For those looking to bet on the 2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas, Texas Tech is currently favored by 13 points. Here are details on the festivities in and around the bowl game and Houston.
The Bayou City welcomes the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers this New Year’s Weekend as they face off against Texas Tech in the 2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas.
The Red Raiders (7-5 for the season) will play the Golden Gophers (6-6) in the nationally televised game on Friday Dec. 28 at Reliant Stadium. Kickoff is 8 pm CST and tickets are now on sale via Ticketmaster.
Fans will want to arrive early at Reliant on game day for TexFest, a party that brings together the best of Texas music and food for the ultimate tailgate. Cheer on the Golden Gophers as they make their way inside the stadium during the team Spirit Walks. And you won’t want to miss national recording artist Mark McKinney on the Bud Light Stage. After the game, watch the sky above Reliant Stadium light up with the largest holiday fireworks show in Texas.
The Hyatt Regency Houston in Downtown is the official fan hotel for Minnesota fans. Staying Downtown puts visitors in the heart of the action, with easy access to dining, nightlife and attractions. Houston’s acclaimed Museum District, Midtown bars and clubs and the game at Reliant are just a short ride from Downtown aboard the MetroRail. A list of major events happening that weekend is below.
The Meineke Car Care Bowl, previously known as the Texas Bowl, has been played since 2006. Each year the game matches up a team from the Big 12 against the Big 10, generating roughly $29 million for the Houston economy. Last year’s game between Texas A&M and Northwestern University drew more than 68,000 fans. This will be the first Meineke Bowl for both Minnesota and Texas Tech.
“As someone who spent 20 years living in Minneapolis, it’s going to be great to welcome the Gophers to Houston,” says Greg Ortale, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The Meineke Car Care Bowl has quickly become a local tradition, giving us an opportunity to showcase Houston to a new set of people who might not otherwise travel here. The Bowl means a lot to the city and our hospitality community.”
Big Events
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Dec. 29 at 7 pm
New Year’s Eve Houston
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve at the Hyatt
Dec. 31
Portraits of Spain: Masterpieces of the Prado(museum exhibit)
Ongoing
Zoo Lights
Through Jan. 5
War Photography: Images of Armed Conflict (museum exhibit)
Ongoing
Maya 2012: Prophecy Becomes Reality(museum exhibit)
Ongoing