Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
5 ways to make University of Houston fans feel at home for the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl
University of Houston Cougar fans—let us be the first to welcome you to the Magic City and the 15th annual TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl.
To make you feel at home, Bham Now has produced a “tip” sheet for your time here in Birmingham.
And as we say here in The Magic City…
“It’s nice to have the Houston Cougars here in Birmingham!”
Game Details—Pep Rallies and Arrive Early
Some background for our new friends from Texas. You are playing in a brand new stadium that is only 3 months old. The game on Tuesday morning (rise and shine!!!) will be the first potential sellout at Protective Stadium. So be warned, we might still be working out some kinks like parking. But don’t worry, because if you are reading this story you are ahead of everyone.
This week, Bham Now published a handy guide to help you get to the pep-rallies and game with no worries or problems. Read it all here:
All the details you need about the 2021 TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl (including parking)
Now on to our special tips:
1. Take a Hike in The Magic City
Fun fact: Birmingham is home to two local nature preserves (Ruffner Mountain & Red Mountain Park) that are each larger than Central Park in NYC.
As I write this story, the weather in Birmingham is expected to be an uncommonly warm spring-like 70+ degrees this weekend and on gameday. (Aren’t you glad it’s not like the 1979 Cotton Bowl? Despite Houston losing that game and the 18 degree temps, it was one of the greatest games in college football history.) Want to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine?
Here’s a quick guide:
2. Battle of the Foodie Cities
Missing Houston cuisine while you are here in Birmingham? According to several national publications, including GQ and Conde Nast, Houston is a foodie haven.
Well, here in Birmingham, we are not too shabby when it comes to fine dining. In fact, just a few years ago, Highlands Bar and Grill (which is closed because of COVID) in 5 Points South won the James Beard Award for Best Restaurant in the nation. There are lots of choices too—whether it’s BBQ, wings, a burger or anything in between.
Check out our restaurant guides:
- 28 BBQ Joints
- Fine dining establishments
- Restaurants with rooftops
- Best tacos
- Bham Now Food & Drink Guide (260+ places)
3. Nearby Museums and Landmarks
Have you seen the Birmingham Bowl trophy? Wonder who that handsome “god-like” fella’ is? It’s a replica of Birmingham’s own Vulcan—“The Big Guy”—the largest cast iron statue in the world that watches over Jones Valley from his perch on top of Red Mountain. You can go see Vulcan up close and personal at the Vulcan Park and Museum.
Before and after you watch the big game, take time to visit several museums and landmarks—all within walking distance of the stadium.
- Alabama Sports Hall of Fame: Right on the corner of the west end of the Protective.
- Birmingham Museum of Art: Opens on Tuesday at 10AM. If you want to wait out the traffic, visit after the game. BONUS—it’s FREE,
- McWane Science Center: For the kids and adults—don’t miss the Magic of Model Trains exhibit.
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: Opens on Tuesday too. Across from the museum are Historic Kelly Ingram Park and 16th Street Baptist Church. Walk the sacred grounds and places.
4. Early Game—Coffee & Breakfast Joints
We can’t stress this enough—ARRIVE EARLY to the game! Meanwhile, fuel up with a big breakfast. One place you may want to try is Bogue’s. I highly recommend the sweet rolls. While you are in the neighborhood, walk across the street to see the historic marker recognizing the location of the 1st Iron Bowl —Alabama v. Auburn. Great way to read up on your opponent and prepare for the Bowl game.
5. Brewery Trail
Even though the Birmingham Bowl is not on New Year’s Eve, who says you can’t celebrate early?
Show your Houston Cougars colors and visit Birmingham’s many breweries, bars and cocktail lounges. Breweries start at Good People Brewery and Monday Night Brewery near Railroad Park & move East toward the Avondale Entertainment District (of course, you can start in the middle or eastern section first too).
Need a Birmingham Brewery list? Here are 15 in the Birmingham area.
It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham
Good luck, Houston, against Auburn on December 28th. We’ll be there at the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl with you on December 28th.
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And don’t forget to join the Magic City at the Uptown Street Fest and Pep Rally on December 27th at Uptown.
- What: Bud Light Fan Fest and Pep Rally
- Where: 2221 Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203
- When: Monday,December 27th – 1-6PM
- Hosted by: TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl
- Admission: FREE and open to all
See you there!
