What the dickens is an Illini?

A quick guide for out-of-town fans at the Texas Bowl

Sure, you could follow the official guide. But what fun is it to stick to anyone book?
Native American art at MFAH?
Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
See the bears at the Houston Zoo.
Ice skating for Illinois fans at Discovery Green?

The Texas Bowl is back in Houston, if moved up a few days. Last year my alma mater, the University of Missouri, faced the Navy on Dec. 31 — it was quite the jump start to my New Year's Eve festivities.

This year old Mizzou is relegated to the Insight Bowl in Tempe, Ariz., and Illinois' Fighting Illini will face the Baylor Bears at Reliant Stadium Wednesday night at 5. More than 60,000 fans are expected (powered by a huge Baylor contingent eager to see the Bears' first bowl game in 16 years).

Here's a breakdown of what to do leading up to the 2 p.m. TexFest pregame party for non-natives:

Baylor Fans:

Assuming that you're not into drinking or many forms of dance, we recommend swing dancing at Té House of Tea.

Alternatively, you could visit your mascot at The Houston Zoo or get your boots shined at downtown's Char Bar over a whiskey drink, if you're into that sort of thing.

Waco's pretty far from the border, so we'd recommend sampling some authentic Mexican fare before you head back. Try Hugo's for interior Mexican cuisine.

If we're not quite Texan enough for you down here, visit Wheeler Boot Company and then take yours out two-stepping at one of these Honky Tonks.

Fighting Illini backers:

Really immerse yourselves in our temperate climate with a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science's Cockrell Butterfly Center.

While you're in the area, make a stop at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and take in the collection of Native American art. Perhaps there are some Illini pieces?

If it's nice, take a paddleboat out in Hermann Park or hit one of these great patios. If it pours, we don't quite know what to tell you. Take cover in the Galleria?

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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.”

houston astros daikin park business