Houston and Rice have an intense rivalry that spans a variety of sports. Bragging rights in the city of Houston are always on the line when the Cougars and Owls meet, and things became even more intense in 2002 when the Bayou Cup was added to the rivalry. Don’t miss the annual Houston-Rice game, as it’s always one of the biggest games of the year.
The rivalry between Houston and SMU on the gridiron is a great one, and the two don’t like each other all that much on the hardwood either. While the football rivalry reigns supreme, there is enough bad blood between Houston and SMU that you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Houston-SMU basketball game.
Houston Cougars Stadium Guide
In Game
The Phi Slama Jama days may be over at Houston, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a great time attending a Cougars basketball games. Around the arena, you’ll still be able to find relics from Houston’s rich basketball past including trophies and banners celebrating the team’s many accomplishments.
The Cougars also still have a pretty good basketball following, and there are plenty of traditions on display at a Houston game to keep you entertained. A Cougars basketball game features all of the pageantries you’d expect from a college hoops game including a stellar pep band, a cheer squad, and lovable mascots. The student section is home to some great traditions as well including jingling their keys during the last minute of the game to let the opponents know to warm up the bus.
Fertitta Center is located on the University of Houston campus, which is home to several places to grab a bite to eat including Frenchy’s Chicken and The Den sports bar. However, if you’re making the trip to Houston from out of the area, you’ll want to explore the city and check out downtown Houston for more options.
A Cougars basketball game is a fun way to spend some time in Houston and presents an excellent chance for you to see where the great Phi Slama Jama teams played.
Make sure to stop by the trophy case in the main lobby to see all of the basketball program’s accomplishments from over the years. The trophy case is a must-see for any college hoops fan and a fun way to reminisce about the Cougars’ glorious basketball past.
You’ll find a variety of banners hanging around Fertitta Center. The banners celebrate Houston’s greatest players, including Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, as well as the school's Final Four and NCAA Tournament appearances. Take a trip around the stadium before the game to take them all in.
An excellent way to show off your Cougars pride is through the Cougar Hand Sign. The Hand Sign has you holding your right index finger to your palm with your thumb.
Shasta is the name of both of Houston’s official mascots, the live one, and the anthropomorphic one. Houston’s live mascot dates back to 1947 and has been served by six different Cougars. Today you can find the official live mascot, Shasta VI, at the Houston Zoo. However, only the costumed mascot makes appearances at games.
Back in the school’s Phi Slama Jama days, fans would score the Cougars pre-game dunks. Unfortunately, Houston’s pregame routine was banned. However, you can still see scorecards in the crowd after a Cougars dunk in-game, so keep your eyes peeled for them when attending a game.
During the last minute of the game, Houston fans jingle their keys. The tradition is a fun way to let opposing teams know to warm up the bus, so don’t forget your keys when attending a Cougars basketball game.
Spirit of Houston Pep Band
Houston is home to an incredible marching band, and the pep band is among the best as well. The Spirit of Houston provide most of the music found in Fertitta Center, which creates a great atmosphere, so enjoy their music during your trip to Houston.
The drum major starts this cheer by yelling “Our Cheer!” Then the band responds with C-O-U-G-A-R-S COUGARS! COUGARS! COUGARS!
C-O-U-G-A-R-S COUGARS! COUGARS! COUGARS!
C-O-U-G-A-R-S COUGARS! COUGARS! COUGARS!
C-O-U-G-A-R-S COUGARS! COUGARS! COUGARS!
Cougar Fight Song
Houston’s primary fight song
Cougars fight for dear old U of H
For our Alma Mater cheer.
Fight for Houston University
For victory is near.
When the going gets so rough and tough
We never worry cause we got the stuff.
So fight, fight, fight for red and white
And we will go to victory.
Eat ‘Em Up
Eat ‘Em Up! Eat ‘Em Up! Go Coogs Go!
Eat ‘Em Up! Eat ‘Em Up! Go Coogs Go!
Eat ‘Em Up! Eat ‘Em Up! Go Coogs Go!
Alma Mater
All hail to thee,
Our Houston University.
Our hearts fill with gladness
When we think of thee.
We’ll always adore thee
Dear old varsity.
And to thy memory cherished,
True we’ll ever be.
This campus hot spot features gourmet coffee, blended coffee drinks, deluxe teas, pastries, desserts and more in the hip atmosphere of an independent, urban coffeehouse.
Known for its hickory-smoked meats served with homemade sides and desserts all made fresh daily, the restaurant also serves burgers, salads, soups, po’boys, baked potatoes and fish and shrimp dinners in a casual and relaxed dining room.
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