Houston: Hotbed of Hoops (and Occasionally Hosting the Final Four)
Ah, Houston. Home to rodeos, refineries, and a whole lot of folks who take their basketball seriously. But how seriously does Houston take the NCAA's granddaddy of them all, the Final Four? Well, let's just say they've dipped their metaphorical toes in the championship waters a few times, but haven't quite done a cannonball...yet.
From the Astrodome to NRG Stadium: Houston's Final Four Footprint
Houston's journey as a Final Four host began back in 1971, when the iconic (and slightly terrifying) Astrodome played host. Think about it: UCLA, the powerhouse of the era, battling it out under that giant, white roof. Must have been a sight to see (and sweat through)!
Fast forward a few decades, and Houston found itself back in the Final Four hosting game in 2011. This time, the shiny new NRG Stadium took center stage. Fun fact: NRG Park, the whole complex where the stadium sits, is actually nicknamed "The Energy Corridor." Seems fitting for a place where college basketball's biggest stars bring the heat, wouldn't you say?
Third Time's the Charm? Houston Scores Another Final Four in 2016
Apparently, Houston has a thing for threes (well, at least in Final Four hosting). 2016 saw the city snag the hosting duties once again, with NRG Stadium back in the spotlight. Maybe someone on the selection committee is a big fan of Texas BBQ? Just a thought.
Houston's Hosting Hat Trick: A Sign of Things to Come?
Bold Alert Four! That's the magic number for how many times Houston has hosted the Final Four, most recently in 2023. Maybe it's a sign. Maybe the city's got that special Final Four hosting mojo. Here's hoping that Houston will become a regular on the Final Four hosting circuit, because who wouldn't want to see another epic college basketball showdown in a city that knows how to have a good time (and probably has a killer post-game party scene)?
So, there you have it. Houston: a city that loves its basketball, has a knack for throwing unforgettable Final Four parties, and might just be building a championship hosting dynasty. Stay tuned, college basketball fans, the next chapter in Houston's Final Four story could be just around the corner.
