April 25, 2023
FootballKats to play Texas State at NRG Stadium in 2024
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.
September 26, 2022
Football2022 BATTLE OF THE PINEY WOODS PRESENTED BY H-E-B ANNOUNCES FREE FAN EVENTS AHEAD OF SATURDAY’S KICKOFF
Game to be Broadcast on Bally Sports Southwest and on SportsRadio610 starting at 2:30 p.m. CT
HOUSTON –The 2022 Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B, featuring the Sam Houston Bearkats and Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on this Saturday, October 1, from NRG Stadium in Houston. Ahead of Saturday’s showdown, fans will have the opportunity participate in two free fan events to extend and enhance the weekend around one of Texas’ oldest college football rivalries.
On Friday, September 30th, Bearkat and Lumberjack fans can attend the free Karbachtoberfest at Krabach Biergarten (2032 Karbach St.) for live music from some amazing oompah bands, the notorious Stein-Hoisting Competition, Wiener Dog Races, and concerts on Friday night starting at 7 p.m. CT. On Saturday, TexFest will open up on the NRG Stadium grounds starting at 12 p.m. with music, food, giveaways and fun for all ages. Access to TexFest is free for all fans with a game ticket.
For the second consecutive year, a live television broadcast of the game will be provided by Bally Sports Southwest across the network’s four-state footprint, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Randy McIlvoy and John Harris will provide the call, with Deepi Sidhu reporting from the sideline. The radio broadcast of the game will be available in the Houston market on SportsRadio 610 KILT-AM with Adam Spolane doing the play-by-play and Seth Payne providing the color commentary.
Fans can purchase tickets and find game information at www.battleofthepineywoods.com, by visiting the Sam Houston Athletics site at www.gobearkats.com or by visiting the SFA Athletics site at www.sfajacks.com.
This year’s game marks the 96th meeting between Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin dating back to 1923, making the matchup the third oldest college football rivalry in the state of Texas. In 2021, the Sam Houston emerged with a 21-20 victory over the Stephen F. Austin, erasing a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. The Bearkats hold a 58-35-2 edge in the all-time series entering the 2022 matchup.
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 and the Battle of the Piney Woods rivalry between Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, 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 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with annual sales of more than $34 billion, operates more than 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. 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 over 110,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com.
Media Contacts
Tim Wiemann – tim.wiemann@houstontexans.com
Rachel Richards – rachel.richards@houstontexans.com
August 1, 2022
Football2022 BATTLE OF THE PINEY WOODS PRESENTED BY H-E-B TO KICKOFF AT 2:30 P.M. ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
Game to be Broadcast on Bally Sports Southwest for Second Consecutive Year
HOUSTON – Lone Star Sports & Entertainment today announced that the 2022 Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B, featuring the Sam Houston Bearkats and Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, will kick off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, from NRG Stadium in Houston. For the second consecutive year, a live television broadcast of the game will be provided by Bally Sports Southwest across the network’s four-state footprint, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Randy McIlvoy and Taylor McHargue will provide the call, with Deepi Sidhu reporting from the sideline. A radio broadcast of the game will be available in the Houston market on SportsRadio 610 KILT-AM. Fans can purchase tickets and find game information at www.lsse.net/battle-of-the-piney-woods, by visiting the Sam Houston Athletics site at www.gobearkats.com or by visiting the SFA Athletics site at www.sfajacks.com.
“H-E-B is excited to build on the Battle of the Piney Woods partnership with Bally Sports Southwest. This year’s slot will continue to grow exposure for this historic matchup,” said H-E-B Houston Director of Marketing Joe Casiano. “We can’t wait to welcome Bearkat and Lumberjack fans back to NRG Stadium on October 1.”
This year’s game marks the 96th meeting between Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin dating back to 1923, making the matchup the third oldest college football rivalry in the state of Texas. In 2021, the Sam Houston emerged with a 21-20 victory over the Stephen F. Austin, erasing a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. The Bearkats hold a 58-35-2 edge in the all-time series entering the 2022 matchup.
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 and the Battle of the Piney Woods rivalry between Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, 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 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with annual sales of more than $34 billion, operates more than 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. 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 over 145,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com.
Media Contact
Jackson Riebel – jackson.riebel@houstontexans.com
April 20, 2022
FootballTaxAct Texas Bowl Surpasses $2.1 Million in Total Giving to DePelchin Children’s Center
Sarah Frazier named Chair of TaxAct Texas Bowl Board
HOUSTON – The TaxAct Texas Bowl today announced a 10th consecutive six-figure annual donation to DePelchin Children's Center, providing the charity with a $100,000 contribution from the proceeds of the 2021 game. Since selecting DePelchin Children’s Center as its charitable beneficiary in 2006, the Bowl has provided over $2.1 million in direct financial support and millions more in promotional support.
The Bowl presented the check to Jenifer Jarriel, President and CEO of the DePelchin Children’s Center.
“On behalf of the board, staff, and families served at DePelchin Children's Center, we are so thankful for our long-standing partnership with the TaxAct Texas Bowl,” said Jarriel. “Over the last sixteen years, our friends at the Bowl have not only provided more than $2.1 million dollars to support and sustain children in our community, but they have given families memories that will last a lifetime by hosting fun events and gameday experiences. We are excited to see what more is to come from our amazing partnership.”
Helping to continue to foster this relationship with DePelchin will be Sarah Frazier, the new chair of the TaxAct Texas Bowl Board. Ms. Frazier currently serves as Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy Houston and oversees the company’s multimedia enterprise in Houston that includes six major radio stations serving an estimated three million Houstonians each month.
“I am honored to serve both the TaxAct Texas Bowl and our beneficiary DePelchin Children’s Center,” said Frazier. “Both are important to the heritage and culture of Texas, and I’m proud that giving back is in the Lone Star State’s DNA. It’s also in the DNA of Audacy Houston, and we’re proud to back both of these organizations.”
“Sarah is an integral leader in the community,” said David Fletcher, Executive Director of the TaxAct Texas Bowl. “She has a passion for not only college sports, but also giving back. With Sarah as chair, the TaxAct Texas Bowl will continue to make a positive impact throughout Houston. I would like to thank our previous chair, Pete DeLongchamps, for his leadership and contributions to the Bowl and its partners.”
In addition to her role with the TaxAct Texas Bowl, Frazier will continue her work on the Board of Rebuilding Together Houston, the Advisory Board of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, the Board of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, and as a proud member of the Houston Chapter of the University of Kansas Alumni Organization.
Founded in 1892 by Kezia Payne DePelchin, DePelchin Children’s Center is an accredited foster care and adoption agency serving the most vulnerable children and families in Texas and working to break the cycles of abuse and neglect. DePelchin’s approach to caring for kids integrates at-risk prevention, foster care, adoption and post-adoption programs to improve the mental health and physical well-being of children who are at risk of entering or are in the State’s child welfare system.
The 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl matched the Kansas State Wildcats against the LSU Tigers in the eighth year of the Bowl’s partnership with the Big 12 and the SEC. Kansas State jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half and rolled to a 42-20 win in the 15th installment of the Bowl game.
CONTACTS:
Jackson Riebel, jackson.riebel@houstontexans.com or (507) 272-9624
About the TaxAct Texas Bowl
The TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. The Bowl annually showcases teams from the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the country’s premier athletic conferences. Through the years, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field. Since 2014 the game is the most attended Bowl in the country outside of the “New Year’s 6” games. The bowl has also generated an average of $40 million annually for the Houston economy and has contributed over $2.1 million in financial support to DePelchin Children’s Center, The Bowl’s official charitable beneficiary and one of the oldest children’s organizations in the city.
December 5, 2021
FootballKANSAS STATE AND LSU ACCEPT BIDS TO PLAY IN TAXACT TEXAS BOWL
HOUSTON – Kansas State and LSU have accepted bids to play in the 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl, the bowl organizing committee announced today. The 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl will be played at 8 p.m. CT on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN with a local radio broadcast available on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM). Tickets and suites are now available for purchase www.taxacttexasbowl.com.
“We are excited to announce the 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl between the Kansas State Wildcats and LSU Tigers, two excellent institutions from the Big 12 and SEC,” remarked David Fletcher, executive director, TaxAct Texas Bowl. “The Bowl is one of the largest annual events in our community and we’re excited to welcome Kansas State and LSU to Houston. We look forward to hosting these teams and their fan bases for a festive bowl week of Texas-themed events that will culminate in a primetime showdown at NRG Stadium on January 4.”
Kansas State will represent the Big 12 Conference, while LSU will represent the SEC. The two programs have met just once before, when LSU earned a 21-0 victory over Kansas State on September 13, 1980. The 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl will mark Kansas State’s third appearance and first since 2016, when the Wildcats earned a 33-28 win over Texas A&M. LSU will make its second appearance in the TaxAct Texas Bowl and first since 2015, when the Tigers beat Texas Tech, 56-27.
The 2021 edition of the TaxAct Texas Bowl will mark the event’s eighth year of affiliation with the Big 12 and the SEC. The game was most recently played in 2019, when the Texas A&M Aggies emerged with a narrow 24-21 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys, with quarterback Kellen Mond receiving MVP honors.
Entering its 16th year, the TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since 2016, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has the fifth-highest attendance among all college football bowls, trailing only the Rose, Peach, Fiesta and Orange bowls. The TaxAct Texas Bowl and its sister event, the Texas Kickoff, have combined to create an economic impact of close to $80 million annually for the city of Houston while raising over $2 million in financial support and millions more in promotional support for DePelchin Children’s Center, Houston’s oldest children’s charity and the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary.
For more information about the game and affiliated Bowl Week activities, fans can visit www.taxacttexasbowl.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
About TaxAct
TaxAct is a savvy, tax-filing solution that provides filers with affordable DIY tax software to successfully navigate the U.S. tax code. As a pioneer in the industry, TaxAct’s products enable all users – regardless of profession, tax bracket or complexity of their return – to quickly and accurately file their taxes all while discovering new ways to leverage their tax situation and improve their financial well-being. At TaxAct, taxes are our expertise, but we don’t see them as the end goal. Rather, we believe taxes are a stepping-stone to possibility. Possibilities that are unique as every filer. Possibilities that help each hardworking American not only claim the money they deserve but also enable them to make smart money decisions. We deliver the power of possibility through straightforward technology to help filers secure their best tax outcome and elevate their financial lives.
To learn more about TaxAct, a business of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR), visit www.taxact.com or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.
About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of 35 collegiate sporting events nationwide. The roster includes five early-season college football games, 17 college bowl games, 12 college basketball events and a college softball event, which accounts for approximately 400 hours of live programming, reaches nearly 64 million viewers and attracts over 800,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in more than 10 markets across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.
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 the TaxAct Texas Bowl and the Texas Kickoff, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, 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, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups. LSSE has also reinvigorated the “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted major concerts featuring country superstars including George Strait, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney.
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