Death to Google Ads! Texans Talk Tip Jar! 🍺😎👍
Thanks for your support!

Tailgating...

mistylynn0211

Practice Squad
Hey guys! I'm going to the game vs the Packers in October. I am a Packers fan. Yes I know. Sorry! I have a few questions for you guys.

I really want to tailgate and was wondering how welcoming the home crowd is to an away team fan? I went the game a few years back when the Packers came to town but was too afraid to tailgate lol.

Also can people just tailgate without going to the game? I only have two tickets to the game for me and my brother but he was wondering if his friends can tailgate with us.

Should I buy a parking ticket and if so which section should I buy?

Thanks guys! I hope I'm not intruding.
 

GlassHalfFull

Hall of Fame
I'll take your questions in order, but Mods, can we sticky a tailgate info thread so the newcomers can see information without having to ask the same questions?

1) Texans fans show southern hospitality and are welcoming to visiting fans. You may experience some mild taunts, but as long as you are respectful and not obnoxious, you should be fine. I think we have a fairly good reputation overall. Cowboys and Titans fans may disagree.

2) Fans tailgating without going to the game need a tailgating pass. The passes are sold to season tickets holders on a first come first served basis. I did hear from some people who stayed in the lot last week that security was charging $20 to people who stayed in the lot and didn't have a tailgating pass. Not sure if that was legit or security was making some side cash.

3) Parking passes are sold out, but you can find them for sale on ebay or stubhub or nflticket exchange. Yellow, blue, orange and platinum lots are known for their awesome tailgates.
 

mistylynn0211

Practice Squad
I'll take your questions in order, but Mods, can we sticky a tailgate info thread so the newcomers can see information without having to ask the same questions?

1) Texans fans show southern hospitality and are welcoming to visiting fans. You may experience some mild taunts, but as long as you are respectful and not obnoxious, you should be fine. I think we have a fairly good reputation overall. Cowboys and Titans fans may disagree.

2) Fans tailgating without going to the game need a tailgating pass. The passes are sold to season tickets holders on a first come first served basis. I did hear from some people who stayed in the lot last week that security was charging $20 to people who stayed in the lot and didn't have a tailgating pass. Not sure if that was legit or security was making some side cash.

3) Parking passes are sold out, but you can find them for sale on ebay or stubhub or nflticket exchange. Yellow, blue, orange and platinum lots are known for their awesome tailgates.
Thanks and sorry for being a burden. I'm always totally respectful and not obnoxious. I get intimidated very easily so didn't want to put myself in that situation. I'm all of 5'1 and 120 lbs soaking wet. I just want to have a good time and show my team spirit at the same time. I heard I could find tailgate passes and parking passes on ebay. Now can you park anywhere in your section or is it designated parking like seating?
 

GlassHalfFull

Hall of Fame
Thanks and sorry for being a burden. I'm always totally respectful and not obnoxious. I get intimidated very easily so didn't want to put myself in that situation. I'm all of 5'1 and 120 lbs soaking wet. I just want to have a good time and show my team spirit at the same time. I heard I could find tailgate passes and parking passes on ebay. Now can you park anywhere in your section or is it designated parking like seating?
No burden, you just sparked an idea to have the common questions posted for people.

You can park anywhere in all the lots except for platinum, it is the only one with assigned parking.

Platinum opens 5 hours before gametime and all other lots open 4 hours prior. Walk ins can enter 3.5 hours before the game.

Traffic gets pretty backed up with the diehards lining up to grab the prime spots in the lots, but if you drive up at 8:30 (for a noon game) you will get a good spot with no waiting.
 

mistylynn0211

Practice Squad
No burden, you just sparked an idea to have the common questions posted for people.

You can park anywhere in all the lots except for platinum, it is the only one with assigned parking.

Platinum opens 5 hours before gametime and all other lots open 4 hours prior. Walk ins can enter 3.5 hours before the game.

Traffic gets pretty backed up with the diehards lining up to grab the prime spots in the lots, but if you drive up at 8:30 (for a noon game) you will get a good spot with no waiting.
So for Sunday night football get there about 4pm?
 

GlassHalfFull

Hall of Fame
Green Bay Packers
Sun, 10/14 at 7:20 PM CDT

You made me go look. I have no idea how they are going to handle that 20 min. Since it is a night game, it may be extra crazy. 3:30 or 4 depending on how strict they are about opening the gates.
 

SheTexan

Hall of Fame
You are more than welccome to come by the Blue Crew tailgate if you don't want to set up your own. Are you local or coming from OOT?

GlassHalfFull (Katie) and I (Sandy) are members of the Blue Crew! All of us welcome opposing teams fans and love to visit! GB is always very well represented by their fans, so you will find lots of fans hanging out around the various lots. You and your family are certainly welcome to join in the fun!

We are located on the Platinum lot, which as Katie mentioned, is the only lot with assigned parking, and we can start tailgating 5hrs before the game. Maps and directions will be discussed prior to the game, so keep tuning in to TexansTalk as we get closer. We'll get ya all set up for some top notch TEXAN tailgating!

Just FYI also. For the past 3 years we have been voted as the #1 BEST tailgating in the NFL! I think you will be in for a real TEXAN treat!! Hopefully, the weather will be beautiful on Oct 14th. It can get very HOT in Sept and Oct.
 

Speedy

Former Yeller Dweller
Hey guys! I'm going to the game vs the Packers in October. I am a Packers fan. Yes I know. Sorry! I have a few questions for you guys.

I really want to tailgate and was wondering how welcoming the home crowd is to an away team fan? I went the game a few years back when the Packers came to town but was too afraid to tailgate lol.

Also can people just tailgate without going to the game? I only have two tickets to the game for me and my brother but he was wondering if his friends can tailgate with us.

Should I buy a parking ticket and if so which section should I buy?

Thanks guys! I hope I'm not intruding.
Well, I'm part Packer fan this season as half of my fantasy team has Packers on it (Rodgers, Nelson, Finley). So a nice 45-40 Texans win on 10/14 will work just fine for me.

1) Texans fans show southern hospitality and are welcoming to visiting fans. You may experience some mild taunts, but as long as you are respectful and not obnoxious, you should be fine. I think we have a fairly good reputation overall. Cowboys and Titans fans may disagree.

2) Fans tailgating without going to the game need a tailgating pass. The passes are sold to season tickets holders on a first come first served basis. I did hear from some people who stayed in the lot last week that security was charging $20 to people who stayed in the lot and didn't have a tailgating pass. Not sure if that was legit or security was making some side cash.

3) Parking passes are sold out, but you can find them for sale on ebay or stubhub or nflticket exchange. Yellow, blue, orange and platinum lots are known for their awesome tailgates.
Good advice here. We are welcoming to visiting fans, as I would assume is the case for most in most cities. But like everywhere else you have your A-holes. I don't see it as being much of a problem though as I expect at least 35-40% of the fans there will be cheeseheads. That's about how it was last time they were here.
 

Texecutioner

Hall of Fame
Hey guys! I'm going to the game vs the Packers in October. I am a Packers fan. Yes I know. Sorry! I have a few questions for you guys.

I really want to tailgate and was wondering how welcoming the home crowd is to an away team fan? I went the game a few years back when the Packers came to town but was too afraid to tailgate lol.

Also can people just tailgate without going to the game? I only have two tickets to the game for me and my brother but he was wondering if his friends can tailgate with us.

Should I buy a parking ticket and if so which section should I buy?

Thanks guys! I hope I'm not intruding.
Texans fans are probably some of the more laid back in my opinion. Other fans may disagree. There are knuckleheads at games though. I won't tell you that you won't run into that potentially. I think if you're relaxed and ignore any obnoxious crazy fans that are looking for a fight you should be fine. It's the opposing fans that act really obnoxious and loud and beg for the "back and forth" rhetoric that usually find problems. Hope this helps.

Post in here and talk to the Blue Crew. They are generally very welcoming to out of town tailgaters.
 

Texan_Bill

Hall of Fame
Green Bay Packers
Sun, 10/14 at 7:20 PM CDT

You made me go look. I have no idea how they are going to handle that 20 min. Since it is a night game, it may be extra crazy. 3:30 or 4 depending on how strict they are about opening the gates.
Because of the overflow, I would assume they would use 7:00p as the benchmark for Lot openings.
 

NitroGSXR

Super Sic #58
Welcome welcome welcome!!

Don't be afraid to tailgate and please DO accept the Blue Crew's invitation to attend their tailgate. Great food, great friends, and great times. Chock full of people there for the love of being around others. 5'1 120? We gotta put a muzzle on Bill for that day though.

It's pretty much open parking in most lots. Get a pass and park anywhere. There are those who "hold" spaces but it's really open parking.

I don't know what time they will open the gates but you need to be there the second they open them. Tailgating here is quite an experience and takes up the full time allocated prior to the game. Don't be thinking you'll get here a couple hours before the game and get to tailgate. This place is big.
 

mistylynn0211

Practice Squad
You are more than welccome to come by the Blue Crew tailgate if you don't want to set up your own. Are you local or coming from OOT?

GlassHalfFull (Katie) and I (Sandy) are members of the Blue Crew! All of us welcome opposing teams fans and love to visit! GB is always very well represented by their fans, so you will find lots of fans hanging out around the various lots. You and your family are certainly welcome to join in the fun!

We are located on the Platinum lot, which as Katie mentioned, is the only lot with assigned parking, and we can start tailgating 5hrs before the game. Maps and directions will be discussed prior to the game, so keep tuning in to TexansTalk as we get closer. We'll get ya all set up for some top notch TEXAN tailgating!

Just FYI also. For the past 3 years we have been voted as the #1 BEST tailgating in the NFL! I think you will be in for a real TEXAN treat!! Hopefully, the weather will be beautiful on Oct 14th. It can get very HOT in Sept and Oct.
Thanks Sandy! I'm actually from Victoria which is about two hours from Houston so I'll be driving in. Packer fans usually do have a good turnout for out of town games. We have a pretty big following. I went to the game several years back and there were plenty. Got to see David Carr drive up in his longhorn cadillac. Gorgeous!

I'll talk to my brother and see if he wants to do his own setup or check out others. Thanks again!
 

mistylynn0211

Practice Squad
Texans fans are probably some of the more laid back in my opinion. Other fans may disagree. There are knuckleheads at games though. I won't tell you that you won't run into that potentially. I think if you're relaxed and ignore any obnoxious crazy fans that are looking for a fight you should be fine. It's the opposing fans that act really obnoxious and loud and beg for the "back and forth" rhetoric that usually find problems. Hope this helps.

Post in here and talk to the Blue Crew. They are generally very welcoming to out of town tailgaters.
Thanks! I'm not much into the "back and forth" rhetoric. Blue Crew has already hit me up
 

mistylynn0211

Practice Squad
Welcome welcome welcome!!

Don't be afraid to tailgate and please DO accept the Blue Crew's invitation to attend their tailgate. Great food, great friends, and great times. Chock full of people there for the love of being around others. 5'1 120? We gotta put a muzzle on Bill for that day though.

It's pretty much open parking in most lots. Get a pass and park anywhere. There are those who "hold" spaces but it's really open parking.

I don't know what time they will open the gates but you need to be there the second they open them. Tailgating here is quite an experience and takes up the full time allocated prior to the game. Don't be thinking you'll get here a couple hours before the game and get to tailgate. This place is big.
I will definitely take their invitation into consideration. I do want to get there as early as possible to experience everything. Thanks for the help!
 

NitroGSXR

Super Sic #58
I'm sorry alittle confused by this. What do you mean by lot openings?
Platinum lot opens 5 hours prior for tailgating for those with a platinum pass.

All other lots open 4 hours prior for tailgating for those with parking passes

ALL lots open 3 1/2 hours prior for pedestrian tailgating traffic for those with gameday tickets or a tailgate pass.
 

Texan_Bill

Hall of Fame
I'm sorry alittle confused by this. What do you mean by lot openings?
Meaning Platinum Lot, which opens up an hour before any other lot would be honored to have y'all come by and visit us!!! That said, what I'm saying is, if it's 7:20 kick-off you could probably enter at 2:00pm.., not 2:20p, or the other lots 3:00/3:20 time slots.

*EDIT*
Sorry about the confusion.... I drink a lot of cheese! :D
 

mistylynn0211

Practice Squad
Meaning Platinum Lot, which opens up an hour before any other lot would be honored to have y'all come by and visit us!!! That said, what I'm saying is, if it's 7:20 kick-off you could probably enter at 2:00pm.., not 2:20p, or the other lots 3:00/3:20 time slots.

*EDIT*
Sorry about the confusion.... I drink a lot of cheese! :D
Gotcha lol! I'm getting excited!

BTW, are these good seats?

Section 136 Row E Seat 17 & 18
 

mistylynn0211

Practice Squad
YOU better!!!

Seriously, we "Blue Crew" love to have opposing fans come visit us in the "Blue Crew"!!

We'll take care of you and your friends!!! Bring it!!!


Seriously, y'all are more than welcome!!!!
Ok now you are making me want to skip the whole setup thing and come hang with you guys lol. What do we need as far as food and drinks go? I don't drink alcohol much at all but my brother and his friends can put it down like there's no tomorrow lol.
 

Joe Texan

Inducted 04
Misty, do not get a parking pass, park at i will tell you later but i will let you guys and gals ride in in back of my truck. For the ones who just want to tailgate the will need a pass and i will get them they are 10 dollars each. My truck meets at 630 and heads in promptly at 7 am. I say you just bring the beer you like and yourselves and hop into my truck and you will end up smack dab in the middle of the Blue Crew
 

YellowLove84

Practice Squad
Yes, the parking passes are $20 per person this year to Tailgate if you don't already have a pass. The Ambassador's will come around and check for everyone's pass in all the lots, but no worries, if you don't have one because they have plenty on them to sell to you on the spot. Whatever you do though, don't become obnoxious or else they will kick you out of the lot completely.
 

conundrum

Practice Squad
Hi everyone!

I just got tickets for the Baltimore game! I was wondering where you guys recommend going to tailgate or who is welcome to some Austinites joining their tailgate.

I went to a few games last year and tailgated with my former roommates cousin.
Thought it would be cool to meet some new people this year, thanks in advance for any help!
 
Just got home from spending first part of season in Oklahoma. I want to go to the greenbay game but 3 or 4 hundred is a bit pricy for a single ticket for me. If I get any parking pass am I good for taigating? Can I watch the game from the lot? Been a Houston sports team fan all my life (41yrs). I need to be part of 6-0 start. Any advice?
 

texanmojo

Shotgun 30 Time
Just got home from spending first part of season in Oklahoma. I want to go to the greenbay game but 3 or 4 hundred is a bit pricy for a single ticket for me. If I get any parking pass am I good for taigating? Can I watch the game from the lot? Been a Houston sports team fan all my life (41yrs). I need to be part of 6-0 start. Any advice?
A Parking pass is NOT sufficient to watch the game in the lot. To get into the lot, you must have a game ticket or a tailgating pass.
 

Norg

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
They should open,the tailgate up to the public it felt like Woodstock. Now its,like ghost town at the tail gate
 

Gouldo

From the land down under with vegemite sangas.
Hi guys.

Just reading the posts, and I too have a few questions. I am from Australia, and have been to the states three times before, but never to a football game, so some of the customs and cultures you have I need to get my head around. No disrespect intended trust me.

I will be in Houston for the Miami game Thursday night Oct 25, and intend of taking in the experience of tailgating prior to the game. We haven't got tickets yet, just finalising a few things. The questions I have.

1. tailgating. What happens there. As a visitor, and all the cooking and drinking that goes on, do the tailgaters offer visitors food, do visitors offer to purchase food, drinks etc. Without wanting to offend any tailgaters, how does it run.

2. With the Thursday night game, what changes from a sunday arvo game. How much time should a newbie get to the stadium to take in all this stuff? Is Thursday night a pain in the ass traffic wise. It looks like we may be staying in Galveston for 3 night so thats gotta be taken into account with times and travel etc,

3. The food that is for sale in the stadium, what do you recommend. Spicy stuff is out, but the missus and I love hot dogs, beers, but what is the 'must try houston specialty.'

4. Parking - is it a nightmare, or do I park a few miles out and uber it in.

Thanks for the impending replies.

Looking forward too meeting and having a beer with you guys.

Brad
 

disaacks3

Moderator
Staff member
Hi guys.

Just reading the posts, and I too have a few questions. I am from Australia, and have been to the states three times before, but never to a football game, so some of the customs and cultures you have I need to get my head around. No disrespect intended trust me.

I will be in Houston for the Miami game Thursday night Oct 25, and intend of taking in the experience of tailgating prior to the game. We haven't got tickets yet, just finalising a few things. The questions I have.

1. tailgating. What happens there. As a visitor, and all the cooking and drinking that goes on, do the tailgaters offer visitors food, do visitors offer to purchase food, drinks etc. Without wanting to offend any tailgaters, how does it run. It depends largely on the tailgate. Some are family-friendly and take all comers, while others have "memberships" and expect a certain amount of $$ to guarantee drinks and food.

2. With the Thursday night game, what changes from a sunday arvo game. How much time should a newbie get to the stadium to take in all this stuff? Is Thursday night a pain in the ass traffic wise. It looks like we may be staying in Galveston for 3 night so thats gotta be taken into account with times and travel etc, Yes, Thursday night games are a pain in the a**. Galveston to stadium commute would be insane (45-50 miles). I'd head into town early that day and make sure I was in the stadium area by 3pm. (Without a parking pass to that area, you cannot enter until 30 min. AFTER that lot permits parking) Note that many tailgate groups will cut short, or have less amenities than usual due to the abnormal start.

3. The food that is for sale in the stadium, what do you recommend. Spicy stuff is out, but the missus and I love hot dogs, beers, but what is the 'must try houston specialty.' Killen's BBQ. Look for local beers on tap at some of the "Bar" locations
Map to concession location - http://www.houstontexans.com/gameday/concession-maps.html


4. Parking - is it a nightmare, or do I park a few miles out and uber it in. For Thursday night, it'll be a nightmare unless you are in the immediate area beforehand. There is no official lot that takes cash. Without pre-paid parking, you have a couple of options. One of the easiest is park-and-ride from Metro, where you can take the train (rail) right to the edge of NRG property. Alternatively, you could take Uber from anywhere near downtown to the stadium, though pick-up would be a bit more entertaining (as it'd be hard to get through the exodus to get you).

Thanks for the impending replies.

Looking forward too meeting and having a beer with you guys.

Brad
Answers in bold above. Feel free to ask for clarification on anything.
 

Gouldo

From the land down under with vegemite sangas.
Many thanks mate. That has helped a lot. Can't wait to experience this.
 

austins23

Hall of Fame
Picked up 2 tix today. Section 520. row B. End zone up high. Keen as mustard. Thanks everyone.
You will enjoy the view from there. right between the goalposts. You get to see the play develop. Hope you find a good tailgate...
 

Gouldo

From the land down under with vegemite sangas.
So guys, parking at the stadium. Is section 520 at the same end as the Blue car park?

I am looking at Blue 6, Row 35. About $38 . Via seatgeek. This blue 6, row 35, i take it that its a multi story car park. I think from previous posts, the blue car park is where most of the tailgating goes on. Is this right?

Brad
 
Last edited:

Speedy

Former Yeller Dweller
520 is north end zone. Blue lot is south. Not that big a deal though. I park in yellow, enter the stadium on the north end and walk the concourse around to where my seats are on the south end.
 
Top