Cover Photo by Raphael Fernandez
Like the blast of Rockets, reminiscent of Cougars’ roars, or like the thrill of astronauts low enough in Earth’s Orbit to gaze at Orion, this is the kind of cheer and energy Houston Texans bring when they Dash into any stadium stands.
Houston sports play an integral role in both campus culture and the broader community. Whether it’s the city’s professional teams or the Cougars right on campus, life in Houston allows for the immersion in a vibrant sports scene that is as diverse as the city it is in.
So, it is important to get familiar with the various teams in the city.
Houston Astros, formerly known as the Houston Colt .45s
Debut season: 1965
Stadium: Daikin Park
Mascot: Orbit
Since moving to the American League in 2013, the Astros have become a powerhouse, making seven consecutive American League Championship Series appearances from 2017 to 2023 and capturing two World Series titles in 2017 and 2022.
The team formerly played in the Astrodome, the first domed stadium nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Although no longer in use, it remains a historic Houston landmark and gave rise to the term “AstroTurf” for artificial grass.
The Astros’ Triple-A affiliate, Sugar Land Space Cowboys, play just outside of Houston. The team’s mascot Orion is Orbit’s cosmic cousin.
Fun fact: Both teams light up the city sky with fireworks displays after Friday night home games.
Houston Rockets, formerly San Diego Rockets
Debut season: 1967-68
Arena: Toyota Center
Mascot: Clutch the Bear
The Rockets recently welcomed 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant, who is set to make his Houston debut when the NBA season begins this October.
The team’s last championships came in 1994 and 1995, led by former Houston Cougars and Phi Slama Jama members Hakeem Olajuwon, who starred in both titles, and Clyde Drexler, who joined for the 1995 championship run.
The Rockets moved to Houston in 1971 from San Diego, with their name perfectly reflecting the city’s deep ties to NASA. This season, the team is bringing back its “Dunkstronaut” City Edition uniforms, last worn during the 2023-24 season. These feature a dunking astronaut, paying homage both to the high-flying legacy of Phi Slama Jama and Houston’s long-standing relationship with space exploration.
Houston Texans
Debut season: 2002
Arena: NRG Stadium
Mascot: Toro the Bull
The Texans, the NFL’s youngest franchise, brought professional football back to Houston after the Oilers relocated to Tennessee in 1997.
Now, a new era is taking shape in Houston. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has quickly become the new face of Texans football since being drafted in 2023, leading the team to back-to-back AFC South division titles.
In the same draft, the team made history by selecting former University of Houston standout receiver Tank Dell, the first Cougar ever drafted by the organization. Since joining the Texans, Dell has emerged as a symbol of resilience. Despite suffering two season-ending injuries early in his career, he remains determined to return to the field and continue making an impact.
Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash
Debut seasons: 2006, 2014
Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium
Mascot: Diesel the Fox
The Dynamo exploded onto the scene, winning the MLS Cup during their first two seasons in the league in 2006 and 2007.
Today, the Dynamo and their NWSL counterpart, the Houston Dash, share branding and ownership, part of a growing movement in professional sports to unify men’s and women’s programs under one organizational banner.
University of Houston men’s basketball
Debut season: 1945-46
Arena: Fertitta Center
Mascot: Cougars Shasta & Sasha
The Cougars are coming off their first national championship appearance in 41 years and their first under Coach Kelvin Sampson.
Since taking over in 2014, Sampson has turned Houston into one of the winningest programs in college basketball. They’ve advanced to six consecutive Sweet 16s and consistently developed top-tier talent, most notably producing NBA players like Quentin Grimes, Jarace Walker, Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead.
University of Houston football
Debut season: 1946
Stadium: TDECU Stadium
Mascot: Cougars Shasta & Sasha
In 1989, Andre Ware made history as the first Black quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy, putting the University of Houston on the national stage.
Two decades later, Case Keenum, who played from 2007 to 2011, finished his college career with the most passing yards and touchdowns in NCAA history.
Now, the Cougars are entering a new era with the arrival of quarterback Conner Weigman, a highly touted transfer from Texas A&M, who is set to lead Houston into its next chapter in the Big 12.
Houston’s professional sports landscape continues to grow with the addition of the Houston SaberCats in 2017 and League One Volleyball Houston in 2023.
Fun Fact: Many of Houston’s professional sports teams provide student discounts for select games, giving UH students the perfect chance to engage with the city’s sports culture at a lower cost. The University of Houston also fields 17 varsity sports teams, all offering free student admission, making it easy for students to cheer on their fellow Cougars.
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