FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018

The University of Houston Cougars and the Washington State Cougars will meet for the seventh installment of the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff on Friday, Sept. 13 at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.  The two teams will meet for the first time since the 1988 Aloha Bowl when Washington State won 24-22.

“The AdvoCare Texas Kickoff has become a premier early season college football tradition and the 2019 event is no exception,” said General Manager of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment David Fletcher. “We look forward to welcoming the University of Houston Cougars, the Washington State Cougars and their respective passionate fan bases to NRG Stadium for this special Friday night lights edition of the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff.” 

Washington State leads the all-time series, 2-1, with WSU winning 32-18 in 1959 and Houston capturing a 21-7 victory in 1966. Both of these games took place in Houston.

“We are very pleased to showcase these two outstanding programs in the early season 2019 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game,” said Pete Derzis, ESPN senior vice president of college sports programming and ESPN events. “Both schools have dedicated alumni and engaged fan bases and the expectation is a great crowd on hand for the Kickoff matchup.”

This season, Houston is 8-3 overall, with a 5-2 conference record. The Cougars are bowl eligible for the sixth straight season, the best streak in program history. With one of the nation's top offenses, Houston ranks second nationally in total offense with 546.1 yards per game while ranking fourth nationally in scoring offense with 47.8 points per game. It has three games this season over 600 yards of total offense.

University of Houston Head Coach Major Applewhite is in his second season after finishing the 2017 season with a record of 7-6 including an appearance in the Hawaii Bowl. Applewhite, who has 14 years of coaching experience including seven as an offensive coordinator, has coached in 12 bowl games, four of which have been the New Year’s Six variety including the 2010 BCS National Championship. Applewhite’s first season as a head coach started off with adversity as Houston was hit with one of the nation’s most devastating natural disasters in Hurricane Harvey. Applewhite rallied his team to a seven-win season and finishing second in The American West.

“We are honored to receive the invitation to participate in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff,” said University of Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman. “We have fond memories from our last action in the event and look forward to creating more in front of our hometown fans in a primetime nationally-televised game.”

Washington State ranks seventh in the Associated Press Top-25 with a 10-1 overall record and a 7-1 record in conference play. The Cougars are 10-1 for the first time since 1997 which matches the program record for wins. The team leads the nation in passing offense with 400.5 yards per.

Washington State Head Coach Mike Leach is in his seventh season and finished the 2017 season with a 9-4 record. In 2015, Leach was named the Pac-12 Co-Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, WSU has had three nine-win seasons in the past four years, one including the 2018 season where at least two games remain. He has guided the Cougars to four bowl appearances in his first six years, a first for a WSU head coach, and the only head coach to lead WSU to three-straight bowl games. The Cougars opened the 2017 season with six-straight victories and posted wins over No. 5 USC and No. 18 Stanford. Once again, the Cougar offense ranked among the national leaders in passing offense (2nd) while the defense ranked in the national top 25 in seven categories.

“We are excited to face a quality program such as the Houston Cougars next year in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff Game at NRG Stadium,” said Washington State Director of Athletic Pat Chun. “It provides our fan base the opportunity to see a tremendous nonconference opponent in a great part of the country, while giving our student-athletes the chance to play in a world-class stadium.”

The game will mark the seventh year of the partnership between Lone Star Sports & Entertainment and ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, to bring a top early season college football events to NRG Stadium each year.

A special presale for advance tickets will start today, Tuesday, Nov. 20 and fans can visit www.advocaretexaskickoff.com for more information. Initial ticket prices will range from $30-125.  Fans can also call 832-667-2390 for more information on suites, group tickets and premium hospitality.

 

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston with events that create a direct annual economic impact of more than $100 million for the City of Houston. In addition to the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl and the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff, LSSE has emerged as a premier host for international soccer matches, including the 2017 Manchester Derby, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cups.  LSSE has also reinvigorated the Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted major concerts featuring Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and country superstars including George Strait and Kenny Chesney.

ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a large portfolio of 32 collegiate sporting events worldwide. The roster includes three Labor Day weekend college football games; FCS opening-weekend game; 15 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, a college softball event and two college award shows, which accounts for approximately 375-plus hours of live programming, reaches almost 64 million viewers and attracts over 800,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boca Raton, Boise, Dallas-Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Montgomery and St. Petersburg, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

ESPN Events also manages the Big 12 Corporate Partner Program.

Collegiate Football
Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl (Houston); AdvoCare Texas Kickoff (Houston); Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl (Atlanta); Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl (Tampa, Fla.); Birmingham Bowl (Alabama); Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl (Florida); Camping World Kickoff (Orlando, Fla.); Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise); DXL Frisco Bowl (Texas); Guardian Credit Union FCS Kickoff (Montgomery, Ala.); Hawai’i Bowl (Honolulu); Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Dallas-Fort Worth); Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl (Nassau); Myrtle Beach Bowl (South Carolina); MEAC/SWAC Challenge (Atlanta); Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl (Nevada); New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque); Raycom Media Camellia Bowl (Montgomery, Ala.); SERVPRO First Responder Bowl (Dallas-Fort Worth);  The Home Depot College Football Awards (Atlanta)

Collegiate Basketball

AdvoCare Invitational (Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.); Armed Forces Classic (Fort Bliss, Texas); Charleston Classic (South Carolina); College Basketball Awards Presented by Wendy’s (Los Angeles); Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic (Honolulu); Jimmy V Men’s Classic presented by Corona (New York City); Jimmy V Women’s Classic Presented by Corona (South Bend, Ind.); Myrtle Beach Invitational (Conway, S.C.); NIT Season Tip-Off (Brooklyn, N.Y.); State Farm Champions Classic (Indianapolis) and Wooden Legacy (Fullerton, Calif.)

Collegiate Softball

St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational (Clearwater, Fla.)

For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

 -30-

 Media Contacts:   

AdvoCare Texas Kickoff: Allie LeClair at 832-667-2050; allie.leclair@houstontexans.com
ESPN Events: Anna Negron at 860-766-2233; anna.m.negron@espn.com

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

HOUSTON – Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the leading publication for all things football in Texas, and the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl proudly announce the 100-player Watch List for the Mr. Texas Football High School Player of the Year Award presented by Wells Fargo. The voters, when appropriate, will add players to the watch list.

Mr. Texas Football presented by Wells Fargo annually recognizes the most outstanding high school football player in the state of Texas. Each week, fans are given a chance to vote for the player of the week on www.texasfootball.com. At the end of the high school football season, 10 finalists will be named. Fans can then cast their vote as to who should be named Mr. Texas Football. The winner of the 2018 Mr. Texas Football Award presented by Wells Fargo will be announced prior to the 2018 Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl, which will be played on Thursday, Dec. 27 at NRG Stadium in Houston.  

Current players of this year’s watch list include:

• WR Garrett Wilson of Lake Travis
• DL Demarvin Leal of Converse Judson
• RB Deondrick Glass of Katy
• ATH Jalen Catalon of Mansfield Legacy
• RB Deion Hankins of El Paso Parkland
• OL Javonne Shephard of Houston North Forest
• RB Daimarqua Foster of Wichita Falls Hirschi
• QB Roschon Johnson of Port Neches-Groves
• QB Luke Latimer of Childress
• QB Grant Gunnell of Houston St. Pius X

Former winners of the award include 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel (2010 winner, Kerrville Tivy), Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray (2013 and 2014 winner, Allen) former Texas Longhorns running back Johnathan Gray (2011 winner, Aledo), Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (2007 winner, Lamar Consolidated) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Garrett Gilbert (2008 winner, Lake Travis). Oklahoma State freshman quarterback Spencer Sanders took home the award in 2017.

The 2018 Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl will once again feature a matchup between Big 12 and SEC opponents. The 2017 Texas Bowl, which was among the top-5 most-attended bowls in the country for the fourth consecutive year, featured the Texas Longhorns, representing the Big 12 Conference, and the Missouri Tigers, representing the SEC. The Longhorns defeated the Tigers 33-16 behind a virtuoso performance by the Horns defense. Overall, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl has ranked fourth in attendance since 2014, trailing only the Rose, Cotton and Peach Bowls in that time. 

For more information on the Mr. Texas Football Award, visit http://www.academytexasbowl.com/ or www.texasfootball.com.

About the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl

The Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a subsidiary of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. The Bowl will showcase teams from the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the country’s premier conferences, for the next three years. The Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field over its first 12 years as it is the 4^th most-attended bowl in the country since 2014. The bowl generates nearly $50 million annually for the Houston economy and has donated more than $1,200,000 in financial support and millions more in promotional support to DePelchin Children’s Center, the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary.

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football:

For nearly 60 years, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has been “the bible” to millions of football fans across the Lone Star State. The annual summer edition of the magazine remains a rite of passage for all Texans, previewing every football team in the state — from the rabid world of Texas high school football, through the college ranks, and into the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. Over the course of six decades, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football remains the undisputed leader in Texas high school football, Texas college football and more.

TexasFootball.com is the online home of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, covering high school football, college football and recruiting all across the Lone Star State. From thought-provoking commentary to videos to podcasts to its daily live show, nobody covers football in Texas like TexasFootball.com.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Aug. 27, 2018

HOUSTON – Texas Tech University and University of Mississippi will have two of their most renowned alumni serve as honorary captains when the two schools face off in the 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff at NRG Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 1. Former Ole Miss running back Deuce McAllister and former Texas Tech wide receiver and running back Wes Welker will represent their schools at midfield prior to kickoff at 11 a.m. CT.

Deuce McAllister is the only player in the history of Ole Miss Football to record three seasons with over 1,000 all-purpose yards. He finished his college career as the programs leading rusher and touchdown scorer with 3,060 yards and 41 touchdowns. He was named to the All-Southeastern Conference twice in 1999 and 2000. During the 2001 Draft, McAllister was the 23rd over-all draft pick by the New Orleans Saints. He went on to rush for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons for the Saints, which was a first in the history of the organization. Throughout his 10 years with the organization, two-time Pro Bowl selection played in 97 games, had 1,429 rush attempts for 6,096 yards, scored 55 touchdowns and completed 234 receptions for 1,720 yards. McAllister set the all-time rushing touchdown record for the Saints in 2008 and he holds the all-time New Orleans Saints record for most career rushing yards and touchdowns.

Wes Welker played college football at Texas Tech, where he totaled 259 receptions for 3,069 yards and 21 touchdowns. Welker also ran the ball 79 carries for 559 yards and two touchdowns. He started nearly every game as a Red Raider, left as a leading receiver in school history, was named first-team All-Big 12 in 2002 and ‘03 and was one of the top punt returners in NCAA history. In 2003, he was recognized for his talent and was honored with the Mosi Tatupu Award as the College Football Special Teams Player of the Year. Welker was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He also played for the Dolphins, Patriots, Broncos and the Rams. After six seasons in New England, Welker holds the second all-time receiving record for the Patriots, having been targeted 926 times with 672 receptions. He totaled 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns and holds the fourth highest single-season reception totals in Patriots’ history. In week 7 in 2014 with the Broncos, Welker passed Rod Smith for the most receptions by an undrafted player in NFL history. During his 12 seasons in the NFL, Welker had three Super Bowl appearances, five consecutive NFL Pro Bowl honors and four NFL All-Pro honors. He finished with 903 receptions for 9,924 yards and 50 touchdowns.

Following is a detailed schedule of the events leading up to the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff Game:

KARBACH HOPADILLO KICKOFF CRAWL, FRIDAY, AUG. 31

WHO:	The official kickoff event with school cheerleaders, mascots and college football legends participating in full night of activities along with a live broadcast on Sports Radio 610
WHEN:	7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. CT
WHERE:	Various midtown establishments starting at Front Porch Pub at 7 p.m. including Christian’s Tailgate, The Dogwood, Pub Fiction and Little Woodrow’s; fans must be age 21 and over to attend

             

KARBACH LOVE STREET TEXFEST, SATURDAY, SEPT. 1

WHO:	Musical Performance by Sam Riggs
WHEN:	8 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT 8:45 a.m. CT, Texas Tech Spirit Walk 9:00 a.m. CT, Ole Miss Spirit Walk 9:05 a.m. – 10:35 a.m., Sam Riggs
WHERE:	Bud Light Plaza and the South Entrances of NRG Stadium

 

Tickets are still available. Please note that the NFL Clear Bag Policy will be in effect. For more information, visit www.advocaretexaskickoff.com. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and heard locally on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM).

 

CONTACTS:

Allie LeClair
(832) 667-2050
allie.leclair@houstontexans.com

Stephanie Ramsey
(832) 667-2035
stephanie.ramsey@houstontexans.com

###

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

HOUSTON – The AdvoCare Texas Kickoff announced today the game day will get underway with a performance by Texas rock-infused, country artist, Sam Riggs at the Karbach Love Street TexFest on Saturday, Sept. 1.

The artist, originating from St. Cloud, Florida, has created two albums and two EPs (extended play record) on his own dime since 2010. Riggs’ last album – the 2016 release Breathless – debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Albums chart.

Riggs’ passion for music began at a young age when his mother would play the guitar for him and his brothers before bed, and solidified after attending a Garth Brooks concert with his father. Not long after high school ended, Riggs headed to the Lone Star State to pursue his dreams. The artist picked up a welding job to fund himself and enrolled himself at Austin Community College, where he took a songwriting course. With the help of his professor, he realized he needed to be out there doing it for himself.

Riggs sold his welding equipment, his truck and invested the money to make his second EP. Since then, he has racked up 2.2 million streams on Spotify and a number of his singles hit the upper levels of the Texas charts, including the ultra-country “Hold On A Let Go,” the thumping concert re-creation “High On A Country Song” and his vulnerable “Second Hand Smoke.” To top it off, Riggs picked up the Texas Regional Radio Award in 2016 for Top New Male Vocalist.

The weekend’s festivities will begin Friday night in Midtown at the Karbach Hopadillo Kickoff Crawl on Friday, August 31 where attendees will have the chance to participate in multiple giveaways as they make their way around select bars in Midtown. The night’s giveaways include AdvoCare Texas Kickoff tickets and swag, passes for a meet and greet with Sam Riggs, pregame sideline passes – all of which can be won through games at each bar. At the end of the night, a final drawing for two 50-yard line AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game tickets at the last bar of the crawl. Sports Radio 610 will be broadcasting live from Little Woodrow’s from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. CT.

On game day, Karbach Love Street TexFest will kick off the events at NRG Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 1 starting at 8:00 a.m. CT outside the south entrances of NRG Stadium. The event is headlined by Sam Riggs, who will hit the stage at 9:05 a.m. CT following the team arrivals and Spirit Walks.

Karbach Love Street TexFest is a free event open to all 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff ticketholders that features live music, prizes and the teams’ spirit walks into NRG Stadium. The official pregame party for the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will be held outside the South Entrances to NRG Stadium between the Amegy Bank Gate and Ford Gate. This year’s festivities will include food trucks, games, inflatables in the Kids Zone, drink specials and pet adoption from the SPCA Houston by Papa’s Pets. For more information on the event, visit www.advocaretexaskickoff.com. 

Following is a detailed schedule of the events leading up to the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game:

KARBACH LOVE STREET TEXFEST, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

WHO:	Musical Performance by Sam Riggs
WHEN:	8 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT 8:45 a.m. CT, Texas Tech Spirit Walk 9:00 a.m. CT, Ole Miss Spirit Walk 9:05 a.m. – 10:35 a.m., Sam Riggs
WHERE:	Bud Light Plaza and the South Entrances of NRG Stadium

 

The matchup of the Red Raiders and the Rebels will kick off at 11 a.m. CT following the pregame festivities at NRG Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and heard locally on Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM). Tickets remain for the 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff and are available by clicking here or calling (832) 667-2390.  

CONTACTS:
Allie LeClair
(832) 667-2050
allie.leclair@houstontexans.com

Stephanie Ramsey
(832) 667-2035
stephanie.ramsey@houstontexans.com

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 6, 2018                                                                                 

HOUSTON – The Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl Committee has selected the 2018 Class of Gridiron Legends, the committee announced today. The honorees will be introduced at the 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game on Sept. 1 and will be inducted into the Gridiron Legends at a special pregame ceremony during the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl game at NRG Stadium on Dec. 27.

The class of 2018 features University of Houston All-American Alois Blackwell, Super Bowl V champion and TCU legend Norm Bulaich, New England Patriots Hall of Fame member and three-time NFL All-Pro selection Raymond Clayborn, four-time Super Bowl Champion Gary Kubiak, Texas high school coaching legend Barton Massey and five-time NFL Pro Bowl and four-time NFL All-Pro honoree, Texas Tech alum Wes Welker.

The Gridiron Legends have each made a noteworthy contribution to the game of football in the state of Texas at the high school, collegiate or professional level. The 2018 class joins 71 other Gridiron Legends who have been inducted since the Bowl’s inception in 2006, including Texas greats Earl Campbell, Joe Greene, Andre Ware, Bum Phillips, Jim Nantz, John David Crow and Dave Campbell.

University of Houston All-American and Hall of Honor running back Alois Blackwell started his football career at Cuero High School in Cuero, Texas.  With a record setting career at Houston, he ranks ninth in career rushing yards with 2,467 and 10^th for a single season with 1,169 yards. Blackwell earned the starting running back position his redshirt sophomore year when he registered 934 rushing yards, eight touchdowns and three consecutive 100-yard rushing games. Blackwell contributed to the team’s achievement of a Southwest Conference co-championship as well as a national ranking of fourth, the highest in school history. In the 1977 Cotton Bowl, he rushed for 149 yards and scored two touchdowns for the Cougars. Blackwell was named the 1977 Cotton Bowl’s Most Valuable Player after his performance in the 30-21 victory over the Maryland Terrapins. That year he was also honored with the Houston Sportswriter’s Player of the Year. In 1978, the All-American was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys where he played two seasons. He then returned to his alma mater and served as an academic counselor for the football team for six years as well as an assistant athletic director of marketing and promotions for one year. Blackwell continued his career as an athletic director for Texas Southern University from 2001 to 2008. During Blackwell’s time with the Tigers, the program won seven Southwestern Athletic Conference championships, including a men’s basketball title in 2003. He also contributed to the opening of the Academic Enhancement Center for Student-Athletes in 2005. Blackwell now serves as the Principal and Senior Consultant at Athletic Shift Consultings for the past ten years.

Former first round NFL draft pick and running back Norman “Norm” Bulaich is a Galveston native and attended La Marque High School in La Marque, Texas. His professional career spanned 10 years after an exceptionally successful career at Texas Christian University. The fullback played in 30 games during his time at TCU and ran for 1,045 total rushing yards on 214 attempts. During the 1968 season, Bulaich attained the 10th most rushing yards in the Southwest Conference history after a season total of 503 yards. His success at TCU led him to be drafted early in the 1970 NFL Draft. He was picked in the first round and 18^th overall by the Baltimore Colts. In his first season in the NFL, Bulaich started all 12 games with the Colts and had 139 rushing attempts for 426 yards. To finish off the season for the rookie, the Colts defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V. Bulaich was the second leading rusher in the game for the Colts with 28 yards on 18 carries. He was selected in 1971 Pro Bowl after a remarkable 152 rushing attempts for 741 yards, 25 receptions for 229 yards and 10 touchdowns during his second season. After his time with the Colts, Bulaich spent two seasons with the Eagles and then five seasons with the Dolphins. During his entire NFL career, Bulaich acquired 3,362 yards on 814 carries for 30 touchdowns. The recognition for his success continued in 2012 when Bulaich was ranked 100^th in the Miami Dolphins All-Time Top 100 Players. He now lives in Hurst, Texas with his wife and family.

Three-time NFL All-Pro selection and New England Patriots Hall of Fame member, Raymond Clayborn, spent 15 seasons in the NFL. The Fort Worth Trimble Tech High School native featured as a running back and defensive back for the Bulldogs growing up. He then continued his football career at the University of Texas, where his success earned him an All-American cornerback selection. Clayborn came in as a wide receiver but was used as a running back for the Longhorns his first two seasons where he ran for 529 yards on 83 attempts. In 1976, he mainly played as a defensive back and had 35 punt returns for 335 yards and one touchdown, averaging 9.6 yards per return. Clayborn also had 10 kick returns for 156 yards, averaging 15.6 yards. These grand numbers are what earned the Longhorn the All-American accolade his senior season. In 1977, the Fort Worth native was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, 16^th overall by New England. During his time with the Patriots, Clayborn played in all 16 games in nine of his 13 seasons and played in 14 in two other seasons. In his first three seasons, Clayborn returned 57 kicks for 1,538 yards, averaging 27.0 yards per run and returned three for touchdowns. The cornerback acquired 36 interceptions during his 13 seasons with the Patriots, which was the franchise record for many years until it was tied in 2004. From the 36 interceptions, the cornerback attained 555 yards, 85 yards being his longest run and scored one touchdown. During Clayborn’s 1983 season, he acquired more than 63 tackles, 10 assists and 25 pass deflections earning him his first Pro-Bowl selection. One of his most memorable games was the 1985 AFC Championship against Miami when he led the defense in shutting down the impressive Miami offense and snapped the Patriots 18-game losing streak down in Miami. This key win sent New England to the Super Bowl two weeks later, and this earned Clayborn his second Pro Bowl honor. His third Pro Bowl season in 1986 was due to his 41 tackles, seven assists, eight pass deflections and three interceptions. Last year, Clayborn was inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame receiving 40 percent of the votes, the top vote-getter. He resides in Katy, Texas.

At St. Pius X High School in Houston, Texas, Gary Kubiak held the then state-record in passing yards with 6,190. Nicknamed “Koob”, the quarterback led the team to three consecutive state championships. His accomplishments, not only as a quarterback but as an athlete, named him to the all-state football, basketball, baseball and track teams twice. The 1978 St. Pius X High School graduate’s success continued to be recognized over 20 years later when he was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 1999. The Houston native did not travel far as he attended Texas A&M to continue his academics and football career. During his time as an Aggie, Kubiak completed 314 passes on 595 attempts for 4,078 yards and 31 touchdowns. In 1982, the quarterback was named first-team all-conference and led the Southwest Conference in passing yards (1,948) and touchdown passes (19). Kubiak was also given the Aggie Heart Award, which is based not only on production but the courage and determination the athlete possesses. After his impressive career as an Aggie, the quarterback was drafted in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Kubiak played for the Broncos for nine seasons where he completed 173 passes on 298 attempts for 1,920 yards. The quarterback threw 14 touchdowns and rushed for two himself. As Kubiak’s family continued to grow, the NFL quarterback retired and began coaching. His coaching career started at his alma mater where he served as A&M’s running backs coach during the 1992 and ’93 seasons. He then continued to the San Francisco 49ers as a quarterbacks coach where he connected with Steve Young and helped coach him to an MVP season. The 49ers continued to the Super Bowl and beat the San Diego Chargers, 49-26. After his successful season with the 49ers, the Broncos hired Kubiak as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, where he would be working with former teammate, John Elway. The reunion between the once back-up quarterback and current quarterback became quite the duo, and the Broncos went on to win a pair of Super Bowl titles in 1997 and ’98. Kubiak spent 11 seasons with the Broncos before becoming the head coach of the Texans after the 2005 season. He led the newly founded team to back-to-back AFC South titles in 2011 and ’12. Kubiak spent time with the Baltimore Ravens as an offensive coordinator in 2014, then returned to the Broncos where he contributed to a 12-4 season, AFC West title and his fourth Super Bowl victory. In 2017, Kubiak stepped away from coaching and currently serves as a senior personnel adviser for the Broncos.

Greater Houston High School Coaches Association honoree Barton Massey had a successful career in multiple sports as a player as well as a coach.  Massey received All-District, All-Regional, All-State and Parade All-American accolades during his football career at Austin Bowie High School, where he played in two bowl games, the Greenbelt Bowl and the Oil Bowl. The star football player was also an All-District and First-Team All-State basketball player all while participating in baseball and track. Massey continued his football career at Texas Tech and was a four-year starter for the Red Raiders. During his collegiate career, the All-American Center played in the 1952 Sun Bowl, where he contributed to the team’s victory against College of Pacific. Then in 1954, Massey helped lead the team to success in the Gator Bowl against Auburn University. During the seasons the Red Raiders did not qualify for a bowl game, Massey played on the basketball team. He even played in the 1956 NCAA basketball tournament in Kansas City. In 1956, Massey’s senior year, the center was named to the Honorable Mention All-American list and was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers. After his athletic career ended, Massey remained involved within the sports world. The Texas Tech alumni helped coach the Red Raider’s football team for one year, then returned home and was the assistant football and basketball coach as well as the head baseball coach at Bowie High School from 1958 to 1959. Massey was promoted to head football coach from 1960-1964. Continuing his coaching career, he spent time at Bryan High School as a football and baseball coach, as well as Aldine High School where he coached football. After many years of coaching, Massey became the Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association from 1973 to 1975. The former Red Raider was named a Texas Tech 50-Yard Line Hall of Honor member and was elected to the Greater Houston Football Coaches Association Ronnie Bell Hall of Honor in 2008. Massey spent time as the Executive Principal at Conroe High School and retired in 1996. He later retired as a Consultant to Conroe Independent School District in 2002. Massey currently resides in Panorama Village, Texas.

Texas Tech Alum Wes Welker may not have started in Texas, but he has returned as the Houston Texans current Offensive Assistant Coach. The Oklahoma City native had an impressive career as a quintuple threat at Heritage Hall high school. As a rusher, receiver, kick returner and kicker, the athlete had notable numbers in every category. He accumulated 3,235 rushing yards for 53 touchdowns, 174 receptions for 2,551 yards and 27 touchdowns, returned seven kicks for touchdowns, made 35 field goals, including a 57-yarder, and 165 extra points; totaling 818 points in four years. On defense, Welker totaled 581 tackles, 22 interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns. Welker’s success continued during his time at Texas Tech. The wide receiver totaled 259 receptions for 3,069 yards and 21 touchdowns. Welker also ran the ball 79 carries for 559 yards and two touchdowns. He started nearly every game as a Red Raider, left as a leading receiver in school history, was named first-team All-Big 12 in 2002 and ‘03 and was one of the top punt returners in NCAA history. In 2003, he was recognized for his talent and was honored with the Mosi Tatupu Award as the College Football Special Teams Player of the Year. Welker was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. In Welker’s debut as a Charger, he had four kick returns for 102 yards, all more than 20 yards. Between kick and punt returns, Welker had a combined 447 returns for 6,722 yards and one touchdown. His stats were incredible on special teams, and he also broke records as a receiver. In 2007, Welker’s first season with the Patriots, the receiver caught 112 receptions for 1,175 yards and eight touchdowns. After six seasons in New England, Welker holds the second all-time receiving record for the Patriots, having been targeted 926 times with 672 receptions. He totaled 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns and holds the fourth highest single-season reception totals in Patriots’ history. His NFL career continued when he signed with the Broncos in 2013. During his debut, Welker posted nine receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns. In 2013, Welker caught a touchdown pass in eight of the first 10 games of the season. In week 7 in 2014 with the Broncos, Welker passed Rod Smith for the most receptions by an undrafted player in NFL history. He also caught Peyton Manning’s 508^th career touchdown pass, which tied Brett Farve for the most all-time. During his 12 seasons in the NFL, Welker had three Super Bowl appearances, five consecutive NFL Pro Bowl honors and four NFL All-Pro honors. He finished with 903 receptions for 9,924 yards and 50 touchdowns.

The 2018 Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl will feature teams from the Big 12 and SEC and will kick off at 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 27. The game, which has ranked fourth in bowl game attendance in the country behind only the Rose, Cotton and Peach Bowls since 2014, will air nationally on ESPN and ESPN Radio with a local radio broadcast on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM).

Tickets remain for the 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game featuring the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Ole Miss Rebels and can be purchased through the website at http://www.advocaretexaskickoff.com/tickets/.

 

CONTACTS:
Allie LeClair
(832) 667-2050
allie.leclair@houstontexans.com  

Stephanie Ramsey 

(832) 667-2035

stephanie.ramsey@houstontexans.com 

 

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
Wednesday, July 18, 2018

HOUSTON – Media members interested in covering the 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff may now apply for credentials through the game’s online application system. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will feature the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Ole Miss Rebels. The game will be played on Saturday, Sept. 1 at NRG Stadium and will be televised nationally on ESPN at 11 a.m. CT.

To apply for credentials, please click here.

Only recognized news organizations will be credentialed. The AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will not credential freelance reporters or photographers not on specific assignment by a recognized outlet. Freelance reporters or photographers working on assignment must have their editor submit an application on their behalf.

CONTACTS:
Allie LeClair, allie.leclair@houstontexans.com
Stephanie Ramsey, stephanie.ramsey@houstontexans.com

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 31, 2018

HOUSTON – The 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff featuring Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss will kick off the first Saturday of the college football season on Saturday, Sept. 1, at 11 a.m. CT. This Big 12/SEC showdown will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, and will be televised nationally on ESPN.  The game will also be carried nationally on radio by Westwood One affiliates including Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) in Houston.

The AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will mark the sixth match-up in the schools’ histories, continuing the tradition of championship caliber opponents facing off at NRG Stadium. Ole Miss owns a 3-2 record against Texas Tech. The two teams first met in 1986 with their most recent meeting in the 2009 Cotton Bowl where the Rebels beat the Red Raiders 47-34.

The 2018 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will mark the sixth year of an eight year agreement between Lone Star Sports & Entertainment and ESPN Events, a subsidiary of ESPN, to bring a top college football game to NRG Stadium during Labor Day weekend to start the college football season.

Tickets start at $43 and may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 832-667-2390. A limited number of luxury suites are still available, to purchase call 832-667-2160. Tickets are also available at the NRG Stadium box office. For more information, please visit www.AdvoCareTexasKickoff.com.

 

ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a large portfolio of 31 collegiate sporting events worldwide. The roster includes three Labor Day weekend college football games; FCS opening-weekend game; 14 college bowl games, 12 college basketball events and two college award shows, which accounts for approximately 300-plus hours of programming, reaches almost 64 million viewers and attracts over 700,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boca Raton, Boise, Dallas-Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Montgomery and St. Petersburg, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

ESPN Events also manages the Big 12 Corporate Partner Program.

Collegiate Football
Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl (Houston); AdvoCare Texas Kickoff (Houston); Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl (Tampa, Fla.); Bahamas Bowl (Nassau); Birmingham Bowl (Alabama); Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl (Florida); Camping World Kickoff (Orlando, Fla.); Celebration Bowl (Atlanta); Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise); Frisco Bowl (Texas); Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque); Guardian Credit Union FCS Kickoff (Montgomery, Ala.); Hawai’i Bowl (Honolulu); Heart of Dallas Bowl (Dallas-Fort Worth); Las Vegas Bowl (Nevada); Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Dallas-Fort Worth); MEAC/SWAC Challenge (Atlanta); Raycom Media Camellia Bowl (Montgomery, Ala.); The Home Depot College Football Awards (Atlanta)

Collegiate Basketball

AdvoCare Invitational (Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.); Armed Forces Classic (Fort Bliss, Texas); Charleston Classic (South Carolina); College Basketball Awards Presented by Wendy’s (Los Angeles); Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic (Honolulu); Jimmy V Men’s Classic presented by Corona (New York City); Jimmy V Women’s Classic Presented by Corona (TBD); Myrtle Beach Invitational (Conway, S.C.); NIT Season Tip-Off (Brooklyn, N.Y.); Puerto Rico Tip-Off; State Farm Champions Classic (Indianapolis) and Wooden Legacy (Fullerton, Calif.)

For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

(AP Photo/John Raoux)

There hasn’t been a Heisman Trophy repeat winner since 1975. For you Millennials, that’s a long time ago, so long ago in fact, that it’s before cable TV was invented. You know, that cable TV that they’re seemingly cutting out of their lives going forward. But, I digress. The history of no repeat winner is so stark, and true, that heading into the 2017 season, no one gave Louisville mega-weapon quarterback Lamar Jackson a chance in Hades of winning this prestigious award again. Heck, analysts and national media didn’t even name him the 2016 Heisman winner a Preseason All-American at the position.

Yet after two weeks of the 2017 season, Jackson has everyone’s attention…again. He’s accounted for eight touchdowns and 1,010 yards of total offense. Oh, and he’s not thrown an interception, either. He led Louisville to wins over much improved Purdue and conference foe North Carolina in the process. Similar to the way that he started 2016, Jackson has strung together highlight reel plays and prodigious numbers as no other player has to start the 2017 season.

But, Clemson is up next. The defending champs just held Auburn to six points and sacked Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham ELEVEN times. That’s no misprint. ELEVEN. Last year in Death Valley, Jackson won the battle, but his Cardinals lost the war. He put up 295 yards through the air and 162 on the ground in one of the best games of the 2016 season, yet the Cardinals lost. This week, the Tigers come to Louisville and Jackson has a chance to ruin their visit and win over even more non-believers.

If he does, maybe the repeat Heisman bandwagon will start to fill up with converts.

By: John Harris

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, September 3, 2017

LSU-BYU Gamebook

Postgame Quotes

LSU Game Notes

BYU Game Notes

POSTGAME QUOTES FROM LSU:

HEAD COACH ED ORGERON

Opening Statement

“I’m proud of our football team. I’m proud of our coaching staff and their preparation all week and the way they prepared this football team. We played as many as five freshmen on defense and either started or played five freshmen on offense. I was proud of the way they played. First off, we had zero sacks and zero turnovers on offense. That was fantastic. We held them to minus five yards rushing. (It was) Another tremendous job by our defense. You have to credit (Defensive Coordinator) Dave Aranda, (and Defensive Line Coach) Pete Jenkins. They are two of the best in the business. Corey Raymond did not allow any deep balls. The one they tried to throw, they picked it. (Give) Credit to (Outside Linebackers Coach) David Johnson. (It was) Just a tremendous job by our staff. On special teams we have some things to fix, but we will. I thought we got better. We came back the second half and rallied. Obviously, we are going to eliminate the penalties. I think it was first-game jitters. We are going to fix them. We are going to get better in the red zone. We should have made a couple more touchdowns in the red zone. We know that and we will fix it. We are going to watch tape and take the next step. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the people of Houston. We know they are going to fight back. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families of our players that were affected. I am proud of the players from Houston. A lot of them played tonight and played well through adverse conditions all week. Again, we are going to get back on the bus, look at the film tomorrow and get prepared to take the next step next week.”

On running the ball 57 times tonight?

“We want to be fifty-fifty. But it was one of those nights where we knew it was going to be physical, and we would take whatever they would give us. We felt they were giving us the run, and we were taking it a little bit. We wanted to out-physical them. They were a physical football team, but so were we.”

How do the young wide receivers look?

“We knew they were going to play. We prepared them. I feel like this is one of the best freshman classes that I have ever been around. I thought they were going to play well. Actually, I thought they were going to make a few more mistakes than they did. But it did not seem like they did. They answered the bell. I have to give credit to our older guys. They helped coach them up. They stayed calm on the sidelines and before the game. Credit to the coaches for managing their positions. They played very well.”

QB DANNY ETLING

What are your thoughts on tonight’s performance on offense?

“We were able move the ball real well, some miscues down at the goal line, but a lot of it is some first game stuff. It is good to get it out the way and on film.”

How did you feel tonight?

“I felt great. I felt as good as I ever felt playing a game, especially during warm up, I thought I never felt this way before a game. ”

Was it planned to run that many times?

“We are going to do whatever the defense 9s going to give us. They dared us to run the ball and we did it. We are going to establish the run and we are going to be a team that doesn’t back down from challenge. That was what they was giving us and we took it.”

How much more offense is there?

“There is a little bit more. We found some plays that worked and we stuck with those, and we change it up next week and see what the defense give us, and we will attack it that way.”

DE CHRISTIAN LACOUTRE

What did you see from the freshmen and what did you expect?

“We were expecting a lot from them, because we’ve seen them in camp. Young guys play big roles. You see a freshman (Andraez Williams) going in there getting a pick right off the bat. It’s a huge momentum shift and a lot of these guys are doing that, so for us, we expect it from them. He (Williams) had jitter bugs at first, but of course everybody does in a big game, he stepped up and did a great job.”

Was this beyond even your best expectations, under 100 yards surrendered – How good was this from your standpoint?

“We’ve been practicing very hard and expect the best for us. We looked at the stats in the second quarter and had a great shot at doing this. We expect to be that, but you don’t know. You can have a great performance, but be 200 yards total, 300 yards total. We saw in the third quarter. We saw in the fourth quarter and we said, “We’re staying in; we have to keep going.” We did a great job and a lot of the young guys did a great job, as well. For us, we expect high expectations and we have to continue, but there is always room to improve.”

Was tonight a direct result of work put in over the summer?

“We lost a lot of guys to the NFL. For us, we had a lot of the right guys step up. I didn’t play last year so I had to make sure I was ready to go. Devin White, Donnie Alexander, those guys they did great things. There are a lot of guys that stepped up. They understand their role and want to do great things. They’re out there in camp and spring ball being consistent and when it’s gametime, they’re ready to go.”

– TIGERS –

 

POSTGAME QUOTES FROM BYU:

HEAD COACH KALANI SITAKE

Opening Comments

“(It was a) Tough game. (I’m) Really disappointed in the outcome. (I’m) Really disappointed in the stuff we did as a team. We just couldn’t get anything going no matter what it was, especially momentum. (I’m) Just really disappointed. That’s my fault as a coach to get this team ready and we have a big one coming up next week. Our priority will be to focus on fixing things, getting some momentum and figuring out ways to win the game. I have to give a lot of credit to LSU they are a really good team with that defense they fly around and with that offense they really throw that ball and are really efficient. Both with the run and the pass they keep you guessing and are really a good physical team. We have some things to fix and some things to improve on. We thought we could have done better but you have to give light to LSU and Coach Orgeron and their program on how they run their defense. They play with great technique. They just didn’t give you much to move on especially when it came to our offense. We couldn’t generate any momentum. We had 38 plays, I think, on offense. It’s hard for us to win games against teams that have really good gameplans. I thought their gameplan was really good. It was a difficult game and we need to respond better. This is adversity for us, and we need to respond better to prepare for next week.”

Tonight you faced a great defense, can you comment on how you feel that went?

“Yes, they have some great coaches. The talent is there. This is a great compliment to their recruiting. Some guys have stepped in and played really well and did not show that they were inexperienced. I think that’s a huge credit to Coach Orgeron and their defensive backs coach who does a great job with their group. Naturally these guys just played well and they showed some of the best defense I’ve seen in college football.”

You gave up two touchdowns and then you have a break until the field goal, why do you think you struggled stopping them?

“It was hard reps. They were on the field quite a bit. We really didn’t help ourselves too much by getting off third downs, we gave way too many first downs and for that second downs. It was very frustrating but our defense, there was just things we could have done differently. You have to give us credit though our bodies were in the right spot, we just missed tackles. We have to rally around guys and find ways to make more plays, and be more destructive. LSU did a great job getting that offense ready. They had a lot of different looks and were efficient on the pass game. They were in synch the entire game. On all three fronts they outplayed us and as coaches we need to look a lot at what they are doing. What they are doing as a team is something I would love to have as a part of our identity. They have smashmouth football and use their talent appropriately. Overall it is a compliment to Coach O and what he has done with that program and that coaching staff.”

– COUGARS –

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey to Houston and the surrounding areas, the 2017 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff between LSU and BYU has been relocated to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. In preparation for tomorrow’s game, Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, ESPN Events and SMG are pleased to provide the following game day information.

EVENT INFORMATION
Ticketing Information:
Ticket Sales – The Mercedes-Benz Superdome Box Office (Gate A Ground Level) will be open from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM for ticket sales on game day. Gates B & H Ticket Booths will also be open on game day from 4:00 PM – halftime. Tickets are still also still available and priced from $40-$215 per ticket.
Will Call – The Mercedes-Benz Superdome Box Office (Gate A Ground Level) will be open from 12:00 PM – halftime on game day.

Gate Information:
Mercedes-Benz Superdome – All gates at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome open at 6:30 PM.
Champions Square – Champions Square will open at 4:30 PM for the Bud Light Fan Fest.

Security Measures:
Walk-through Metal Detectors – The Mercedes-Benz Superdome will use walk-through metal detectors at all entry gates to enhance safety and security. Prior to entering, guests are asked to remove cell phones, keys, cameras, and other large metal objects, and place them in the security bins. Do not remove belts, coins, jackets, wallets, watches or small jewelry.

Bag Policy – The NFL Clear Bag Policy will NOT be in effect for this game. However, please note the following bag size restrictions. Bags cannot exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″ per bag. Backpacks and oversized bags are prohibited.

Express lanes are available at all entrances for guest without bags.

NOTE: The State of Louisiana bans the possession of guns on the premises.

Prohibited Items:
All backpacks, animals (with exception of service dogs), large banners or banners in poor taste, bottles, cans, containers of any kind, contraband, large bags, laser pointers, noisemakers, outside food and drink, oversized packages, audio recording equipment, projectiles, mace, weapons and beach balls, and any other items deemed inappropriate by management are prohibited.

Camera Policy:
No video cameras or cameras with professional lenses exceeding 6”. No GoPros.

TRAFFIC & PARKING

Patrons driving to the event should be aware that parking at the Superdome is limited. It is best to arrive early to secure a space at the Superdome, or allow for ample time to reach downtown New Orleans and find alternative parking.

Patron Parking – Beginning at 2:30 PM, Garages 1, 2, 5, 6 & Champions Garage will be available – $40.00
ADA Parking – Beginning at 2:30 PM, limited ADA parking will be available in VIP East – $40.00

NOTE: Parking is CASH ONLY.

To view Ingress & Egress Traffic Maps, click here.
To view a map of parking garages and surface lots, click here.

PREGAME AT CHAMPIONS SQUARE
BUD LIGHT FAN FEST

Get your game face on and join us in Champions Square before the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff in the Dome for Bud Light Fan Fest! This FREE and open to the public pregame starts at 4:30 PM and will include live entertainment, frosty drinks, and tons of food. With Champions Square being only a touchdown pass away from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, it’s the place to get loud while celebrating before LSU & BYU kick off at 8:30 PM.

Live Entertainment – Bucktown Allstars will excite fans with musical entertainment on the Champions Square stage starting at 6:30p.
For more information on the Bud Light Fan Fest, click here.

CONTACTS:
Allie LeClair
Houston Texans
(832) 667-2050
allie.leclair@houstontexans.com

Savannah Chamblee
SMG-Mercedes-Benz Superdome
(504) 587-3924
savannah.chamblee@smgneworleans.com

About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to the Texas Bowl and the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, the International Champions Cup, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cups. LSSE has also reinvigorated the “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted major concerts featuring country superstars including George Strait and Kenny Chesney.

About SMG
Celebrating its 40th anniversary and founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, amphitheaters, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 15 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming; construction and design consulting; and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s NRG Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies, currently serving more than 140 accounts worldwide. For more information visit www.smgworld.com.

About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a large portfolio of collegiate sporting events worldwide. The roster includes three Labor Day weekend college football games; 13 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events and two college award shows, which accounts for approximately 250-plus hours of programming, reaches almost 64 million viewers and attracts over 700,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boca Raton, Boise, Dallas-Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Montgomery and St. Petersburg, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

ESPN Events also manages the Big 12 Corporate Partner Program.