Photo courtesy of College Football Playoff
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In January 2024, Houston will become a hotbed for sports fans when it hosts the College Football Playoff National Championship weekend, with the big game happening on January 8.
Downtown Houston will serve as the heart of Championship Campus, providing the setting for such CFP signature events as Playoff Fan Central, AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!, the Trophy Trot 5K and 10K, Taste of the Championship, and the Allstate Championship Tailgate.
It's a lot to take in — we break down each event for you here:
Playoff Fan Central, January 5-7
George R. Brown Convention Center
Find free football fun with games, clinics, pep rallies, band performances, special guest appearances, autograph signings, and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. And we mentioned it's all free, right?
AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!, January 5-7
Shell Energy Stadium
These free concerts are the soundtrack for championship weekend, beginning with Kidz Bop on Friday, January 5. You don't need a wristband for that concert, but you do for the rest: rap superstar Jack Harlow, two-time Grammy nominee Latto, Grand Ole Opry member Jon Pardi, chart topping country superstar Jake Owen, and multi-platinum country artist-songwriter Megan Moroney.
Register for concert tickets online in advance, show the QR code on the CFBPlayoff mobile app at the convention center, and receive your wristband for entry.
Trophy Trot, January 7
Downtown Houston
This family-friendly run/walk begins at 9 am and, for the first time, will feature both 5K and 10K distances. Each Trophy Trot participant receives a T-shirt and medal, and there will be multiple opportunities to win tickets to the CFP National Championship the next day.
All proceeds benefit Extra Yard for Teachers, the College Football Playoff Foundation's primary platform that elevates the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering quality teachers. Registration is open now.
Taste of the Championship, January 7
Union Station at Minute Maid Park
A premium dining experience and fundraising event that lets attendees indulge in gourmet food and drink prepared by Houston chefs. All proceeds benefit the CFP Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers platform, and tickets are on sale now.
Allstate Championship Tailgate, January 8
NRG Stadium
If you're lucky enough to score a game ticket, head to Blue Lots 16, 17, and 18 from 11 am-6 pm for interactive games, sponsor activations, concessions, live ESPN broadcasts, award-winning musical acts, and live performances by each team’s marching band.
We'll say it again: A national championship game ticket is required for entry to Allstate Championship Tailgate.
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Keep an eye on Championship Campus online for news and updates.
Jalen Green scored 35 points, Alperen Sengun added 24 points and 13 rebounds and the Houston Rockets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-115 on Friday night.
Green finished 12 of 24 from the floor and was 5 of 11 on 3-pointers. Amen Thompson finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Houston, which shot 50%, including 13 of 26 on 3-pointers.
Jabari Smith Jr had 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench in his first game back after missing 22 games with a broken bone in his left hand.
Anthony Edwards scored 37 points on 13-of-32 shooting, including 4 of 14 on 3-pointers. Edwards scored 25 points in the first half on 8-of-15 shooting, including 3 of 7 on 3-pointers.
Naz Reid had 22 points and eight rebounds, Jaden McDaniels added 21 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 16 points for Minnesota, which shot 45%, including 11 of 39 on 3-pointers.
Takeaways
Timberwolves: Mike Conley returned to the lineup after missing four games with a sprained right index finger, but he was in foul trouble for most of the night and finished with five points in 24 minutes.
Rockets: One area that coach Ime Udoka pointed to before the game where Smith’s return would help was rebounding. Houston outrebounded the Timberwolves 48-35.
Key moment
Tied at 108, Green made a 3-pointer with five minutes remaining to kickstart Houston’s 9-2 run to open up a seven-point lead with 48 seconds left.
Key stat
Edwards was 1 for 6 in the fourth quarter, including 1 of 4 on 3-pointers. He scored 3 points in the quarter as Houston sent double teams at him.
Up next
Minnesota hosts Oklahoma City on Sunday night, while Houston travels to Utah on Saturday night.