In The News

HOUSTON – Today, the Houston Texans and NFL Mexico, in partnership with Tec de Monterrey and NRG Park, announced the creation of the inaugural Mexican College Football Showcase, which will be held on Friday, Sept. 8 at NRG Stadium. 

Known as the “Clásico Regio” in Mexico, this notable matchup between the Borregos from Tec de Monterrey and the Tigres from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León marks the first ever ONEFA regular season game to be played in the United States.

“We are proud to partner with NFL Mexico and Tec de Monterrey to bring this historic matchup to NRG Stadium this fall,” Houston Texans President Greg Grissom said. “This partnership presents an exciting opportunity to establish an international network for college football and grow the game on a global level while offering passionate local fans the chance to enjoy the best rivalry in Mexican college football right here in Houston.”

This partnership between the city of Houston and Monterrey highlights the longstanding history of collaboration in industry and sport between the two communities that will enable a broader audience to partake in the rich traditions of this historic game. 

“I am looking forward to this thrilling opportunity for the city to host the first-ever regular season ONEFA college football game at NRG Stadium,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “As a sports city, we are well-prepared to welcome fans from all over the world. Houston is eagerly awaiting the exciting game ahead and further strengthening our ties with Monterrey.”

The matchup between Tec de Monterrey and Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León leads up to the NFL’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15.

“This is an exciting and historic moment for college football in Mexico, and it is fantastic to see two of the top college teams represent our country in the United States,” added Arturo Olive, Director General NFL Mexico. “It will be a great showcase of the Mexican college game at the highest level and promises to be a great spectacle for fans.”

A press conference with Tec de Monterrey Rector David Garza Salazar, UANL Rector Santos Guzman Lopez, NFL Mexico Director General Arturo Olive, and Houston Texans President Greg Grissom will be held on Thursday, June 29 at 5:30p.m. CT and may be viewed at live.tec.mx. Tickets and additional information can be found at MCFS.com.

About Tecnológico de Monterrey

Tecnológico de Monterrey (http://www.tec.mx) is a private nonprofit multi-campus university system founded in 1943, and distinguished globally for its academic excellence, innovation in education, entrepreneurship, and global vision, along with its deep engagement with industry and employers, and its high executional capability. With a presence across 28 cities in Mexico, the institution has more than 67,000 enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, almost 7,000 faculty members, and more than 26,000 high school students served by 2,500 professors. The institution has been accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) since 1950. According to the QS World University Rankings (2023), Tecnológico de Monterrey ranks 170th globally and among the top 30 private universities worldwide. The QS Graduate Employability Rankings (2022) places the institution 1st in Latin America and 26th globally for Employer Reputation. The Times Higher Education Latin America University Rankings (2022) ranks the institution 1st in Mexico and 5th in Latin America. Tecnológico de Monterrey is the only university outside the USA included in The Princeton Review & Entrepreneur magazine ranking of Top Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies (2023), placing 4th for undergraduate entrepreneurship programs. Tecnológico de Monterrey belongs to several prestigious global networks including, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), Universitas 21 (U21), and The Worldwide Universities Network (WUN).

HUNTSVILLE — A rivalry will be renewed when Sam Houston plays Texas State at NRG Stadium in Houston during the 2024 season.

Sam Houston football has played annually at NRG Stadium since 2010 and that will continue into the FBS as the Bearkats join Conference USA on July 1. It was announced in October that Sam Houston will play Air Force at the home of the Houston Texans this upcoming season. 

The Bearkats and Bobcats have previously played each other 91 times from 1915 to 2011 with the only break in the series coming during World War II (1943-45). Texas State leads the all-time series 50-36-5.

“Anytime two rivals with over a century of history come back together, it’s exciting for the fans, the schools and the community. We couldn’t be more thrilled for NRG Stadium to play host next fall to welcoming back this great Texas rivalry for the first time in over a decade,” said David Fletcher, General Manager of Lone Star Sports and Entertainment.

 The game will take place on Sept. 28, 2024, and the Bearkats will be considered the home team. The last time the two teams met on the field were as members of the Southland Conference in 2011 before Texas State joined the Sun Belt with Sam Houston coming away with a 36-14 victory in San Marcos.

NRG Stadium is a venue that Sam Houston first started playing at in 2010 when it joined forces with Stephen F. Austin and Lone Star Sports and Entertainment to move the Battle of the Piney Woods rivalry to Houston.

 The game against Texas State concludes the 2024 non-conference portion of the schedule for the Bearkats. Sam Houston will play at Rice on Aug. 31, at Central Florida on Sept. 7 and host Hawai'i on Sept. 14.

Crowned by Sports Illustrated as "unassailably the best bowl week diversion," the 2022 Rodeo Bowl presented by Kroger took home the esteemed "Best Event Award" at the Bowl Season Awards during the industry's annual conference.

As the Rodeo Bowl basks in its well-deserved accolade, the college football world gears up for the spring transfer portal, which brings with it the potential for significant changes in teams' dynamics.

The annual migration of college football players in search of new opportunities is in full swing, and the sport is bracing for the ripple effects these changes will have.

The spring transfer portal, which opened on April 15, provides 15 days for athletes to seek fresh horizons and for programs to reinforce their squads.

The portal has become a focal point of excitement this season, sending tremors through the college football world as star players embark on bold new journeys.

Among the early transfers, former Michigan Wolverines' starting quarterback Cade McNamara has bid farewell to Ann Arbor for a fresh start with the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

McNamara's move comes after a mixed-success season at Michigan, and the change of scenery could be the catalyst he needs to thrive truly.

In another attention-grabbing move, DJ Uiagalelei, once considered Trevor Lawrence's successor at Clemson, has opted to leave the renowned program for new opportunities at Oregon State.

The highly sought-after quarterback's decision holds the potential to disrupt the Pac-12 and establish the Beavers as a formidable presence on the national stage.

As the spring transfer portal spins, college football fans and analysts eagerly anticipate more announcements. With additional high-profile players expected to reveal their decisions in the coming days, the impact of this year's portal will undoubtedly reshape the sport's landscape and set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable 2023 season.

Here's a list of some players who have decided to enter the transfer portal and attend a new school this fall:

1. WR Jordan Hudson, TCU

2. CB Bobby Taylor, Texas A&M

3. DB Jahquez Robinson, Alabama

4. DT Tywone Malone, Ole Miss

5. TE Elijah Brown, Alabama

6. RB Sy'Veon Wilkerson, Jackson State

7. LB Brenden Grant, Florida State

8. CB Jalil Tucker, Oregon

9. WR Brenen Thompson, Texas

10. DB Jaden Davis, Oklahoma

HOUSTON – Today, in the 17th edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup, (the Confederation of North and Central America and Caribbean Association Football) announced that NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas will host the matchups of Haiti vs. Qatar and Mexico vs. Honduras in the 2023 Gold Cup. The two matches are scheduled for Sunday, June 25, with Haiti vs. Qatar scheduled for 5 p.m. CT and Mexico vs. Honduras starting at 7 p.m. CT. 

The Concacaf Gold Cup, which takes place biannually, is the official national team championship of the region, which includes North America, Central America and the Caribbean. This year’s tournament is scheduled to take place from June 16 to July 16, 2023 and marks the seventh time NRG Stadium will host the Gold Cup, which is tied with Soldier Field for a record number in the history of the tournament. NRG Stadium hosted over 70,000 fans per match in 2019 and 2021, which marked the most attended matches in the entire tournament.  

“We are honored to once again host the Concacaf Gold Cup at NRG Stadium,” said Lone Star Sports and Entertainment General Manager David Fletcher. “Houston is home to the best soccer fans in the country and we look forward to providing them another edition of this world-class event. Our community is excited for this draw and we are looking forward to welcoming the participating teams to our vibrant city.”

Mexico and Honduras will open their respective tournament runs at NRG Stadium. The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup marks the Mexican National Team’s 20th visit to NRG Stadium, the most appearances at any venue in the United States. In 2021, Mexico defeated Honduras 3-0 in the Gold Cup quarterfinal to advance to the semifinal at NRG Stadium against Canada.

Haiti will face off against Qatar, the host-nation team of the 2022 World Cup, in the first match of the doubleheader. Qatar is returning to the Concacaf Gold Cup for the second time, following their appearance in 2021 which also featured a match in Houston.  

In addition to two matches being played at NRG Stadium, the city of Houston will host four other matches at Shell Energy Stadium, making Houston the only market with two host venues in this year’s tournament.   

The full match schedule and venue assignments for all 15 stadiums were announced at today’s tournament draw in Los Angeles. For more information about the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, including schedules, tickets and other details, click here.  

About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing annual college football events such as the TaxAct Texas Bowl, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the Copa de Lone Star, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019, 2021 and 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cups.

Miami, FL (Monday, April 10, 2023) – Concacaf has today announced the 15 stadiums in 14 metropolitan areas that will host matches of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, including two stadiums in Houston. NRG Stadium, home to the Houston Texans, and Shell Energy Stadium, the home of Houston Dynamo FC and the Houston Dash, are each slated to host matches in this summer’s tournament.

The 17th edition of Concacaf’s flagship competition for men's national teams will be played between June 16 – July 16 and will crown the best national team in the region. Today’s announcement comes after the Confederation confirmed that Our Final, on Sunday, July 16, was awarded to Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.

Houston is the only city with two stadiums selected to host matches in the tournament. The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup is a key part of a series of championship sporting events brought to Houston through the efforts of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, including the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four, the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, the 2024 Junior Olympic Games and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Harris County-Houston Sports Authority CEO Janis Burke said: “With our  large, diverse and incredibly passionate soccer community and a pair of world-class soccer stadiums, it’s no surprise that Houston has not one, but two venues selected to host matches in this summer’s Gold Cup tournament. It’s such an amazing time to be a sports fan in Houston. Our organization is proud to lead the bid efforts and to work with our sports teams to continue bringing these type of amazing events to our region.”

This summer marks the seventh time NRG Stadium will host the Gold Cup. NRG Stadium was the most attended Gold Cup venue in 2021, when Mexico defeated Canada 2-1 in a semifinal match in front of over 70,000 fans.

Lone Star Sports and Entertainment General Manager David Fletcher said: “We are honored to once again host the Concacaf Gold Cup at NRG Stadium. Houston is home to the best soccer fans in the country, and we look forward to providing them another edition of this world-class event. Our community is excited to see this Friday’s draw and welcome participating teams to our vibrant city very soon.”

The 2023 edition of the Gold Cup is the sixth tournament to feature matches at the recently-renovated Shell Energy Stadium. The venue has hosted every edition of the competition since 2013.

Houston Dynamo Football Club Chief Operating Officer Jessica O’Neill said: “We are excited to showcase a newly renovated venue for the Gold Cup this summer and offer fans an enhanced experience as they support their national team at Shell Energy Stadium. We take pride in ensuring that the hospitality of Houston is enjoyed by all who will join us for these world-class competitions.”

The 2023 Gold Cup is a key part of the region’s vibrant summer of football, which will also include the Final of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League on June 4, and the Concacaf Nations League Finals in Las Vegas, NV, between June 15-18. 

Regarding this exciting 2023 Gold Cup announcement, Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President, Victor Montagliani, said: “The Concacaf Gold Cup is our flagship competition and showcases the very best of men’s national team football in the region. With each passing edition this competition has reached new heights on and off the pitch and I am certain the 2023 tournament will deliver outstanding football and capture the imagination of fans across our confederation and beyond.

“The 15 host cities and venues we have selected all have strong track records of hosting elite football, and world class events. I want to thank each and every one of them for their commitment to Concacaf, to our Gold Cup and to our sport. This is a tremendous time for football in the region with Nations Leagues, men’s and women’s Gold Cups, and other exciting national team and club competitions taking place over the next three years as we head towards the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

“I look forward with great anticipation to watching the Gold Cup Prelims in June and enjoying compelling football involving all the Gold Cup teams right through to the Final and crowning a champion in Los Angeles on July 16.” 

Fans interested in purchasing tickets to the session at NRG Stadium may join the waitlist at LSSE.net

2023 Gold Cup Draw

To kick off the 2023 Gold Cup, Concacaf will conduct the competition’s official draw on Friday, April 14, 2023, at SoFi Stadium. 

The live in-person event will begin at 12:00 pm PT/local time (3:00 pm ET) and will include the participation of Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President, Victor Montagliani, the head coaches of the national teams participating in the 2023 Gold Cup and important guests.

The draw will be available for fans across the region to view on One Soccer (CAN), FS2 (USA), TUDN (USA and MEX), ESPN (Central America and Caribbean), and other regional broadcasters. For other territories, the event will be available on Concacaf GO, Concacaf Facebook page, and Concacaf YouTube channel (all subject to territory restrictions).

For more details regarding the draw, including the procedures and seeded nations, click here. 

The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup is sponsored by Modelo, Qatar Airways, Toyota and Valvoline.

About Gold Cup

The Concacaf Gold Cup is the Confederation’s premier competition for men’s national teams, crowning a champion every two years. Initially involving eight teams, the Gold Cup expanded into a competition that includes a 12-team Preliminary Round and 16-team Group Stage, all which qualify via the Concacaf Nations League. The tournament has been contested on 16 previous occasions. Mexico owns a tournament-record eight titles, followed by the United States with seven and Canada with one. For more information about the Concacaf Gold Cup, click here. 

About Concacaf

The Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) is one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, servicing 41 Member Associations, from Canada in the north to Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana in the south. Concacaf means football first. Our members are united by a shared vision: Love For Our Game, as well as a unique mission, to develop, promote and manage football throughout the region with integrity, transparency, and passion in order to inspire participation in the game.

About Lone Star Sports and Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing annual college football events such as the TaxAct Texas Bowl, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the Copa de Lone Star, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019, 2021 and 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cups.