Heated Fans

Scenes of World Cup superfandom: U.S. soccer's heartbreaking loss ends the fun, but not the pride

"I believe that we will win! I believe that we will win!"

The now-familiar U.S. soccer mantra was chanted over and over again as a horde of hundreds at Lucky's Pub cheered for coach Jurgen Klinsmann's team in its World Cup knockout round match. Fans stood on chairs, tables, anything they could find really, to see the big screen amongst the sea of people in the shadow of the Houston Dynamo's stadium.

Buckets of beer and massive food trucks served the vocal American fans as they yelled and chanted "USA! USA! USA!" over and over again. The U.S. team would fall to favored Belgium 2-1 in extra time despite goalie Tim Howard's American heroics, ending its World Cup run. But this scene seemed even bigger than one game.

Buckets of beer and massive food trucks served the vocal American fans as they yelled and chanted "USA! USA! USA!" over and over again.

Even the heat didn't stop a mass of suddenly rabid soccer fans from being outside cheering on their team in Houston's oppressive summer heat. Some fans had been at Lucky's since 10 a.m. Tuesday morning, a good five hours before game time.

Houstonian Nedet Vega — who claims to be the No. 1 U.S. soccer fan (she has a lot of new company there) — has been watching the World Cup all along. "No matter what happens, I am still so proud of the USA for getting this far," Vega says.

Vega was among hundreds of other sweaty cheering soccer fans this day. Not that there weren't some snafus among the fun. When I finally made it through the sea of people, I got to the entrance of Lucky's and couldn't wait to escape the heat, only to find out I wasn't allowed in because I am under 21.

No matter. There's always the monster screen outside. And sweaty fandom.

World Cup fever began much earlier in the day in Houston, with nationally and locally owned restaurants letting their own fans know what's NOT on the breakfast menu: Belgium waffles.

Waffle House started the charge for the doughy ban with tweets such as "We support America. We don't support Belgian waffles."

Locally, Adair Kitchen followed shortly after that, posting a sign of its offerings for the morning with the tagline: Belgian waffles not included. More local establishments joined in, including Saint Dane's Bar & Grille, which wrote on its marque: "Send the Belgians Home. Keep the Waffles."

Just another ordinary day? Hardly. It was another new soccer day.

Barbara Kuntz contributed to this report.

Soccer fans watching the USA vs. Belgium game outside Lucky's Pub.

Soccer fans at Lucky's Pub for USA vs. Belgium game.

Photo by Nicole Appleby.

Soccer fans watching the USA vs. Belgium game outside Lucky's Pub.

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chill out

Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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