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Academy and Whataburger team up for game-day tailgate collection

Whataburger is rah-rahing a new tailgate collab with Academy.

Photo courtesy of Academy Sports + Outdoors.

It has sashayed down the runway, walked the aisle, and gone glamping; now San Antonio-based Whataburger is trying its hand at sports. On Tuesday, August 19, the cultish fast-food chain debuted a new tailgate collection with Academy Sports + Outdoors.

The limited-edition drop includes all the essentials for armchair quarterbacking, including jerseys, hats, drinkware, wagons, fold-up tables and chairs, blankets, and outdoor games. Want to walk to the porta-potties in comfort? Slip on a pair of cushy HeyDude Whataburger shoes.

"When you think of Texas, you think of football — so teaming up with Academy for a third campaign just in time for the season made perfect sense," said Whataburger Group Director of CPG & Retail Marketing Rachael Jones, in a release. "This collaboration brings a fresh take on tailgating and gives fans a fun way to work both iconic brands into their fall traditions."

Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, Whataburger has transcended its burger shack roots to become a fully fledged lifestyle brand. While its wares are less likely to have resale value than Fendace, it has worked with some of Texas' most iconic labels, including Chubbie's, Texas Standard, Jon Hart, and Yeti. It has even brought prep school staple Vineyard Vines into the mix.

The tailgating collection is the third time the burger chain has worked with Academy, headquartered in the Houston suburb of Katy. In 2021, the sporty store rolled out a line of performance boat shorts and crew shirts with the athletic outfitter's Magellan brand. Whataburger followed up with a beachy summer collection in 2023.

The current collection will only be available until supplies last. Football fans can find it at Academy stores or at Whataburger's online Whatastore, an essential source for pickleball sets, UFO-themed adult coloring books, and pop-art burger pillows.

"This collaboration brings together two fan-favorite brands to deliver a fun collection for the entire family," said Academy Sports + Outdoors executive vice president and chief merchandising officer Matt McCabe in a statement. "No matter who you're rooting for, fun can't lose when you're decked out in the new Academy and Whataburger tailgate collection."

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Love sports and sports-bar food? Join CultureMap for our big fall sports bash, The Tailgate. Taking place at 8th Wonder on Thursday, September 11, the party will include tailgate-inspired cuisine from local restaurants; premium cocktails; activations and appearances from your favorite Houston teams, including the Texans, Astros, and Dynamo and Dash football clubs; a silent auction of sports memorabilia, and more.

Early-bird tickets are on sale for just $25. Read more about The Tailgate here and nab discounted tickets here. With sponsors like FLIGHT by Yuengling, Puttshack, Mizzen+Main, Sysco To Go, Antone's Famous Po' Boys, and more, this party will score big with everyone. You don't want to stay on the bench.

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Revived Houston Comets franchise will broadcast games on TV for free

Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

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Houston sports fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the Comets, the city’s WNBA franchise. When they’re not able to attend games at Toyota Center, Houstonians will be able to watch all of the team’s games for free.

The Comets announced a multi-year partnership with local TV stations KHOU and KTBU to be the team’s home for local broadcasts. All of the Comets’ games will air for free on KTBU (Channel 55) with select games also airing on KHOU (Channel 11). Fans only need an antenna to pick up the signal and watch the games on their TVs.

Games will also be simulcast on Space City Home Network, the team's regional sports network that it shares with the Houston Rockets and the Houston Astros, and on SCHN+, the direct-to-consumer streaming service.

“KHOU has covered Houston sports for decades, and the Comets’ homecoming is a story we’ve been waiting to tell,” said David Loving, president and general manager, KHOU, in a statement. “As a founding partner, we’re ready to bring Comets action to fans across the region.”

Both stations are owned by TEGNA, a media company that operates 64 stations in 51 markets.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta paid a reported $300 million to acquire the Connecticut Sun and relocate them to Houston as the Comets. One of the WNBA’s original franchises, the Comets won the league’s first four championships from 1997-2000. The team disbanded in 2008.

The WNBA season typically begins in early May. Earlier this year, the league announced it would move to a 50-game regular season. This year will also mark the debut of two new teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, that will bring the league to 15 total.

Other details about the Comets’ return to Houston, including updated uniforms and logos, have yet to be announced.

“Bringing the Comets back to Houston is about reigniting the passion, pride, and energy that have always connected this organization with its fans and community,” said Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Houston Rockets and Comets. “As the WNBA continues to reach new heights, we’re thrilled to partner with TEGNA to make Comets basketball more accessible to fans across the Houston area through free, over-the-air broadcasts on KTBU and additional coverage on KHOU. We’re excited to bring fans closer to the action and deliver outstanding coverage as we begin this exciting new chapter in Comets history.”

For more information about the Comets, including season ticket information, visit houstoncomets.com.

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