hosting the big dance

Houston scores coveted host spot for NCAA Final Four tournament

Houston sports fans have a chance to attend the big dance in 2023.

Courtesy photo

If the recent Super Bowl proved anything, it’s that Houston is the perfect place for a big game. Well aware of that fact, the masterminds at the NCAA have announced that Houston will again host the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2023.

Hoops fans (and anyone dealing with the sports-related traffic) will remember that Houston has hosted the 2011 and 2016 Final Fours at NRG Park. Houston has also hosted three NCAA Regionals at NRG and will host a 2020 Regional at Toyota Center.

Selling the charms and key assets Houston offers as a sports city, Mayor Sylvester Turner made a big push for the big dance when he recently visited the NCAA leadership in Boston. Safe to say that Turner is pleased with the news.

“Returning the Final Four to Houston in 2023 will be a slam dunk. I’m overjoyed that the NCAA recognized this fact,’’ Turner said in a statement. “From our restaurants, to our convention center, hotels, and retail spaces, Houston is poised to provide a total fan experience. The 2016 Final Four in Houston was a huge success. We will also host an NCAA Men’s Regional in 2020. So when the Final Four returns, we will be seasoned veterans in hosting the thrilling Men’s Division I college basketball championship competition.’’

Houston was among several cities vying for a Final Four appearance between 2023 and 2026. Phoenix (2024), San Antonio (2025), and Indianapolis (2026) have also been named host cities.

“NRG Stadium has clearly become the top venue in the nation for exciting sports championships over the past couple of years,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, also in a statement. “From last year’s overtime game in Super Bowl LI to Villanova’s buzzer beater to win the NCAA men’s basketball championship two years ago, NRG is home to sports excitement. I am extremely happy that the NCAA has chosen Houston and Harris County to once again host their 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament.

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VIP HOUR

Hang out with 2 Houston sports legends at CultureMap’s Tailgate event

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Ryan Pressly pitched for the Houston Astros beginning in 2018.

CultureMap is gearing up for The Tailgate, the can’t-miss game day bash of the season, landing Thursday, September 11, at 8th Wonder in EaDo.

Go VIP to unlock early entry, a private bar, and the ultimate fan experience: an exclusive meet-and-greet with two legendary Texas athletes: former Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels and two-time All-Star Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly.

Drafted by the Texans in 2006, Daniels played for the team through 2013 before going to the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. While with the Broncos, he helped the team win Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers.

Fun fact: Daniels earned the nickname "The Weatherman" in college, at the University of Wisconsin, as he majored in meteorology and appeared on the Madison-area news delivering the local forecast

Dallas native Ryan Pressly made his Major League Baseball debut in 2013 with the Minnesota Twins. In 2018, he was traded to the Houston Astros, where each season he contributed in the postseason, including in six consecutive American League Championship Series and three World Series.

In Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, Pressly became the first MLB relief pitcher to contribute to two combined no-hitters, and just the second pitcher overall. His 14 postseason saves rank fifth in MLB history.

Attendees of The Tailgate will enjoy a range of experiences showcasing local sports and local food. Nearly two dozen restaurants will be serving game day-inspired bites, including BB's Tex-Orleans, The Waffle Bus, Loro, Pizaro’s Pizza, Crawfish Cafe, and La Calle Tacos.

Speaking of tacos, don't forget to vote here for your favorites in our bracket-style Top Taco Tournament; the winner will be announced at the event.

Expect activations and appearances from your favorite Houston teams, including the Texans, Astros, and Dynamo and Dash football clubs.

Lock in $60 VIP tickets, while they last, for the all-access experience and meet-and-greet. General Admission tickets start at $35.

Getty Images

Ryan Pressly pitched for the Houston Astros beginning in 2018.

Get your tickets now before they sell out, and we’ll see you on September 11.

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The Tailgate is sponsored by FLIGHT by Yuengling, Puttshack, Mizzen+Main, Sysco To Go, Antone's Famous Po' Boys, NXT LVL Events, Patrón Tequila, Teeling Whiskey, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and more to be announced.

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