It’s March, it’s Madness, and it’s all about the Cougars! Houston is rolling out the red carpet—literally—for the city’s beloved University of Houston Cougars as they battle it out in Round 1 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. But here’s the twist: they’re facing off against another pack of Cougars—Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

If you can’t make it to Wichita, don’t sweat it—Avenida Houston is turning into Cougar Central for the ultimate March Madness Watch Party, where fans can rally behind their squad in a high-energy, game-day atmosphere.

Houston First & UH Team Up for a Legendary Watch Party

The Houston First Corporation (HFC) is teaming up with the University of Houston to deliver the most electrifying watch party in H-Town. With the UH Coogs fresh off a Big 12 Season Championship and Big 12 Tournament Championship victory, expectations are sky-high as they enter the tournament as the number one seed in the Midwest Region.

“This city bleeds Cougar red,” says Houston First CEO Michael Heckman. “We are thrilled to bring fans together at Avenida Houston to experience the energy of March Madness as if they were courtside!”

  

Game Day at Avenida Houston: What to Expect

📅 WHEN: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 1 P.M. (Plaza opens at noon!)
📍 WHERE: The Plaza at Avenida Houston (Between the George R. Brown Convention Center & Discovery Green Park) 

Get ready for:
✔️ A giant 20-foot LED screen broadcasting the game
✔️ Multiple 80-inch monitors throughout the Plaza
✔️ A DJ spinning high-energy beats
✔️ Selfie stations for the perfect game-day pic
✔️ Fun games & giveaways with chances to win free prizes
✔️ The Spirit of Houston Band, Cheerleaders, Cougar Dolls, & Shasta the Mascot making appearances
✔️ A Team Shop stocked with official UH gear

And let’s not forget the food & drinks! Avenida Houston’s top-notch restaurants will be open, and vendors will be serving up delicious bites and refreshing beverages throughout the day.

H-Town Goes Red for the Coogs!

Avenida Houston isn’t just hosting the biggest watch party in town—it’s transforming into Cougar Nation for the day. Expect a sea of red as lights across the plaza and the Wings Over Water fountain glow in support of the Coogs.

"Nothing beats the energy of UH fans,” says UH Alumni Association President, Dr. Michelle Johnson. “This is more than a game—it’s a celebration of Houston’s pride and the incredible journey of our team.” 

Join the Madness—Be Part of the Hype!

Whether you’re a die-hard UH alum, a student rocking your Cougar gear, or just looking for an electrifying Houston event, this is where you want to be. The Plaza at Avenida Houston is the city’s official hub for March Madness excitement—so bring your passion, your loudest cheers, and let’s show the world what Cougar Pride is all about!

Houston Style Magazine readers, for updates, visit Avenida Houston’s Official

Home for Cougars’ March Madness Watch Parties.

📢 Tag us in your game-day pics using #TeamStyleMag #HSM

and let’s flood social media with Cougar spirit!