NFL Fan Value Experience

[Brando]

We are ranked 14th. I think when we start winning we will be in the Top 5.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...tro/index.html

For NFL fans, each Sunday's game is only part of an event that includes a lot more than what happens between the hash marks for three hours. From the commute, to tailgating to taking one's seat, the act of attending a game is an experience shared by every NFL fan from Seattle to Miami. But what separates one venue from another?

Click on Texans under ranking to access this and more.....


Tickets

In a state where "football is a religion," it can be expected that a game at Reliant Stadium is "electric." But as many fans openly admit, they're "still learning to go crazy" as the Texans' track record has left fans begging: "Please do something, anything ? give us something to work with here." Since the team's franchise opener against the Cowboys in 2002 -- a game that "set a decibel record" -- created "migraines two minutes into the first quarter it was so loud," the enthusiasm has steadily declined. Still, there are many dedicated fans, particularly in the Bull Pen up top "where the not-so-conservative people" and "true fans are, hooting and hollering." The lower levels are "more of a place to be seen and not heard" and the spectators are often viewed as those "who consider it a status symbol" to watch the games. And even with an infiltration of opposing fans often "makes the stadium feel 60 percent Texans to 40 percent visitors" most game days, "this is Texas. [They] love football." Despite the team's lack of success, the fans are "loud and boisterous," and "even when they played the Titans, the fans were still behind their Texans as much as they were rooting for Vince Young."

Tailgating

"Given that it was prohibited when the Oilers were in town, people now have jumped on the opportunity" to tailgate. Texas is home to some of the best barbecue and a lot of southern hospitality, where "the smell of barbecue fills the air and, even if you don't know anyone, you still feel as if you're just going to the game with your buddies." A "sea of tents, extravagant barbecue pits, double-decker buses, live bands, DJs, shot blocks ? and some of the best brisket you will ever eat," and not to mention the "Miller Lite girls driving around in golf carts passing out Miller Lite and Texans gear," create an atmosphere that make it "sometimes better just to hang outside rather than go into the games." The stadium has taken note of that, and the new Texas phenomenon "is highly encouraged" by the Texans organization. Tailgaters allowed to purchase parking passes even if they don't have game tickets. Tailgater of the Week" and "Tailgater of the Year" have become "very prestigious awards to receive." The party spills over into the post-game with plenty of beer and food still available for hours following. "It's really an awesome thing to witness."

[Brando]

Stadium Atmosphere

As hoards of fans make their way toward Reliant Stadium, the sight from the freeways is "just a magnificent beauty in every way" as it "dwarfs the Eight Wonder of the World [the AstroDome] next door." Reliant was the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof when it opened in 2002 and it still has fans oohing and ahhing. Statues of charging bulls are scattered around the stadium, representing the spirit of the fans, but it seems the true spirit is found in the gated section at the south end of the stadium: Budweiser Plaza. Live bands, including the Bull Pen Pep Band, and food and drinks before and after the game create the tailgating and party atmosphere expected of Texas. For kids, the Coca-Cola Fanatic Fun Zone offers special activities and music, too. Inside the glass structure, all 71,500 seats are so close to the field that "you can smell the grass" making every view "fantastic -- even from the nose bleeds." Four large bars and 16 smaller ones, big screens above both end zones, an HD JumboTron that is "lord knows how many feet big," concourses "so big that the lines [for food] aren't crowded," scoreboards with fantasy football updates throughout the mezzanines, escalators that lead to the top of the stadium and 196 luxury suites that have a "Texan feel to them ? like classy western bars." And, although the game is on the field, the rafters have their own excitement with some unique pre-game, acrobatic performances from the Texans cheerleaders and mascot, Toro, who has been known to leap from the top of the stadium only to be caught by a bungee cord at the last second. But what really has Texan fans enthused about their new digs is "No Bud Adams ... always a plus!!"

[kastofsna]

the Bucs are too low methinks.

[bah007]

I'm suprised nobody has gloated about Dallas' rating yet.

[Double Barrel]

Tailgater of the Week" and "Tailgater of the Year" have become "very prestigious awards to receive."

yeah, as long as you advertise HEB! The only way you qualify is by slutting yourself out for the Texans corporate sponsor. Lame award with not much "prestige", IMHO.

[Texan_Bill]

Originally Posted by Double Barrel

yeah, as long as you advertise HEB! The only way you qualify is by slutting yourself out for the Texans corporate sponsor. Lame award with not much "prestige", IMHO.

Exactly... One of the main reasons I dont worry about it... I aint prostituting myself for their store.

[Texan_Bill]

Anybody remember these guys:



They're the guys that go on the 'Ultimate Sports Road Trip' each year.

They visited Reliant the first year it opened up.

They ranked Reliant as the their 3rd best NFL venue.
Link: http://www.thesportsroadtrip.com/nflfavorites.html

Here's the complete review: http://www.thesportsroadtrip.com/houstontexans.html

Opening Snippet

It has been five seasons since football fans around these parts had their hearts ripped out
when the Oilers left town for seemingly greener pastures in Tennessee. But thanks to the
perserverance of an entire community, the leadership of team owner Bob McNair and the
eventual construction of what was to become Reliant Stadium, the NFL awarded the 32nd
franchise to the city of Houston. The team was named the Texans, and they began play this
season in a city that welcomed back the NFL with open arms. And with it comes Reliant
Stadium, a brand new, state-of-the-art football venue that dazzles the senses with its sleek
design, imposing architecture, first of a kind retractable roof, and enough of the touches
to make the fan experience here superb.

[hobie]

Originally Posted by Texan_Bill

Exactly... One of the main reasons I dont worry about it... I aint prostituting myself for their store.

Well then, what WILL you prostitute yourself for??

[kastofsna]

a Klondike bar.

[Texan_Bill]

Originally Posted by hobie

Well then, what WILL you prostitute yourself for??

There may be a couple of things.....

[Silver Oak]

so if I read the article correctly, we would be much higher overall if the team were winning regularly, as we rank high in all other categories?

[ChrisG]

how is buffalo rated 15th? A fan experience tends to get ruined when your sitting on aluminum benches in below zero temps. Also they have some of the most unfriendly fans. Don't expect a good experience if you're rooting for the away team. That is what I liked about Reliant, opposing fans were welcomed and the fans realized its all in the name a competition.

[imatexan]

How How How HOW!!!?? Can they rate J-Ville before us that place is terrible! Terrible neighborhood, terrible fans, bad fans, not soo great stadium..everything!

[ChrisG]

Originally Posted by imatexan

How How How HOW!!!?? Can they rate J-Ville before us that place is terrible! Terrible neighborhood, terrible fans, bad fans, not soo great stadium..everything!

b/c we are not getting alot of respect it drops our grades in any rating - whether it is intentional or subconcious

[Wolf]

wow cowboys 26th, I figured they have them higher

I wonder how the ranking changes after this year

[SheTexan]

How the hell did the meatballs rank 9th!!! BORING stadium, excitement at the game is about 1/10 what you experience at Reliant!! Tailgating is not even allowed on the lots (BUTT ADAMS at it again) and the tailgaters are so spread out, tucked behind beer joints, filling stations, and buildings that have been closed down for god only knows how long, that you don't have a chance to interact with many of them. Fans were a mixture of very nice and friendly (thank you TOMB) to being obnoxious and extremely rude. BUT, I guess you find that at any stadium. I don't get them raking that high at all! JMO!

[awtysst]

And look who is #13!
Why its the Denver Broncos!
Can we do anything these days without being compared to them?!