforts to reduce homelessness.
Former safety Eric Brown and former offensive lineman Fred Weary joined the Texans mascot Toro and the Texans cheerleaders on behalf of the Houston Texans Foundation, which serves children in the Houston area through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and the Houston Texans Teen Club, the Houston Texans YMCA in the Third Ward, the Houston Food Bank, and more. Other key programs include disaster response efforts, youth football, support for members of the military, veterans, and their families, as well as funding social justice efforts in Houston.
Houston Dynamo mascot Diesel represented Dynamo Charities, which leverages the passion of their players, staff, and fans to provide resources and education that positively impact lives in the community. Those who stopped by could show off their kicking skills at a giant inflatable goal.
Spotted among the sea of jerseys were Leisa Holland-Nelson, David Gow, Brittany Campbell, Isabel Protomartir, Murray Manley, Deets Hoffman, Leon Barileva, Jeff Solomon. Filiz Elshani, Hera Olsson, Natalie Lyles, Allie Marin, Savannah Sullivan, Austin Lyles, Christen Fobbs, Isley Maglalang, Sandra Panesso, and Stephen Pinkney.
Photo by Emily Jaschke
Haley Fahrenthold, Jackie Heston, Grace Ryan, and Peyton Ross
