So you wanna become a Houston sports fan? It’s a journey filled with plenty of heartbreak, but also unmatched joy at seeing your team win a World Series or an NBA Championship (well, if you’re old enough to remember on the latter). Us Houstonians have learned to find moments of happiness with some fun and unique traditions, because there’s only so much letdown we can take. So, next time you’re at a game, follow these pro tips like you’re a lifelong fan.

Houston Texans

Check out the tailgates.

Sundays have become an all-day Texans event in Houston during home games, and our tailgates are second to none. (Sorry, Green Bay and Buffalo!) We highly recommend checking out the Lone Spot Tailgaters in the Platinum parking lot run by die-hard Texans fan and writer Stephanie Stradley. They have amazing food, and every week is a different theme based on the opponent. These tailgates are so fun that fans are usually late getting to their seats, so arrive a couple of hours before the game for the tailgates, then don’t forget to make your way into NRG Stadium about 40 minutes before kickoff so you can be in your seat when the Texans take the field.

Don’t wear Oilers gear.

Long story short, the Oilers will always be part of Houston’s history, but they aren’t the Texans and the Texans aren’t the Oilers. The iconic Oilers blue unfortunately now belongs to the Tennessee Titans (a division rival). We will always celebrate the memories, but the Battle Red honestly looks better, so leave those Oilers jerseys at home on game day.

Stick around for the Texans Mariachi.

One of the best things the Texans have done recently is embrace the culture of H-Town. From those Battle Red helmets to introducing the Texans Mariachi, the team has really captured the essence of what makes Houston Houston. The Texans Mariachi performs pregame and during the game, so be sure to stay in your seats to watch their show.

Avoid the official parking lots.

There is ample parking on-site in designated lots at NRG, but trust us: Don’t park in the lots, because you could be stuck trying to get out for at least an hour. You can find plenty of parking options up and down Main Street, or, even better, park elsewhere and take the MetroRail to the stadium.

Houston Rockets

Take a picture with Hakeem’s jersey.

Hakeem Olajuwon is the greatest NBA center of all time and you can’t convince us otherwise. Nicknamed “The Dream,” he led the Rockets to two titles in the ’90s and put up some impressive defensive numbers that will remain unmatched by centers. The talented big man’s number 34 jersey is retired and on display in front of Toyota Center as a statue. Pay your respects to the Dream and take a picture with the jersey before entering.

Walk in with the Red Rowdies.

Back in 2006, then–head coach Jeff Van Gundy saw that the Rockets didn’t have a great home court advantage, so he put together a group of dedicated fans who created one through cheers, noise, and general rowdiness…thus the Red Rowdies were born. These fans are at every game and set the tone for the rest of the fans, starting with their iconic Red Rowdy Romp through Toyota Center. Meet in section 114 about 30 minutes before tip-off and jump in with them to hype up your fellow fans.

Shoot around before or during the game.

Toyota Center celebrates basketball and the beauty of the game unlike any other arena in the NBA. You can get some shots up before the game at Root Memorial Square Basketball Court outside, or show off your version of the “Dream Shake” (Olajuwon’s signature move) at the Sky Court located in the upper concourse of the building.

Grab an egg roll at Houston’s oldest Chinese restaurant.

China Garden has been serving homestyle Chinese food to Houstonians since 1969. While things were rough for the institution during the pandemic, it’s now back to being a pregame hub for fans and Houston celebrities alike…and they still have the best egg rolls in the city.

Houston Astros

Enjoy dollar hot dog night.

Tuesday dollar hot dog night has become one of the marquee events in Houston for baseball fans. They can watch their home team and indulge in the perfect all-American complement, a hot dog for just $1. Some fans even do the 9-9-9 challenge and try to down nine hot dogs and nine beers in nine innings.

Clap along to “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

The Houston Astros are Texas’s team, so it’s only right they play “Deep in the Heart of Texas” during the seventh-inning stretch. Other teams—cough cough, the Rangers—also play it, but let’s be honest, this is an Astros tradition. So, stand up and clap clap clap clap along to the most famous stadium song in Houston.

Do the wave.

OK, this fan tradition has caused a major divide among baseball fans. It’s a silly custom where fans stand up and raise their hands up section by section, creating a “wave” that goes around the entire stadium. We’re big fans of the wave because it unites us all and literally takes your attention away from the game for two seconds. So, when you’re at Minute Maid Park—err, Daikin Park—this season, get up and join us.

Houston Dynamo

Join El Batallón for their pregame march.

When you attend a Dynamo match at Shell Energy Stadium, you’ll hear nonstop drumming and horns for 90 minutes, a soundtrack provided by the various fan groups whose sole responsibility is to set the atmosphere and home-pitch advantage for the Dynamo. One of those groups is El Batallón, whose pregame march is a showstopper. They meet two hours before every game, so new fans can hang out and learn some of the chants before embarking to the stadium in a march that’s reminiscent of Mardi Gras.

Try to score a goal against a Dynamo legend at Pitch 25.

After retiring from professional soccer and the US Men’s National Team, Houston Dynamo legend Brian Ching created the ultimate hangout for soccer fans in Houston with his East Downtown bar and restaurant, Pitch 25. It’s the only bar in EaDo to feature an indoor soccer field where you can kick a ball around pregame and, if you’re lucky, try to score against Ching himself.

Houston Dash

Cheer and dance with the Dash Drummers.

Soccer matches can be long for the players. So, just like the Dynamo, the Dash—Houston’s newest major league team, whose first season in the National Women’s Soccer League was in 2014—relies heavily on fans to bring the energy to the same stadium. The Dash Drummers, a crew started by a trio of longtime teachers, do just that with nonstop drumming, singing, chanting, and cheering. You’ll be moved by their energetic presence, so be ready to cheer and dance along with this diverse group of musicians.

Take pictures with players after the match.

This tip is one that your kids (or yourself!) will love. After matches, players from both teams will often hang around and take pictures with fans on the side of the pitch, helping inspire the next generation of soccer players.