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    We are the champions

    Is Houston the top pro sports city in the nation? Noted expert weighs in

    Joel Blank, SportsMap
    Apr 30, 2019 | 3:34 pm
    Houston Astros
    Is H-Town the best sports town?
    Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

    It's a great time to be a Houston sports fan. Sure, there are always going to be teams and situations that could be better, like the Texans offensive line, but overall it could be a whole lot worse.

    All three of H-Town's major sports properties are sitting pretty in their current situation. The Texans, Rockets, and Astros all currently stand as the reigning division winner in their given league, and all have a legitimate shot to compete for a championship. Okay, realistically two of them do, and the third has the makings of a playoff team that could get to that elite status if they draft properly and make a late addition or two.

    Let's take a look at the squads in Space City and how they stack up with other metropolitan areas of the United States.

    Astros
    The Astros are the easiest team on this list to talk about. All they do is win in the last few years, including bringing the city its first-ever World Series title just two short years ago. The team never seems to rest on the success of the past and has loaded up and locked down key players to assure that they will be in the hunt for another title this October and be on the scene in the postseason for years to come. Jeff Luhnow and owner Jim Crane used savvy transactions and the financial commitment necessary to keep the good players they had, like George Springer, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, and Carlos Correa, and then went out and made moves to get big names, like Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Michael Brantley.

    They also took chances and ran the risk of losing the luster on all their sparkling success by trading for a much-needed closer in Roberto Osuna, who was facing serious legal issues in Toronto. They did their due diligence and plenty of homework to believe he would be cleared of all charges eventually and made the surprising and controversial trade that helped to re-shape their bullpen. Along with Ryan Pressly, another late-season trade acquisition last season, the Astros quickly turned their biggest weakness into another position of strength. Houston, you have a world-class baseball team and the organization to keep it that way for years to come.

    Rockets
    The Rockets are a team that can never be questioned when it comes to going for it and chasing championships. When you think back on it, ever since the back-to-back championships in the mid-'90s, the team has always aggressively pursued big names like Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, Tracy McGrady, and Dwight Howard. It hasn't always worked out for them in terms of winning it all, but it always gave them a shot and made them a team to watch nationally.

    When GM Daryl Morey traded for James Harden and later acquired Chris Paul, it assured the city that they would have one of the top teams in the NBA and a roster equipped to compete with the best in the league, mainly the Golden State Warriors. We all know that if Paul didn't pull a hamstring last season in the Western Conference Finals, we may very well be talking about another title team in our fair city. After a rough start and some missteps with the roster and replacing players lost in free agency, the team has re-tooled and most importantly is healthy heading into another playoff run. With Boogie Cousins going down for the Warriors, this could be the year that the Rockets take down the champs.

    ---

    For more of this story, including what Blank has to say about the Texans, visit SportsMap.com.

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    news/sports

    open containers for all

    Houston suburb's new social district sweetens World Cup festivities

    Jef Rouner
    Nov 25, 2025 | 10:30 am
    A shot of the entrance to the First Colony Mall in Sugar Land with the Cheesecake Factory in the background.
    Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land
    First Colony Mall will be part of the new Sugar Land social district.

    As the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears, Houston is preparing a variety of ways to the welcome the thousands of visitors the event will draw. The latest is in Sugar Land, where city authorities announced the creation of a new social district that will open on Friday, December 5.

    “The Sugar Land Social District reflects our city’s trailblazing spirit and shows how we’re ready to redefine what a vibrant destination can be,” said Elizabeth Huff, director of economic development & tourism. “By bringing together our dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences in a walkable setting, it creates a sweeter experience for residents, visitors, and groups alike, positioning Sugar Land as a great supporter to Houston as we prepare to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026.”

    Running June 11-July 29, the 2026 World Cup will feature games in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. NRG Stadium is scheduled to host seven matches over the course of the tournament. That includes five group stage matches, one in the Round of 32, and one in the Round of 16. Sugar Land has partnered with FIFA to earn the title of "Host City Supporter.

    What is a Social District?

    Basically, a social district turns large areas into a party zone where people can legally walk between various businesses and events with open containers of alcohol. Think the Wynwood Art District in Miami, Florida or the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles, California. The lack of restrictions begets a more relaxed, party atmosphere while the focus on walkable areas adds a greater sense of community.

    The Sugar Land Social District encompasses parts of the Sugar Land Town Square and First Colony Mall. It will be open Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 2:15 am and Sunday from noon to 2:15 am. The boundaries of the district will be clearly marked to prevent people from wandering outside of them and violating open container laws. The Sugar Land Police Department will regularly patrol the district.

    More than a dozen bars and restaurants lie within the district, including Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, Little Woodrow's, Baker Street Pub, B.B. Italia, and others.

    Social District Opening Party

    The official debut of the social district on Friday, December 5 will start at 10:30 am at Little Woodrow's Sugar Land with a FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw Watch Party lasting until 1 pm. From 5-8 pm, the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place in the town square. Visitors who purchase beverages from three participating vendors will receive a free custom FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston and Visit Sugar Land koozie, as well as a free hot chocolate from the Visit Sugar Land cart.

    “As part of our city's Strategic Action Plan and Stimulating Economic Growth All-In Initiative, this new social district isn’t just about enjoying a drink outdoors; it’s about creating a more connected and walkable community,” said Teagan Trammell, strategic and government affairs management analyst for the City of Sugar Land. “By encouraging people to explore our local restaurants and bars on foot, we’re strengthening the bonds between residents, visitors, and businesses while showcasing the vibrant culture that makes Sugar Land stand out.”

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    news/sports
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