May 29, 2015
FootballH-E-B JOINS AS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE BATTLE OF THE PINEY WOODS
H-E-B is teaming up with Lone Star Sports and Entertainment as presenting sponsor of The Battle of the Piney Woods, game officials announced today. H-E-B will become the presenting sponsor for the game for the next three years starting in 2015. The Battle of the Piney Woods is the annual football game between Southland Conference rivals Sam Houston State University and Stephen F. Austin State University played at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
This year’s Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B, which will be played Saturday, Oct. 3, will be the sixth played in Houston. It was recently announced that NRG Stadium will be the new permanent home for the game with tickets going on sale to the general public for this year’s game June 1st. For more information on premium seating or hospitality options visit www.battleofthepineywoods.com or call 832-667-2390.
“For 110 years, H-E-B has built a tradition that is truly Texas. We are proud to join this gridiron classic in its 90th year and look forward to building a Texas-sized atmosphere for years to come,” said Harlan Hooks, H-E-B Houston vice president of marketing and merchandising.
Sam Houston State defeated Stephen F. Austin 42-28 last season before a crowd of 26,788 fans at NRG Stadium. The crowd was the largest in the 89-year history of the rivalry. The Battle of the Piney Woods dates back to 1923, making it the third-oldest college football rivalry in the state of Texas. Sam Houston State holds a 52-35-2 edge in the series following last year’s victory.
“We are extremely excited to join with H-E-B as a big part of continuing to bring this great rivalry to NRG Stadium,” said Lone Star Sports & Entertainment Executive Director David Fletcher. “The Battle of the Piney Woods is one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in Texas, and playing the game at a neutral site has made it a must-see event for fans of both schools.”
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment also announced an extension of its partnership with CBS Radio Houston as the radio broadcast home of the game. This year’s 90th meeting will be once again broadcast on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM).
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of more than $22 billion, operates more than 360 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 110th anniversary throughout 2015. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 85,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities. For more information, visit www.heb.com.
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. The sold out AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl and the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff provide an annual economic impact to the city of Houston of $100 million. LSSE has also emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cups. Additionally, LSSE has reinvigorated the “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted a pair of major concerts featuring country superstars George Strait and Kenny Chesney.
CONTACT: Amy Palcic (832) 667-2220; amy.palcic@houstontexans.com
TWITTER: @BOTPW