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Get Your Game On

Houston is repositioning itself as a sports destination

On the field or on the court, Houston's home teams offer year-round competition and high-energy action for loyal sports aficionados.

Reliant Stadium during Houston Texans Game

ASTROS
BATTER UP Root for the home team at downtown’s beautiful Minute Maid Park, where a retractable roof affords guests open-air seating on beautiful Houston evenings and air-conditioning on hot summer days. IN TRAIN-ING Enter the stadium through the Crawford side of the park, where guests can see the original pillars that made up the old Union Station. PRIME PERCH Snag a seat in the Crawford Boxes—the 2,500-seat section jutting onto the left field corner—for a chance to snag a home run ball.

DYNAMO
SET PLAY Join other diehard fans as they bleed orange and cheer on two-time MLS champs at the University of Houston's Robertson Stadium. WARM UP Get there early for pre-game tailgating complete with give-a-ways, live music and food and drinks. ON THE HORIZON Stay tuned for the 2012 MLS season, when the Dynamo is slated to unveil its $80-million, East End-set stadium, which is being designed by the same masterminds responsible for Minute Maid Park, the Toyota Center and Reliant Stadium.

ROCKETS
TIP-OFF Watch the Rockets take on the competition at the less-than ten-year-old Toyota Center. Downtown’s 18,300-seat indoor arena has 103 luxury suites for VIP ticket holders. POST-PARTY Pay a premium for courtside seats and get access to the super-exclusive Lexus Lounge, where Oprah, Beyoncé and Shaq have all been known to play after the game. COURT CANDY During half-time, watch the 22-member Rockets Power Dancers perform energetic routines for the adoring crowd.

TEXANS
GAME ON Cheer on the Texans with other die-hard fans at the 71,500-seat Reliant Stadium. The indoor/outdoor venue features natural grass and a retractable roof, ensuring guests a cool, air-conditioned venue on hot Houston days. PRE-PARTY Here, tailgating is just as important as the game. Gates open four hours prior to kick off. Bring your best grilling skills and an appetite. MUST-HAVE FAN FLARE A red-and-blue foam coozie and Texans tee.

AEROS
FACE OFF Fans flock to the Toyota Center for high-energy Aeros hockey and action-packed AHL competition. WHO LET THE DOGS OUT? While you’re at the game, get a picture with Chilly, the Aeros jersey-wearing pup. EYE ON THE PRIZE On Thursday, Friday and Saturday home games, fans get a chance to win prizes during the Chuck-A-Puck competition. HOT SEAT For a little game-time heckling, snag club level seats, right behind the visitor’s penalty box.

By: Natalie Bogan