back to nrg

Houston Texans announce date for fans' return to NRG Stadium home games

Deshaun Watson JJ Watt celebrating towels

Perhaps fans in the stands will be a boost to Deshaun Watson and J.J. Watt.

Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

The Houston Texans are now last in the AFC South division, having lost — again — on September 27 to the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-21 (one glimmer was the meeting of J.J. Watt with his brothers Derek and T.J., who play for the Steelers).

Fans are already bemoaning the brutal start, wondering what can help the team, especially beleaguered franchise quarterback, Deshaun Watson (who lost his franchise wide receiver and buddy DeAndre Hopkins in a ridiculed trade).

Perhaps fans in the stadium will rally the troops? Diehards can only hope, as the team announced on September 28 that up to 13,300 fans will be welcomed back to NRG Stadium starting Sunday, October 4 for the team’s home game. That’s when the boys in steel blue take on the Minnesota Vikings.

Seating at NRG Stadium will be approximately 20 percent of capacity, starting October 4, according to a press release. Season ticket members that did not defer for the 2020 season can purchase tickets for the remaining seven home games.

Any tickets remaining for the seven home dates will go on sale at noon, Tuesday, September 29 via Ticketmaster.com. No tickets will be sold through the NRG Stadium Box Office; all tickets for the 2020 season will be mobile only.

All fans (age 10 and older) and staff will be required to wear masks on gameday, according to the team (exceptions include eating or drinking). Social distancing of at least six feet apart will be enforced.

The decision to open NRG Stadium to fans in a reduced capacity was made after collaboration with city, county, and state officials as well as the National Football League, per the Texans.

Unfortunately for tailgating fans, that beloved activity has been nixed by the team, for now.

sports houston-texans

Cougar Red and Houston Blue

UH expands 'Houston Blue' uniforms, despite NFL cease-and-desist

UH continues using Houston Blue uniforms despite NFL rebuke

Photo courtesy of Houston Athletics

Luv ya Blue running wild.

University of Houston Athletics are in a “Luv ya blue” mood and they don’t care who knows it — not even the NFL.

The university has announced that its football and volleyball teams will wear new Houston Blue jerseys, reminiscent of the classic colors of the Houston Oilers era. The volleyball team's uniform will debut theirs starting November 9 against Texas Tech, while the football team will debut theirs against Baylor on November 23. At the latter event, the first 20,000 fans will receive commemorative Houston Blue rally towels.

The resemblance of the new colors to the Oilers brand was not lost on the NFL. When UH Athletics started incorporating Houston Blue into their uniforms in September 2023, the NFL sent a cease-and-desist letter claiming the uniforms were an attempt to leech off the legacy of the Oilers and the intellectual property of the team now known as the Tennessee Titans. As if to prove the point, the Titans have occasionally worn Columbia blue throwback uniforms at certain games.

UH is unbothered according to vice president for intercollegiate athletics Eddie Nuñez.

“As a university deeply connected to the fabric of Houston, incorporating ‘Houston Blue’ into our uniforms is a powerful way to celebrate the city’s rich history,” he said. “From iconic blue street markers to the Houston Police Department’s signature blue police cars and helicopters, this color holds a special place in the hearts of Houstonians. We’re thrilled to share this tradition with our fans and offer them the chance to show their pride through exclusive merchandise, making it an exciting time for Cougar Nation to rally together.”

The accompanying press release for the uniforms came with a helpful history lesson showing that the Oilers adopted a color widely associated with Houston, not the other way around. The city has incorporated blue into public infrastructure, from street curbs to city vehicles, since the 1920s. The Oilers weren’t even the first Houston team to use blue in their uniforms. That honor belongs to the minor league baseball team, the Houston Buffs. In addition, the university made minor changes to the uniform in response to the NFL's concerns.

UH will be offering a wide range of merchandise to sell in the new Houston Blue colors in person and online through the University of Houston Bookstore as well as at select local retailers. These include shirts, hats, polos, jerseys, and hoodies. Get them before the NFL sends a more strongly-worded letter.

---

Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Find out more about it here.

university of houston houston blue