Rice

Stadium


Rice Stadium

Capacity:
47,000
Country:
United States of America
Address:
6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Surface:
Fieldturf
Conference:
CUSA
Tenant:
Rice Owls
Opened:
September 30, 1950
Team:
Rice Owls football
Cost:
$3.295 million; ($40.1 million in 2022 dollars)
Our Reminder on Things to Do for the Best Experience
  1. Buy Tickets in Advance: Secure your tickets well in advance to get the best seats and avoid last-minute hassles. Check for additional Parking Passes. Check security requirements possibly no bags, or clear bags only?
  2. Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the stadium before the game starts. This will allow you to find parking, navigate the stadium, and soak in the pre-game atmosphere.
  3. Check the Schedule: Know the game schedule, as well as any pre-game events, tailgating parties, or fan experiences that might be happening on that day.
  4. Parking: Research parking options in advance, and consider using rideshare services or public transportation to avoid parking headaches.
  5. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you might be walking around a lot.
  6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  7. Bring ID and Tickets: Make sure to have your ID and tickets ready for security checks and entry into the stadium.
  8. Explore the Stadium: Take some time to explore the stadium, including its various levels and amenities.
  9. Try Local Food: Check out the food and beverage options within the stadium. Many stadiums offer local cuisine and unique food items.
  10. Capture Memories: Take photos to capture the memories. The stadium's design and the energetic crowd make for great photo opportunities.
  11. Respect Fan Etiquette: Respect the fans around you, regardless of which team they're supporting. Engaging in good sportsmanship enhances the overall experience.
  12. Follow Security Guidelines: Be aware of the stadium's security guidelines and cooperate with security personnel for a smooth entry process.
  13. Plan for Post-Game Traffic: Consider that traffic leaving the stadium can be heavy after the game ends. Have a plan for transportation after the event.
  14. Visit the Team Store: Check out the team store for merchandise and souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
  15. Download Apps: If the stadium has an official app, download it for real-time updates, interactive experiences, and information about the event.
  16. Respect Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations to ensure a trouble-free experience.
  17. Weather Preparedness: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly if the game is outdoors or has an outdoor component.
  18. Check for COVID-19 Guidelines: Stay updated on any COVID-19 related protocols or guidelines.
  19. Enjoy the Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the excitement of being at a live game, cheer with fellow fans, and create lasting memories.

Home of the Rice Owls football team, Rice Stadium is the largest stadium in the conference. By 1950, a new stadium for the Rice football program was needed as the old Rice Field was showing its age. Construction for a new stadium began in January 1950 and was completed nine months later.


The Owls made their debut at the stadium on September 30, 1950 against Santa Clara. The stadium had a seating capacity of 70,000 when it opened. The lower deck encloses the playing field and upper decks are located on both sides of the gridiron. In the 1990s Rice Stadium saw several improvements: new lights in 1995, new scoreboards in 1996 and the following year, new Astroturf. In recent years there have been several improvements to Rice Stadium. The Astroturf playing surface was replaced with Fieldturf and a new scoreboard was added in 2006. Current capacity of Rice Stadium is listed at 47,000 because sections of the stadium are covered with tarps. Other than being the home of the Rice Owls, the stadium was home of the Houston Oilers before they moved in the Houston Astrodome. It was also the site of Super Bowl VIII between the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings. In recent years there has been discussions of possibly replacing the stadium with a smaller one for the team as average attendance for games is under 20,000.