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Sports Fan

From ball games to horseracing, Houston's the place for action

If there's one thing Houstonians love, it's competition-especially when it's on the field. And that makes H-Town a sports-lovers' mecca. Whether you're looking for the big game or want to be in the middle of the action, you can find it all in the Bayou City.  

The Houston Rockets play at the Toyota Center in the heart of Downtown

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In terms of professional sports, few cities in the country have as much to offer as Houston. Whatever time of year, there's sure to be team playing! The MLB Houston Astros light up the skyline at Minute Maid Park with action-packed baseball. The two-time MLS champion Dynamo will soon have a new stadium to kick it in. When things cool off the NBA Rockets heat up the court at Toyota Center. Of course this being football country the NFL Texans are a hometown favorite (especially for tailgaters!). Finally of course there's live thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse racing at Sam Houston Race Park.

Behind the Scenes

Houston has long been known as a great sports city with great sports venues--ever since the day it unveiled the "eighth wonder of the world," the Astrodome. Today you can explore the behind the scenes workings of the city's great sports complexes.

Start at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. Located in Downtown Houston at Union Station, Minute Maid Park was built to reflect Houston's historical relationship with the railroads and features a vintage, full-sized locomotive that runs along 800 feet of track on the left-field wall. Minute Maid Park beautifully incorporates modern conveniences like a retractable roof, yet exudes a truly classic atmosphere complete with red brick masonry and natural grass.

Tours give guests a behind-the-scenes look at Minute Maid Park. Fans may visit such places as Historic Union Station, broadcasting booth or press boxes, Astros' or visitors' dugout, luxury suites and more.

Public Tours are offered year-round Monday-Saturday at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. Schedule subject to change, please call the TourLine at (713) 259-TOUR prior to coming to the ballpark to confirm that tours will be offered.

Reliant Stadium

Since opening in 2002, Reliant Stadium has hosted a Super Bowl, the largest rodeo in the world, five of the largest soccer crowds in the history of Texas, the NCAA Final Four and many other world-class sports and entertainment events.

Tour highlights include:

• Field side view of NFL's first retractable roof
• Field side view of NFL's first removable natural grass field
• NFL visiting team locker room
• Houston Texans Weight Room
• Stadium Press Box
• Premium seating areas - Club Level and a party suite

Tours are offered Monday-Thursday 10:15 a.m., Noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Care to see how you measure up next to Yao Ming? Ever wondered how the arena makes hockey ice? Want to see where your favorite artist prepares before a performance? The one hour Backstage Tour of Toyota Center will take you behind the scenes of Houston's premier destination for sports and entertainment.

Tour highlights include:

• Arena floor
• Red and White Wine Bistro
• Lexus Lounge
• Courtside suite
• Rockets Club

Tours are offered Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm.

Beyond Spectator

For those among us who would rather be part of the action than simply watching it, here are a few places to get active in H-Town. 

• Whether you're a paintball pro or a complete novice, it's survival of the fittest at Urban Warzone.
• Didn't think you could wakeboard in Houston? Think again. Wake Nation provides a thrilling experience just a few minutes south of Downtown.
• Offshore fishing is an experience like no other. And Galveston Fishing Guides know just where to take you for half-day, full-day and evening trips.
• With literally dozens of courses across the region, Houston has gained attention as a golf destination. Not far from Downtown in any direction, you'll find beautifully-landscaped courses and great weather for this sport virtually year-round.

Annual Sporting Events

• Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas-Houston's big college football matchup pits a Big 10 and Big 12 team against one another around New Year's.
• Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo-For three weeks every March, Houston hosts the world's biggest rodeo with bull riding, calf roping and other events, plus blockbuster musical artists.
• Houston Marathon-This annual 26.2, 13.1 and 3.1 mile run happens each January and draws more than 20,000 entrants from around the world.
• PGA Shell Houston Open- Played at Redstone Golf Club's Tournament Course, 156 of the world's best golfers compete each spring in pursuit of the $5 million-plus purse.

Have a Beer, Watch the Game

There are plenty of places to kick back and watch the game around town. Here are just a few:

• Canyon Creek
• Celtic Gardens
• Christian's Tailgate
• Flying Saucer
• Home Plate Bar & Grill
• Little Woodrow's

By AJ Mistretta