HOUSTON – After a long offseason, Texans fans returned to the parking lots Sunday as Houston hosted the Buffalo Bills.
For many fans, the tailgate matters as much as what happens inside Reliant Stadium. Charles Randle Jr. said the atmosphere brings people together.
“The craziest thing to me is the way people interact with each other. It’s just a lot of fun.”
Martin Melendez said Texans tailgates welcome everyone—even fans supporting the visiting team.
“People are just friendly, fun, and loving the Texans. It doesn’t matter if it’s the away team. People are welcome,” Melendez said.
Fans also said the food helps turn game day into a neighborhood-style celebration.
“The food’s great, and people are very excited to give it to you,” Melendez said. “It’s like walking into somebody’s backyard: ‘Hey, have a bite.’”
For Johnathan Garcia, there’s no shortage of tailgate activities. But his favorites include: “Probably the cornhole, listening to music and chilling with people around you—and spending time with people you rarely get to see, but you see them here tailgating,” Garcia said.
Tailgate tickets are required for the Texans’ official tailgate events and are sold separately from parking passes. Tickets for the Sept. 20 game against the Cincinnati Bengals were listed at just under $35. Fans can check availability here.
“I’m just glad it’s back. It’s something to watch,” Melendez said.
Randle Jr. said he enjoys seeing the entire fan base involved.
“I like to see everyone involved,” Randle Jr. said.
With nine home games on Houston’s schedule this season, Texans fans will have plenty of opportunities to keep the tailgate tradition going.
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