Houston: The Undisputed King (Except When It's Not) of Hosting Final Fours
Ah, Houston. The city that brings to mind rodeos, refineries, and, for college basketball fans, a burning question: Has Houston ever hosted a Final Four? Buckle up, because this story is about to take a surprising three-pointer straight to your funny bone.
Hold on, wasn't that a trick question?
Nope! Believe it or not, Houston has actually hosted the Final Four a whopping four times. That's right, four. We're talking 1971, 2011, 2016, and most recently, in 2023. Seems like Houston's got a knack for throwing a March Madness party, huh?
But here's where things get a little...interesting.
The University of Houston Cougars themselves, those guys with the ferocious paws? Well, they've never actually played in the championship game despite their six appearances in the Final Four (tied for 10th most all-time!). That's a lotta Final Four heartbreak, folks. Maybe next year, Coogs? We're rooting for you (and hoping you don't steal all the good barbecue in the process).
So, what's the deal with Houston and the Final Four?
Is there some secret sauce they put in the water that makes the city a Final Four magnet? Are they just really good at throwing parties? The truth, as always, is probably somewhere in between. Houston's a vibrant city with a passionate fanbase, and that energy translates well to hosting a major sporting event.
Here's a little conspiracy theory for you:
Maybe Houston is secretly hoping to host a Final Four every time so they can finally will the hometown team to victory through sheer force of hosting power. It's a long shot, but hey, stranger things have happened (just ask the team that won the championship in 2023 – we won't spoil the surprise!).
The Final Buzzer
Houston's got a strong case for being a Final Four hosting champion. Whether the city can translate that success to their own team remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure: Houston knows how to throw a heck of a basketball party, and we can't wait to see what March Madness magic they cook up next. Just don't forget to save some barbecue for the rest of us!
