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 high to this day. The Cougars hold the lead in the all-time series 29-11 and have won the last 3, so they’ll look to extend their streak when these two bitter rivals meet next.
The Houston Cougars have a longstanding rivalry with Tulsa that dates all the way back to 1950. One of the most memorable matchups in this series took place in 1968 when the Cougars destroyed the Golden Hurricane 100-6. The Cougars have gotten the better of Tulsa over the years securing victory in 22 of the 40 matchups between these two programs.
Cougars Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
With the opening of TDECU Stadium in 2014 football and tailgating have returned to the University of Houston Campus. The university is pulling out all the stops to develop a strong tailgating culture here at Houston. You’ll find that not only does Houston offer you a wealth of tailgating options, but the fans here like most Texans take football and tailgating very seriously creating an excellent tailgating environment.
The heart of tailgating at Houston in Shasta Square. Located on the east side of the stadium right off of Cullen Blvd, Shasta Square offers a wealth of tailgate options as well as the opportunity to take part in many of the biggest pregame events at Houston including the Cougar Walk.
The budding tailgate culture at Houston makes it a great destination for tailgaters who are looking to take part in what is quickly shaping up to be one of the best tailgating experiences in the American Athletic Conference.
The Plaza located outside of the northeast entrance to TDECU Stadium is home to several statues honoring all-time great Cougars. Here you’ll find a statue for Bill Yeoman as well as Andre Ware and Wilson Whitley. Make sure to stop by Legends Plaza to pay tribute to these excellent Cougars of the past.
The Cougar Walk takes places approximately two hours before kickoff and is a great way for Cougars fans to show off their school pride. The walk features the players and coaches walking through the throngs of Cougars fans at Shasta Square on their way into the stadium. The Cougar Walk allows fans to feel a part of the team on game day, so make sure to catch it if you get the opportunity.
Located on the east side of the stadium, Shasta Square offers a variety of tailgate options. Here you’ll find official UH Student Tailgate area, UHAA Tailgate, Spirit of Houston Tailgate, a beer garden, food trucks, and much more. Shasta Square opens four hours before kickoff, so head on down to Shasta Square bright and early to get your Cougars Gameday started off on the right foot.
Party on the Plaza is the official UHAA Tailgate and offers a great pregame experience. At Party on the Plaza, you’ll be able to enjoy live music, delicious food, and plenty of drinks in a fun and festive gameday atmosphere. It’s the perfect destinations for those looking for something to do before the game who don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up their tailgate.
Where to tailgate
Shasta SquareLocated on the east side of the stadium, Shasta Square offers a variety of tailgate options. Here you’ll find official UH Student Tailgate area, UHAA Tailgate, Spirit of Houston Tailgate, a beer garden, food trucks, and much more. Shasta Square opens four hours before kickoff, so head on down to Shasta Square bright and early to get your Cougars Gameday started off on the right foot.
Party on the PlazaParty on the Plaza is the official UHAA Tailgate and offers a great pregame experience. At Party on the Plaza, you’ll be able to enjoy live music, delicious food, and plenty of drinks in a fun and festive gameday atmosphere. It’s the perfect destinations for those looking for something to do before the game who don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up their tailgate.
Cash LotsThere are also plenty of parking lots around TDECU Stadium for those of you who are looking to set up your tailgate party for you and all your friends. You’ll have a great time partying in the lots around the stadium, and you’ll meet plenty of friendly Cougars fans.
Cougars Stadium Guide
In Game
TDECU Stadium opened in 2014 and is the new state of the art home of the Houston Cougars. The new stadium features many amenities that are sure to help bring a resurgence to the program. The state of the art facility means that no matter where you end up sitting at a Houston Cougars game, you’ll have an excellent time as every seat offers a great view of the action.
The view at TDECU Stadium is fantastic, and it’s not just the view of the field. TDECU Stadium offers an excellent view of the Houston skyline that will make it difficult for you to keep your eyes on the action on the field at times. The horizon is located on the northwest side of the stadium and is absolutely breathtaking, so make sure to snap a pic if you get the chance.
It’s not just the state of the art new stadium, and beautiful view that makes attending a Cougars game great, but the diehard and very knowledgeable Houston fans are also an excellent part of the gameday experience. In Houston fans, you’ll find everything you expect in college football fans from the state of Texas. The student section is rowdy and gets behind their team, while you’ll also find plenty of alumni who know everything there is to know about Cougars football.
The beautiful state of the art facility that is TDECU Stadium along with the excellent fan support from Cougars fans means you’ll love your time in Houston.
This 2,000 square foot hall is named after Hall of Fame Cougars coach Bill Yeoman. It pays tribute to the history of the University and is also home to suites in section 129. Stop by Yeoman Red & White Hall located on the northeast side of the stadium for a chance to learn more about the university.
Located at the east end of the stadium, this performance center is home to the Spirit of Houston band. Before games, the band enters the stadium right from the Winston Center.
Blaze is the name of the old oil field siren that blares after every Cougars touchdown. The blare of Blaze and roar of the crowd when the Cougars reach the endzone is something to take in and really makes your trip to Houston worthwhile.
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.
The Spirit of Houston puts on a great game day performance and is a big part of what makes attending a Cougars game so unique. The band is one of the best in the nation and even performed at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.
The Frontiersmen date back to 1948 and are a group of students that are involved in many University of Houston athletic events. One of the most famous traditions involving the Frontiersmen is the running of the university flag across the field after every Houston score.
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.
Fight Songs
C-O-U-G-A-R-S!
C-O-U-G-A-R-S!
C-O-U-G-A-R-S!
C-C-O-U
This cheer goes like this C-C-C-O-U! G-G-G-A-R! C-O-U! G-A-R! Go Cougars!
C-C-C-O-U! G-G-G-A-R! C-O-U! G-A-R! Go Cougars!
Hail Houston!
Houston fans chant Hail Houston! Hail YES! Hail Cougars! HELL YES! Hail. Then opponents chant HELL NO! and this can be repeated several times.
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!
Eat ‘Em Up!
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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