DESSERT NACHOS!

Houston Texans roll out wild new concessions at NRG Stadium

The Houston Texans invited the media to NRG Park for their annual “State of the Stadium” address and feeding frenzy of new concession goodies.

Darn the luck, I had to graze and nibble an array of over-the-top football fare, from celebrity chef Chris Shepherd’s fried sausage and cheese kolaches on tater tot casserole to barbecue lord Ronnie Killen’s pulled pork tacos to cowboy cookie Grady Spears’ brunchin’ chicken biscuit to dessert nachos topped with fresh berries and Nutella.

That’s just not fair. I’d eat football cleats if they were covered with Nutella. My favorite new item ... anything Killen handed to me.

Before the Texans rolled out the food carts (they’re no dummies), team president Jamey Rootes discussed and unveiled the new features and improvements — the “Game Day Experience” — waiting for fans this season.

NRG Stadium has undergone $30 million in additions and updates to its concession and retail outlets. Killen will have three times as many food locations as last year, Shepherd six times more. The main gift store in Bud Light Plaza has a new name — Houston Texans Team Shop. There will be a new Chevron Kids Zone for pregame romper fun. A new Tailgate Lane has been installed right next to the stadium.

“If you were any closer, you’d have to wear a helmet,” Rootes said.

I asked Killen, with all of his restaurants’ (barbecue, burgers, steaks, etc.) success in the outside world, why work Sundays at NRG Stadium?

“My relationship with the Houston Texans is very important for one main reason — I love football,” he said. “I’m a huge Texans fan. It’s as simple as that. I want to be a part of this.”

For more about the new menu items, watch this video from our news partners at ABC13.

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Originally appeared on CultureMap.

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Astros turn it on late in gutsy win over Tigers

Has Christian Walker finally turned the corner? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).

Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.

While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.

Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.

The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.

With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.

Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

A big test awaits

It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.

Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.

Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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