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    Inside The Owner's Suite

    Watching a Texans win with Bob McNair: It's a suite life as Houston bigwigs turn into giddy fans in owner's lair

    Shelby Hodge
    shelby hodge
    Sep 8, 2014 | 12:56 pm

    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 Smithstart 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 andwife 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 publisherSonceria Messiah Jiles, Interfin president Giorgio Borlenghi and wife Cathy and recently-engagedFayez Sarofim and Susan Krohn, her amazing yellow diamond engagement ring from Valobra catching all the ladies' eyes.

    Clay Walker and Janice McNair in the owner's suite at NRG Stadium on the Houston Texans' wining game day.

    3 Clay Walker and Janice McNair at the Houston Texans Owner's Suite party at NRG Stadium September 2014
      
    Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
    Clay Walker and Janice McNair in the owner's suite at NRG Stadium on the Houston Texans' wining game day.
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    Horns Up High

    Burnt orange spirit lights up Houston at Texas Exes scholarship gala

    Joel Luks
    May 16, 2025 | 5:45 pm
    Texas Exes Scholarship Gala 2025
    Photo by Jacob Power
    Kisha and Jason Itkin, Sallie Alcorn, and Kurt and Tara Arnold.

    It was an elevated burnt orange night at River Oaks Country Club as more than 300 Longhorn faithful gathered for the Texas Exes Houston Chapter’s Longhorn Legacy Scholarship Gala on April 10. The evening’s honorees, Kisha Itkin, Jason Itkin, Tara Arnold, and Kurt Arnold, were celebrated for their generosity and spirited support of The University of Texas at Austin.

    Texas Exes Scholarship Gala 2025
      

    Photo by Jacob Power

    Kisha and Jason Itkin, Sallie Alcorn, and Kurt and Tara Arnold.

    Greeting guests at valet was none other than Bevo, the famed Longhorn steer and unofficial mascot. Inside, a sculpted ice bar featuring the honorees' names and the Longhorn logo in vibrant burnt orange wowed the crowd. Underwritten by Mike Lowenberg of Lowenberg Law Firm, the frosty centerpiece offered a fitting nod to the honorees’ indelible mark on UT’s legacy. Meanwhile, a UT Tower ice sculpture, framed by a festive balloon wall by Topped Off Co., provided yet another irresistible photo op.

    Leading the evening’s program was Cyndy Garza Roberts, who kicked off festivities with a stirring video. Athletics director Chris Del Conte praised Jason Itkin and Kurt Arnoldfor their invaluable ideas and steadfast support, reinforcing the honorees’ impact beyond just philanthropy. Texas Exes Houston Chapter president Kyle Griffin and event chair Tawnya Bell also shared personal stories, with Bell's emotional scholarship journey underscoring the night’s purpose.

    Personal testimonies from UT grads and scholarship recipients Janelle Chavez and Will Florer inspired more generosity, culminating in a $330,000 fundraising triumph. Houston City Council Member Sallie Alcorn capped off the tributes with a mayoral proclamation from Mayor John Whitmire, officially declaring April 10 as Kisha and Jason Itkin and Tara and Kurt Arnold Day in Houston.

    In true Longhorn tradition, the evening closed with all guests standing, horns up, singing "The Eyes of Texas, a fitting finale to a night brimming with spirit.

    Spotted were Chuck Harris, Brien Smith, Rick Harsch, June Deadrick, Brock Niezgoda and Meg Hayward, Jackie and Scott Freeman, Luisa and Dr. Lucky Chopra, Ginger Cearley, Erin and Nathan Phelps, Kristen Griffin, Adam Pulaski, Stephanie Wilcox, Catherine Campbell, Al Riddle, Lauren Riddle, Michele Leal and George Farah, Winell and Doug Herron, Kristen Cannon, Niki and James Lassiter, and Amy and Segev Zadok.

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