Houston's Reliant Stadium to host 5A Div I, II state football games this year

[HoopInsider_Cooper]

First Wrestlemania now this!

By SAM KHAN JR.

Houston Chronicle

The University Interscholastic League announced Wednesday that the home of the Texans, Reliant Stadium, has been selected as the site for the Class 5A Division I and Division II state championship games, which will be played on Dec. 20.

This is the third year that the UIL has used a predetermined site for the 5A state title games. In 2006 and 2007, the San Antonio Alamodome was the site of the title games.

"We're excited about Reliant Stadium hosting the 5A football finals this season," UIL athletic director Charles Breithaupt said. "We will work closely with Reliant Park in creating a first-class championship experience for the schools, fans and students involved in the games."

The Division II championship game will be held at 2 p.m., followed by the Division I final at 7.

The UIL chose to move away from a two-year commitment to one site as it did with the Alamodome. Among the reasons for that decision was the desire to locate the games around the state.

"It was (our legislative council's) intention to rotate the games around the state so that every area of the state could experience the championship game," UIL spokesperson Kim Rogers said. "Once that was determined, we had discussions with Texas Stadium, Reliant Stadium and the Alamodome and determined that Reliant would host it this year."

Rogers said that the UIL will likely wait and see how the 2008 games go before deciding on a 2009 site. The Dallas Cowboys are expected to move into their new stadium in Arlington that year.

"I'm excited to see it played in Houston," Katy coach Gary Joseph said. "It's a neat deal. It hasn't been here in awhile. Having the coaches (from around the state) back here will be great."

There is some concern as to whether the grass at Reliant will hold up well enough for two games. The Alamodome and Texas Stadium have artificial surfaces.

"That was my biggest concern," Joseph said. "The footing is the biggest thing. The field is getting torn up. One year we played in the regional semifinals against Brazoswood in the second game of a doubleheader and the field was pretty slippery."

Reliant has hosted several high school football doubleheaders in the last two seasons.

"That was discussed," Rogers said. "We heard feedback from coaches around the state on grass versus artificial surfaces. We've been assured by Reliant that the field willl be in great condition for both games."

Katy was the Class 5A Division II state champion last year, beating Pflugerville 28-7. Euless Trinity defeated Converse Judson 13-10 in the 5A Division I title game.

"We're thrilled to have the Texas State Football Championships back in Houston and at Reliant Stadium for the first time ever," said Shea Guinn, President, SMG-Reliant Park. "Houston is the heart of Texas Football Country and we're proud to welcome the state's best football players to Reliant Stadium."

[Guest Indian Chief]

Finally a little closer to home!!

[KFDM COOP]

Maybe West Brook will be playing that day!  8)

[BHFAN]

Maybe West Brook will be playing that day!  8)

And maybe a monkey will fly out of my *** (Ya Know)  ;D

Seriously though I am glad these are coming back I miss the double and triple header state games that were played at the dome!!!

[82 5A State Champs]

Maybe West Brook will be playing that day!  8)

It would be nice, but I think a little bit of wishful thinking. ;D We would need alot of luck to get to that point.

[Yeoj]

Maybe West Brook will be playing that day!  8)

And maybe a monkey will fly out of my *** (Ya Know)  ;D

Seriously though I am glad these are coming back I miss the double and triple header state games that were played at the dome!!!

Well if West Brook played BH's garbage a$$, they would knock a monkey out of all your players *** (Ya Know)

[BHFAN]

Maybe West Brook will be playing that day!  8)

And maybe a monkey will fly out of my *** (Ya Know)  ;D

Seriously though I am glad these are coming back I miss the double and triple header state games that were played at the dome!!!

Well if West Brook played BH's garbage a$$, they would knock a monkey out of all your players *** (Ya Know)

Yup  ;D ,but we won't be in the 5A playoffs either lose about 1500 students and get back with us.

[rapayne]

This is a fantastic thing, but will this force the 4A to seek an option on its own else where, or is it possible for a Houston contest as well?