No. 20 Houston is set for its first Built By Houston game of the season on Saturday, welcoming UCF to TDECU Stadium for an 11 a.m. kickoff.
The Cougars have laid out a full game-day plan for fans, with tickets still available starting at $32. UH is steering supporters toward its mobile app as the central hub for tickets, news, rosters, live stats, maps and videos, and the school is urging fans to have their tickets downloaded into their digital wallets before arrival for contactless entry.
Parking options have also been updated for 2026. The Blue, Orange and Green lots all include $10 discounts for fans who buy parking before game day, with pre-purchased rates starting at $25. For those using rideshare, the designated pickup and drop-off spot is at Elgin St. and Cullen Blvd. on the north side of campus by I-45.
Visiting UCF fans with tickets from the player pass list should go to Gate 4 Will Call to collect their tickets and enter the stadium there.
The Built By Houston theme sits at the center of Saturday’s presentation. UH describes it as a story of ambition, resilience and possibility, one rooted in the city’s resilience, innovation, entrepreneurship, culture and energy.
The university says those qualities have shaped Houston Athletics for 80 years, from breaking barriers to producing national champions, Olympians and generations of leaders. The campaign is also tied to Houston’s place in the Big 12 and the school’s continued investment in championship-level programs, facilities and the student-athlete experience.
Tailgating will center around Cougar Alley and the Bud Light Backyard, where fans can gather, play cornhole and get ready for the stadium atmosphere. The NASA Truck will also be on Cullen Blvd. during the tailgate, part of the city’s Space City identity.
The revamped team store is outside Gate 1 in the Stadium Parking Garage and opens at 8 a.m. It will stay open through the end of the first quarter before reopening after the game. Fans can also find merchandise inside the stadium at Gates 1, 3 and 4, on the upper concourse and inside the Penick Club.
Families have a Kids’ Zone outside the stadium between Gates 1 and 4, with inflatables and games. Houston is also encouraging families to join Shasta’s Kids Club.
Because of forecasted high temperatures, UH has activated its heat management plan. Fans may bring one clear plastic, factory-sealed, non-insulated bottle of water or one empty clear plastic water bottle, and the stadium will have multiple water stations with hundreds of pounds of ice. Five misting and fan stations will also be available throughout TDECU Stadium.
Students get a few extra perks on Saturday. Those with a game ticket can park for free, and students with a UH parking permit can use the Green Lot (Zone E) by showing their digital Cougar Card.
Students without a fall parking pass can park in the Pink Striped Lot (Zone D) with their game ticket and digital Cougar Card. Student tailgate begins at 8 a.m. outside Gate 2, with games, TVs, video games, food and giveaways.
Inside the stadium, students can enter through Gates 1 and 2 and use Dining Dollars for a discount on select items at the new Space City Franks stand. The newly expanded student section now includes 4,500 seats in sections 132-140, and the first 5,000 students will receive a Built By Houston Blue shirt presented by TDECU.
Houston is also pushing its Pledge Per campaign, which allows supporters to make donations tied to wins, touchdowns, sacks or turnovers forced. Donors can pledge for each victory, touchdown, sack or turnover, or combine pledges, with payments charged according to the option selected.
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