Houston Fans Attend Both Astros and UH Basketball Games in One Day

Dedicated sports fans make the most of a busy sports day in Houston, attending Astros opening day and the University of Houston's Sweet 16 game.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:56am

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Several Houston sports fans were able to attend both the Houston Astros' opening day game at Daikin Park and the University of Houston Cougars' Sweet 16 game at Toyota Center on the same day, March 26, 2026. Fans like Alan Maxcy, who has a long-standing Astros opening day tradition with his daughter Rachel, and Stone Schloss, a Maryland transplant who is a big UH fan, managed to catch both games by taking advantage of the convenient scheduling and proximity of the two venues downtown.

Why it matters

The ability for fans to attend both a major league baseball game and a college basketball tournament game in the same day speaks to Houston's status as a premier sports city, with passionate fans who are dedicated to supporting their local teams. It also highlights the city's infrastructure and transportation options that allow fans to seamlessly move between venues.

The details

Fans like Alan Maxcy and his daughter Rachel, as well as Stone Schloss, were able to attend both the Astros' opening day game against the Los Angeles Angels, which ended at 6:08 pm, and then make their way to Toyota Center to catch the University of Houston Cougars' Sweet 16 game against Illinois, which started after 9 pm. Other fans, like Matthew Hogue, had even more luxurious accommodations, moving from club-level seats at the Astros game to a suite at the Cougars game owned by Tilman Fertitta, the Rockets owner and former UH regent.

  • The Astros game started at 3:10 pm and ended at 6:08 pm on March 26, 2026.
  • The University of Houston Cougars' Sweet 16 game against Illinois started after 9 pm on March 26, 2026.

The players

Alan Maxcy

A 72-year-old die-hard University of Houston sports fan who has attended four of the Cougars' seven Final Four appearances, including in 1968 when they were defeated by UCLA. He has a long-standing tradition of attending Astros opening day with his daughter Rachel.

Rachel Maxcy

The daughter of Alan Maxcy, with whom she has a tradition of attending Astros opening day every year.

Stone Schloss

A 28-year-old Maryland transplant who now lives in Houston and attends the University of Houston law school. He is a big fan of the Astros and Cougars, and was able to attend both games on March 26.

Matthew Hogue

A big-time University of Houston booster who owns Hogue Landscape Services. He had prime seats at both the Astros and Cougars games, including a suite at Toyota Center owned by Tilman Fertitta, the Rockets owner and former UH regent.

Steve Simons Jr.

The fiancé of Rachel Maxcy, who attended the Cougars' Sweet 16 game with the Maxcy family.

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What they’re saying

“We'll make it. It's right down the street, so it's worked out perfectly.”

— Alan Maxcy

“UH is the one I really care about and I'll be there in plenty of time.”

— Stone Schloss

“This is Houston sports. Being a hometown boy and a local business owner, I always want to support the city of Houston. Why would you not want to go to Daikin Park for opening day, then causally walk right down the street to Toyota Center and catch two Sweet 16 games?”

— Matthew Hogue

“I think we're going to take care of business. Maybe by about 10 or 15 points.”

— Alan Maxcy

What’s next

The University of Houston Cougars will look to advance to the Elite Eight with a win over Illinois in the Sweet 16 matchup.

The takeaway

Houston's status as a premier sports city is on full display as dedicated fans find ways to attend multiple major sporting events in a single day, taking advantage of the city's infrastructure and transportation options. This level of fan engagement and passion for local teams is a testament to the vibrant sports culture in Houston.