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Rice Stadium - home of Rice in Houston, TX
NCAA FBS

Rice StadiumHouston, Texas

Rice

👥
Capacity
47,000
🏆
Conference
American
📅
Opened
1950
🌱
Surface
AstroTurf 3D60H Synthetic Turf

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📖About Rice Stadium

Rice Stadium is a mid-century modern architectural marvel that hosted JFK's famous moon speech and Super Bowl VIII. Built in 1950 without a track for better sightlines, the 47,000-seat venue features 70 concrete arches on each side.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1950 to replace Rice Field. Walter P Moore's first sports project was completed in just nine months using 24-hour shifts. The design eliminated the running track to bring fans closer to the action.

Major Renovations

1950Original capacity increased from 70,000 to accommodate inaugural crowds
2006Capacity reduced to 47,000; new end zone seating added

Notable Moments

Sep 12, 1962President John F. Kennedy delivered famous moon speech
Jan 13, 1974Super Bowl VIII: Miami Dolphins defeated Minnesota Vikings 24-7
Jan 1, 1954Cotton Bowl: Rice defeated Alabama 28-6 for only national title

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Excellent sightlines throughout due to no-track design. West side has shade in afternoon games. 70 arches frame the bowl.

Parking Tips

Rice campus lots available. Street parking in West University neighborhood. Light rail stops nearby.

Game Day

Walk the beautiful Rice campus before games. The stadium offers ocean-like openness rare for football venues. Historic architecture throughout.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Two Headed Dog

$$

Eclectic Midtown bar with a great patio and creative cocktails.

📍 2.1 miles3100 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77004

💡 A fun spot with a divey feel but high-quality drinks. Great for a post-game wind-down.

Valhalla

$

Legendary student-run pub located right on the Rice campus in the basement of Keck Hall.

📍 0.4 miles6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005

💡 Iconic Rice experience. Known for extremely cheap beer and a very academic-but-friendly vibe.

🍽️Restaurants

Breakfast Klub

$$

Houston institution famous for catfish and grits, and wings and waffles.

📍 2.5 miles3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

💡 Expect a line, but it moves fast. Essential Houston breakfast before a noon kickoff.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

$$

Gourmet burger spot in nearby Rice Village with unique toppings and great shakes.

📍 0.8 miles5535 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77005

💡 Perfect for families; the Rice Village location is very walkable from campus.

🏨Hotels

The Westin Houston Medical Center

$$$

Modern hotel located right next to the Rice campus and the Texas Medical Center.

📍 0.6 miles1709 Dryden Rd, Houston, TX 77030

💡 Very convenient for those who want to be within walking distance of the stadium.

Hotel ZaZa Museum District

$$$$

Stylish, boutique hotel with unique 'magnificent seven' suites and a great pool.

📍 0.8 miles5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005

💡 A more upscale, trendy option located in the heart of the Museum District.

🎭Attractions

James Turrell 'Twilight Epiphany' Skyspace

Free

Stunning light installation on the Rice campus, best viewed at sunrise or sunset.

📍 0.4 milesSuzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion, Houston, TX 77005

💡 A peaceful and visually incredible experience. Reservations are recommended for sunset sequences.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Greenbriar Lot

$20
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Largest public parking lot for Rice football games. Enter via Greenbriar Dr.

🅿️

West Stadium Lot

$30
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Closest public parking to the stadium. Fills up very quickly.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Rice Stadium? Share it with us.

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🔥Rivals

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John O'Quinn Field at Space City Financial Stadium

Houston

Bayou Bucket Classic

Houston, TX

→

Gerald J. Ford Stadium

SMU

Battle for the Mayor's Cup

University Park, TX

→

Skelly Field at H. A. Chapman Stadium

Tulsa

Tulsa, OK

Stadiums Near Rice Stadium

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NRG Stadium

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Houston, TX2 mi
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John O'Quinn Field at Space City Financial Stadium

Houston

Houston, TX4 mi
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Shell Energy Stadium

Texas Southern Tigers

Houston, Texas4 mi
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Daikin Park

Houston Astros

Houston, TX4 mi
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Husky Stadium

Houston Christian Huskies

Houston, Texas6 mi
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Panther Stadium

Prairie View A&M Panthers

Prairie View, Texas44 mi

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.