Venue
Yulman Stadium
Venue
Rentschler Field
Venue
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
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Protective Stadium
Rice University Owls at Rice Stadium
Houston, Texas, is home to one of the most historic football programs in Conference USA. The Owls play at Rice Stadium, which opened in 1950 and currently seats 47,000 after renovations reduced the capacity from 70,000 in 2006. As the largest stadium in the Houston area at the time, Rice Stadium was chosen over the Astrodome to host Super Bowl VIII in 1974. The football team is coached by Mike Bloomgren, who was previously the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Stanford before joining Rice in 2018.
History of Rice University Owls Football
Rice University first fielded a team in 1912 and quickly became a major player in Texas college football. The Owls won their first two conference championships and the 1938 Cotton Bowl under Jimmy Kitts, and they enjoyed even more success under coach and athletic director Jess Neely, who led Rice to four conference titles, two Cotton Bowl victories and a win in the 1947 Orange Bowl. The most famous moment in Rice history came during the 1954 Cotton Bowl against Alabama, when running back Dicky Moegle (later Maegle) racked up 275 yards in a 28-6 victory over the Tide. As Moegle was running for a score, Alabama halfback Tommy Lewis leapt from the sidelines and tackled Moegle, who was awarded a touchdown. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy asked “why does Rice play Texas?” while at Rice Stadium as part of his “we choose to go to the moon” speech, reflecting the then-competitive nature of the rivalry.
Rice was a proud member of the Southwest Conference until its dissolution in 1995, winning seven SWC titles and losing the final game in conference history against crosstown rival Houston in the Bayou Bucket Battle. Notable players who have suited up for the Rice Owls include linebacker O.J. Brigance, kicker Chris Boswell, and quarterback Tommy Kramer, who started for the Minnesota Vikings throughout the ‘80s. In recent years, the Owls have found success in Conference USA, where they won the 2013 C-USA championship and two divisional championships.
Fantastic sight lines - even the upper deck seats feel close to the action. Glad to see they refurbished some of the common areas. Made a real difference. Also a bonus that parking is walkable and doesn’t require a bus/tram.
We had a great view of the entire field and supportive fans behind the bench. We were on the bleachers but for the cost of the tickets it was a good value and lots of fun.
I get row 1 seats 8-9. They decide to set up a pop tent. Why would Rice and Ticketmaster sell those tickets. Ridiculous. Will never go to a Rice game again.
Had a wonderful time at the game at Rice University. Took my kids and loved being in such a historic venue. Game was great and people were so friendly. Thanks for a positive environment.
I was very pleased with the seating. Sight lines were awesome. The overall collegiate atmosphere was good. The only problem, which was considerable, is that the stadium is so loud, you cannot tell what the bands are playing. The announcer is also difficult to understand. At one point, I asked my buddy sitting next to me (we are both ex-Longhorn Band members), "What do you think the Longhorn Band is playing. He said, "Wabash Cannonball." I said, "March of the Longhorns." Those are two completely different pieces of music. The next time Texas plays Rice, I hope it is in Rice Stadium, because the acoustics there are so much better than the deafening rumble in NRG Stadium.
Had a great time at the game. The stadium is awesome, not a bad spot in the stadium. You can see from anywhere you sit. Great vendors for food and drink. I'd go again!
Had a great time with great friends watching a blowout win over a lesser team.
Had a hamburger and my son had chicken fingers/ fries. DISGUSTING, DISGUSTING! Very expensive and COLD, STALE. It would be so easy to make a good burger. Food made me sick. ASHAMED!
My husband and I came to see the game (UT v Rice) ... we had a great time and enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Though it was hot and not enough seat backs available for a more equitable price, my husband, son and their friends had a great time!
