Houston Dynamo Overview

Fast facts

League: MLS

Head Coach: Ben Olsen

Team Mascot: Dynamo Diesel

Year Opened: 2012

Capacity: 22039

City / State: Houston / TX

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Texas Derby

Rival Team: FC Dallas

The cities of Dallas and Houston have a fierce rivalry, and it's no different when it comes to their MLS teams. Not only are bragging rights on the line when FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo meet, but also El Capitan, a replica Civil War cannon. There isn't bigger matchup at BBVA Compass Stadium than a Texas Derby, so make sure to get your tickets when FC Dallas come to town.

Houston Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City

Rival Team: Sporting Kansas City

The rivalry between the Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City was fostered by some tough playoff matches between the two teams and has grown since then. Over the past decade or so the Dynamo and Sporting have been two of the best teams in the league, so don’t miss it when Sporting Kansas City comes to BBVA Compass Stadium.

Houston Dynamo Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Texas is known for its tailgating, and a Houston Dynamo game won’t disappoint as you’ll find lots of tailgating options here. The pregame festivities offer a little something for everyone, as the Dynamo do an excellent job of providing tons of things to see and do before the game as well as plenty of space to tailgate.

BBVA Stadium features plenty of pregame activities for both kids and adults. Those of you taking the kids to the game will want to stop by the booths near the main entrance, which offer lots of activities for kids including balloon animals, a prize wheel, and much more. If you don’t have children, then feel free to check out Orange Avenue, which is home to the Bud Light Beer Garden and live music.

There is also lots of space to tailgate around BBVA Stadium in Lots B and C. The tailgate lots are filled with diehard Dynamo fans and if you want to get into the game day spirit make sure to join a supporter group tailgate like Texian Army.

Finally, BBVA Compass Stadium is located in downtown Houston, so there are lots of great bars to grab a drink at near the stadium. 8th Wonder Brewery and Neil’s Bahr are especially popular among Dynamo fans, so don’t be afraid to stop by and mingle with fellow Dynamo fans before the game.

Traditions

Bud Light Beer Garden

The Bud Light Beer Garden opens two hours before kickoff and is a great place to grab a drink before the game. Best of all the Dynamo offer a deal that includes two beers and a game ticket for only $36 making a trip to the Bud Light Beer Garden a great bargain as well.

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Texian Army Tailgate

Located at the corner of Preston and Bastrop in Lot C, the Texian Army Tailgate is an excellent place to let loose before the game with fellow diehard Dynamo fans. The Texian Army Tailgate costs $10, but the beer is all you can drink.

Kids Booths

If you're bringing kids to the game, check out the booths outside the main entrance before the match. The booths contain a variety of games and activities for kids and will keep them entertained leading up to kickoff.

Where to tailgate

Houston Dynamo Stadium Guide

In Game

BBVA Compass Stadium offers a wonderful and unique place to take in a soccer match. A big part of what makes attending a Dynamo game such an incredible experience is the fans. The Dynamo fans create a great atmosphere and their undying love for their team can be felt throughout the match. The supporter section in the north end is especially vocal thanks to the displays put on by El Batallon, the Brickwall Firm, and Texian Army.

It’s not just the fans that make attending a Dynamo game an unforgettable experience. BBVA Compass Stadium is filled with displays and exhibits dedicated to the young soccer club. All around the venue, you’ll see pictures and banners celebrating the club’s history, and there is even a mural devoted to the fans.

The fans love for their team, and the team’s dedication to its, albeit young, history make attending a Houston Dynamo game a fantastic experience that every MLS fan should have at least once.

Things to check out

Wall Art

All around the concourse of BBVA Compass Stadium is wall art dedicated to Dynamo players and fans. The wall art celebrates current and past players, and there is even a mural dedicated to season ticket holders, so walk the concourse and see it all before kickoff.

Championship Banners

Hanging above the south stand are banners honoring the Dynamo's 2006 and 2007 MLS Cup winning teams as well as the 2011 and 2012 Eastern Conference champions. Make sure to check out the banners and remember all of your favorite Dynamo teams of the past.

Dynamo Team Store

Take some time before the game to stop by the Dynamo Team Store and pick up a souvenir from your trip to BBVA Compass Stadium. The store is home to a variety of Dynamo gear including shirts, hats, jerseys, and much more.

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Supporter Groups

There is no better way to show your support for the Dynamo then by joining one of the club’s supporter groups. The supporter groups can be found in the north end of BBVA Stadium on match days, and they do an incredible job of showing their support for the Dynamo. All throughout the game you can hear singing and chanting coming from El Batallon, the Brickwall Firm, and Texian Army.

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Dynamo Diesel

Don’t miss the Dynamo mascot Dynamo Diesel when attending a match at BBVA Compass Stadium. You can spot Dynamo Diesel entertaining fans around the stadium, so keep an eye out for him.

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Houston Dynamo Bars & Restaurants

  1. Home Plate Bar & Grill

    Mike Speedway Lounge Beer Northstar Bar and Grill Beer Shipleys Tavern Beer Press Box Sports Bar Beer

    Downtown pub across the street from Minute Maid Park popular for pre- & post-game eats & drinks.

    1800 Texas St, Houston, TX 77003, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar

    Petes Dueling Piano Bar

    It's a sing-along, clap-along, drink-along, have-one-helluva-good-time-along bar!

    1201 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

    713-337-7383

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Dirt Bar

    Dirt Bar

    "We're Dirt Bar. We play Rock n' Roll."

    1209 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

    713-651-3988

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  4. Tejas Grill & Sports Bar

    Tejas Grill and Sports Bar

    Tejas’ menu would be a mix of burgers, unique appetizers, tex-mex, steaks, and salads.

    1201 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010, USA

    713-739-8352

    Bar website

    american - mexican - sportsbar - $$

  5. Hearsay Gastro Lounge

    Hearsay Gastro Lounge

    Upscale-casual pub & New American eatery serving innovative drinks in a 1880s brick building.

    218 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

    713-225-8079

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  6. Eighteen Twenty Bar

    Eighteen Twenty Lounge

    Welcome to 1820, where all worries and fears die.

    1820 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

    713-875-7162

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. The Grove

    The Grove

    The Grove restaurant offers a modern and elegant urban dining experience unlike anything else in downtown Houston.

    1611 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010, USA

    713-337-7321

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  8. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

    Houston Flying Saucer

    Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. Offering a wide variety of imported and domestic quality craft beers.

    705 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

    713-228-9472

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Bombay Pizza

    Bombay Pizza

    A pizzeria that serves Italian cuisine graced with Indian herbs and spices.

    914 Main St #105, Houston, TX 77002, USA

    713-654-4444

    Bar website

    asian - italian - pizza - $$

  10. MKT BAR

    MKT BAr

    Casual, urban-chic spot in a market serving wine & beer paired with cafe fare & live music acts.

    1001 Austin St, Houston, TX 77010, USA

    832-360-2222

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. The Lake House Waterside Café

    Lake House

    Beautiful spot to dine with your loved ones.

    1600 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, USA

    713-337-7320

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Irma’s Southwest Grill

    Irmas Southwest Grill

    Casual spot for familiar Southwestern eats including fajitas, shrimp tacos & combo platters.

    1475 Texas St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

    713-247-9651

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $$

  13. Hubcap Grill

    Hubcap Grill burger

    Hubcap Grill is known for its juicy burgers, great french fries and old fashioned root beer in the bottle.

    1133 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, USA

    713-223-5885

    Bar website

    american - bbq

  14. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse

    Vic and Anthonys steak

    With an award-winning menu and a stunning selection of wine, Vic & Anthony's redefines every expectation of class and fine dining.

    1510 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, USA

    713-228-1111

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$$