THE TAILGATE
Meet 2 fan-favorite Houston Texans at CultureMap's Tailgate event
Oct 30, 2024, 10:22 am
CultureMap is making our final preparations for The Tailgate, our all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. It’s coming to you Monday, November 11 at 8th Wonder in EaDo.
Attendees who treat themselves to VIP tickets get a number of perks, including early admission and a dedicated bar. And we’re upping the game with a special meet-and-greet with two of the Houston Texans' most popular alumni — defensive stars Brian Cushing and Travis Johnson, courtesy of presenting sponsor Verizon.
Photos by Getty Images.
Selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Cushing won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. In a nine-year career with the team, he compiled 424 solo tackles, which ranks third all-time for the Texans. Fans appreciated his full-throttle playing style and team-first mentality.
Johnson, also a first-round pick, played four seasons for the Texans. His outspoken personality has made him one of the team’s most popular alumni. He lives in Missouri City with his five children. He told Texans broadcaster Drew Dougherty that he takes his role as a team ambassador seriously.
“It meant to me being an ambassador of the brand as far as let the young guys know what the standard is. Let the young guys know what it means to be a Houston Texan. Around here, it was always about family. It was always about how you go to work, how you go about your work,” Johnson said during an episode of the Texans “Where Are They Now” podcast.
Attendees of The Tailgate will enjoy a range of experiences showcasing local sports and local food. More than a dozen restaurants will be serving game day-inspired bites, including Big City Wings, The Waffle Bus, Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition, Pizaro’s Pizza, Uchi, and Uchiko.
Don't forget to vote for your favorite wings in our bracket-style Ultimate Wing Showdown; the winner will be announced at the event.
The event will also shine a spotlight on local sports organizations, including the Texans, which will raffle off a CJ Stroud-signed White Panel Football. The Astros will show off their Shooting Stars dancers as well as the 2017 and 2022 World Series Trophies, and their Shuttle Crew team will bring prizes. Houston soccer stars the Dynamo and Dash will raffle team-signed jerseys.
Guests can expect more fun, games, and prizes courtesy of our event sponsors and local vendors, including Verizon, HOWDY, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Houston Powder Coaters, Holey Moley Golf Club, Mizzen + Main, Shipley Do-nuts, and more.
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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The Tailgate is presented by Verizon and sponsored by HOWDY, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Houston Powder Coaters, Holey Moley Golf Club, Mizzen + Main, Shipley Do-nuts, East River 9, and more to be announced.
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The Houston Astros are looking to avoid an unexpected sweep Wednesday night as they wrap up their three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians at Daikin Park.
Winners of six of their last ten despite back-to-back losses, the Astros (55-37) turn to left-hander Brandon Walter (1-1, 4.15 ERA) to steady the ship and salvage the finale. Walter has been reliable in his recent outings, and he’ll face a Guardians lineup that has struggled to string together hits, batting just .204 over their last 10 games.
Cleveland (42-48) entered the series on a 10-game losing streak, but now has a chance to sweep the AL West leaders and take the season series. Slade Cecconi (3-4, 3.56 ERA) gets the start for the Guardians. The 26-year-old righty has kept his ERA under 4.00 this year and will look to neutralize a Houston offense that leads the American League in batting average at .260 and is hitting .295 over the last 10 games.
All eyes remain on Jose Altuve, who has driven in 16 runs and slugged four homers over his last 10 games. He’s been the heartbeat of the Houston offense, while Isaac Paredes continues to deliver steady power at the top of the lineup. The Astros have scored five or more runs in eight of their last ten games, but the bullpen faltered late in both of the first two games of this series.
Cleveland counters with the steady presence of Carlos Santana and the always-dangerous Jose Ramirez. Though Ramirez is just 6-for-38 in his last 10 games, he’s delivered key home runs in the series and remains the Guardians’ biggest threat.
With the season series now 3-2 in favor of Cleveland, Wednesday’s matchup carries added weight for the Astros as they look to regroup and avoid letting momentum slip further. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -144, Guardians +121; over/under is 8 runs
Astros lineup for the finale
What stands out? First off, Jake Meyers returns to the lineup after missing a couple of games with a calf issue. With Meyers back in the two-spot, Cam Smith returns to hitting cleanup. Caratini is playing first base again and hitting fifth, followed by Yainer Diaz (C), Cooper Hummel (DH), Taylor Trammell (LF), and Mauricio Dubon (SS).
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot.
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