Soccer matters

The guide to a Houston Dynamo match day

The guide to a Houston Dynamo match day
A Dynamo game can be a fun experience. Victor Araiza

So you want to jump on the Dynamo bandwagon or simply enjoy an affordable game for once? Look no more, a Dynamo match (that’s soccer speak for "game") is your best choice.

But you clearly want to get the most out of the experience. That’s why SportsMap is hooking you up with the complete guide.

How to buy tickets

Tickets to Dynamo matches are available at HoustonDynamo.com, BBVACompassStadium.com, AXS.com, or the BBVA Compass Stadium box office at 2200 Texas Ave.

If you’re looking for a hookup, you can call the Houston Dynamo ticket office at 713-276-7556 and speak with a ticket representative. In most cases, they’ll wave the extra ticket fees that you would normally be charged.

You can also purchase tickets on secondary market online platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek and Flash Seats. Lower profile games will give you a better bang for your buck on tickets during the season.

As far as location inside the stadium, it’s really up to your discretion, as everyone has different tastes. Some fans like to be in the second level to appreciate the tactical patterns while others enjoy being closer to the action on the sideline seats. Aside from your preference, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house in this intimate stadium.

Parking

There are several lots around BBVA Compass Stadium, ranging from $5-$25, depending on proximity to the stadium. The most expensive lots are B and C on the north side of the stadium (the lots adjacent to Minute Maid Park), but they are also the ones that provide the most parking space.

There is also street parking available near the stadium, subject to availability. Street parking is free every day after 6 pm and all day on Sundays.

Eat and drink

Located in EaDo, there are many bars around BBVA Compass Stadium to do some pre and post game drinking.

  • King’s Court, opposite of the southwest gate, is the official home bar of the “El Batallón” supporters group.

  • Lucky’s Pub and Little Woodrow’s are located immediately to the west of the stadium.

  • Neil's Bahr is located a few blocks west from the south end of the stadium on Walker Street.

  • 8th Wonder Brewery is located a few blocks down the south end of the stadium.

  • Huynh Restaurant, located in the shopping center on St. Emanuel between McKinney and Walker, is a good stop for Vietnamese food.

  • Sigma Brewing Company is another local brewery located down the road on Harrisburg Boulevard

What games to go to

The answer to this question depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to go see big names and former European stars, your best bet is to hit up the matches against the big money clubs (New York, LA, Atlanta, Orlando, Seattle and Toronto).

If you just want to enjoy a soccer game, and prefer to get the best value, consider the lower profile teams like Columbus, Colorado, Real Salt Lake and San Jose.

Additionally, if you want a rivalry atmosphere the best case for that is any match against FC Dallas (also known as the Texas Derby). Sporting KC is also another rival of the Dynamo.

What time to be in your seats

Ideally, you would want to be in your seat by kickoff. If you are inside the stadium 30 minutes before kickoff you can witness all the players (starters and bench) warm up.

Autographs and photo opportunities

There are no guaranteed autographs and photo ops, but the best chance of securing one of these is immediately after the match as the players are heading toward the tunnel to the locker rooms. The best way to achieve this is to position yourself near the front rows of sections 137 and 138, on the side of 135, or in The Vault bar inside the tunnel.

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The Texans can make a statement with a win against Detroit!Composite Getty Image.

Sunday night matchups don't get much exciting than this, as the Houston Texans host the Detroit Lions in prime-time at NRG.

The Lions come into this game on a six-game winning streak looking every bit of the best team in football. Houston on the other hand has lost two of their last three games with a struggling offense unable to protect their quarterback.

CJ Stroud has only one passing touchdown over this span, and is clearly having trouble adjusting to life without Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.

If Houston is going to come away with an upset victory, they will need big performances from Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. After catching 4 passes against the Colts two weeks ago, Mixon not only failed to catch a single pass against the Jets, but he wasn't even targeted.

Considering the Texans' offensive line issues, choosing not to use Mixon as a pass catcher is hard to fathom. Especially since he and Dell are the team's top 2 playmakers.

What's working in the Texans' favor?

They play this game at home, where they are undefeated this season. A lot of the team's protection issues have popped up on the road, so communication should be easier for the offense on their home turf.

Bulls on Parade

We have good news and bad news about the defense this week. On the positive side, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmy Ward have returned to practice. If they're able to contribute on Sunday night, that would give the defense a lift.

And now for the bad news. Will Anderson has yet to practice this week after rolling his ankle in the Jets game. If he is unable to practice on Friday, it's hard to imagine he'll be active against Detroit.

X-factors

The Texans have to show some improvement on the offensive line this week.

Houston must lean on Joe Mixon again, as Nico Collins isn't expected to play.

Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he does most of his damage from the slot. If the Texans continue to deploy Jalen Pitre against premier receivers in man coverage, St. Brown is going to light up the scoreboard.

What would a win over the Lions mean to Houston?

The Texans are no longer considered a true championship contender because of their losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. In fact, the Bills are the only team with a winning record that the Texans have beaten.

An upset win over the streaking Lions would change that narrative.

What does Vegas think?

The Lions are currently favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 49 points.

Don't miss the full preview of Texans-Lions in the video above!


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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code SPORTSMAP at checkout. Get your tickets now!

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