I was in Houston last week and I got to take in my first NFL game. The Texans vs the Colts. (Sorry Jer really wanted to get away and hook up but my Sister would have killed me as this was my first visit next time for sure !)

I got to appreciate what a huge deal this is. Scored some really good tickets on Craigslist for my Dad, Brother-in-law and his son. My Brother-in-Law and I walked around before the game so I could get a feel for what Tailgating was all about. All I can say is Beer Gardens is the best way I can describe it. Fantastic atmosphere.

Reliant Stadium is very nice , and towers over the old Astrodome (I remember when the Astrodome was state of the art!). The Texans put on a great show and had Manning and the Colts on their heels for about 3/4 of the game. Then an interception and Manning doing his magic.

Regardless it was quite an experience to see firsthand and here are a few shots from the day.

Click on image for full view

TailGating was amazing - there was small BBQ'S to full sized ones, Beer flowing freely , food galore , TV's, Music, Live bands and this was just one of several stadium parking lots.



Me in front of the stadium shooting the Bull drinking what barely passes for Beer (but hey it was a buck at the tailgaitng - same beer was $7.50 inside)



Lots of action and not all of it was on the field



The home team comming out to a roaring crowd



The Texans owned the first half - here is Manning after a QB sack.



And another Texan First Down (a popular announcement - at least in the first half)



But then Manning got down to buisness .....



The Trenches man these are some big men ....



Like Pinball eveyone gets hits !



And a fisheye view of the Stadium like I said we had great seats 40 yard line , lower bowl about 26 rows up.



It was a good day - Totally missed the Grey Cup haha had to go online to see the score. Since the Esk's were not in it , that was ok .... I was watching football none the less.

[Oldschool]

Dave, Great series. It looks like you had a good time.

[Sailor]

Not to worry, Dave - we'll get together next time.

Believe it or not, I've never been in Reliant. However, if you happened to see the Pep Band, you saw my son-in-law, who plays trumpet with that group. My daughter and granddaughter also were at the game.

Great series of photos - looks like you had a great time.

Jer

[daacon]

Dave, Great series. It looks like you had a good time.

Thanks I had a great time considering the alternative was 'shopping' with the ladies

Not to worry, Dave - we'll get together next time.
Believe it or not, I've never been in Reliant. However, if you happened to see the Pep Band, you saw my son-in-law, who plays trumpet with that group. My daughter and granddaughter also were at the game.
Great series of photos - looks like you had a great time.
Jer

It's quite a park Jer you should check it out. I did see th Pep Band they were on the sunny side - cool so we almost less than 6 degrees of seperation haha I was in Section 105 Row EE seat 22 I wonder how close they were. Nrxt time for sure this time is was just a qucik trip and it was Thanksgiving weekend so eveyone had family over. We did a quick day trip to Gavleston , I looked for your boat haha ......

[Rense]

Great shots Dave!

[Jimbo]

Cool images Dave and you missed a interesting ended to the Grey Cup. Sorry I missed you when I was in Edmonton. Cheers and love these shots. JIM

[8540tomg]

Great series Dave,

Screw the football game. Got any more of those cheerleader shots?

Tom G

[daacon]

Great shots Dave!

Thanks Rense appreaciate you stopping by.

Cool images Dave and you missed a interesting ended to the Grey Cup. Sorry I missed you when I was in Edmonton. Cheers and love these shots. JIM

Thanks Jim - yeah I heard and read Saskatchewan had a little trouble counting ... what a way to lose .. .gotta feel for them.

Great series Dave,
Screw the football game. Got any more of those cheerleader shots?
Tom G

THanks Tom haha well I posted them in the POTW thread already but what they heck these birds deserve some double postings ..

[cupic]

Mate you had the best seat there whats to complain about the fisheye lenses working perfect give you/and all of us a great shot looks to be a blockbuster of a game TFS

cheers

[Sailor]

. . . . . .but what they heck these birds deserve some double postings ..

All My EX's Live in Texas.

Jer

[8540tomg]

Thats more like it Dave.

It was a little chilly for this sort of stuff at the Grey Cup.

Tom G

[daacon]

Mate you had the best seat there whats to complain about the fisheye lenses working perfect give you/and all of us a great shot looks to be a blockbuster of a game TFS
cheers

Thanks Ivan good seats indeed great way to spend a sunny Sunday.

All My EX's Live in Texas.
Jer

now come Jer if that were the case you would be driving a Pontiac and not a Porsche

Thats more like it Dave.
It was a little chilly for this sort of stuff at the Grey Cup.
Tom G

haha Yeah ya gotta catch the July / August games in the CFL for that kind of action (have some Pictures of the Esk Cheerleaders from an August game as well)