Houston and Rice place for city supremacy as well as the Bayou Bucket when they meet on the gridiron. The rivalry dates back to 1971 when Houston entered the Southwest Conference and has remained strong to this day. The Cougars hold the lead in the all-time series 29-11, but the Owls will look to draw closer the next time these two bitter rivals meet.
The rivalry between SMU and Rice dates all the way back to 1916. Since then SMU has amounted a 48-41-1 all-time lead in the series. The stakes increased in 1998 with the addition of the Mayor’s Cup, so make sure to get your tickets when SMU comes to town.
Despite the fact, the Southwest Conference dissolved after the 1996 season Rice and Texas still play a nearly annual basis. The Longhorns have gotten the better of the Owls throughout most of this rivalry’s history, however, in 1994 Rice pulled off a major upset on national TV. There is always a chance that the Owls could pull the upset when playing the Longhorns, so make sure to make the trip to Rice when Texas is in town.
When either of these two former Southwest Conference rivals are in town you’ll be in for a treat when attending the game. Rice has long-standing rivalries with both of these schools that span over 70 games a piece, so be sure to get your tickets to either of these matchups.
Owls Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
In recent years the Rice tailgates have been very laid back due to the fact Rice has not fared as well on the field as they would like. That hasn’t stopped the diehards from coming out early and setting up the grills bright and early to prepare to watch their team play.
Despite recent struggles on the field, there is still plenty of Rice spirit to be found at the tailgate here. The band and spirit squad perform at the tailgate, which creates a beautiful gameday atmosphere.
The official Rice Tailgate, Tailgate Owley, offers an excellent place for you to hangout before the game. At Tailgate Owley you’ll find a wide variety of pregame activities that will entertain fans young and old. Live music, pregame performances, and inflatable games are some of the headliners of this tailgating area. However, you’ll also find food and activities like face painting, which is perfect for younger fans.
Rice offers fans the opportunity to tailgate in style with their premium tailgating packages. These packages will equip you with a rooftop deck, TVs, and much more. The premium tailgate packages are perfect for groups of any size, as they can accommodate 20+ people.
Tailgate Owley is the official Rice tailgate area located just east of the stadium. It offers a perfect place for fans of all ages to tailgate before the game giving you the opportunity to see live music and pre-game performances. For younger fans, it offers face painting and inflatable games, so everyone in your party will have a great time at Tailgate Owley.
Where to tailgate
Premium TailgatesRice offers fans the opportunity to tailgate in style with their premium tailgating packages. These packages will equip you with a rooftop deck, TVs, and much more. The premium tailgate packages are perfect for groups of any size, as they can accommodate 20+ people.
Tailgate OwleyTailgate Owley is the official Rice tailgate area located just east of the stadium. It offers a perfect place for fans of all ages to tailgate before the game giving you the opportunity to see live music and pre-game performances. For younger fans, it offers face painting and inflatable games, so everyone in your party will have a great time at Tailgate Owley.
Owls Stadium Guide
In Game
Rice is one of the smallest schools in the FBS having less than 7,000 students when you include grad students. The smaller fan base means there is a great deal of camaraderie and passion among the fans. It’s easy to be a Texas fan, for the most part. However, it takes a real character to be a Rice fan meaning you’ll find plenty of diehards when attending an Owls game.
Rice Stadium was built for football meaning no matter where you end up sitting you’ll have a great view of the action since the stadium provides excellent sightlines. The sightlines are so spectacular that it is often considered the best stadium in Texas, which says a lot considering how crazy Texans are about football.
One significant advantage taking in a game at Rice is the fact that you’re allowed to drink alcohol in the stadium. While most college stadiums do not sell alcohol, there is a special section in the 200 level known as “The Roost” which allows fans to watch the game and drink their beers. So grab some brews and take in the sights and sounds of a Rice Owls football game.
Historic Rice Stadium has been home to the Owls football team since 1950 and has also hosted many other historically significant events. The most famous of which include John F. Kennedy’s speech on September 12, 1962, and Super Bowl VIII.
If you’re looking to enjoy a beer with the game then you’ll be in luck when attending a Rice game. Beer is permitted in The Roost, so stop by and throw down a few cold ones.
Rice’s marching band is not a marching band in the traditional sense and are in fact a scatter band, which means the members do not march and play non-standard instruments including violins, cellos, and even electric guitars. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for this unusual gameday band.
Sammy is the official costumed owl mascot at Rice and can be found all around the sideline on gamedays. He is a lively mascot and will surely put a smile on your face as he entertains the crowd during the game.
Fight for Rice, Rice fight on, loyal sons arise. The Blue and Gray for Rice today, comes breaking through skies. Fight, fight, fight! Stand and cheer, Vict’ry’s near, Sammy leads the way. Onward go! to crush the foe, We’ll fight for Blue and Gray.
Rice's Honor
Alma Mater
All for Honor, we will fight on. We will be fighting when this day is done. And when the dawn comes breaking, We’ll be fighting on, Rice, for the Gray and Blue. We will be loyal, to Rice be true.
The Old Gray Bonnet
Put on your old gray bonnet with the blue ribbon on it And we’ll take old Sammy to the fray And we’ll rock, rock, rock’em And we’ll sock, sock, sock’em To the end of Judgment Day.
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