View Full Version : Houston race?
Looks like the rumor has some legs.
There is a distinct possibility that the Champ Car series will return to Houston in May 2006, but the road-course race will not take place over downtown streets as was the case from 1998-2001.
Instead, the open-wheel car race would be in the Reliant Stadium area.
Shea Guinn, the president and general manager of SMG-Reliant Park, confirmed Thursday that negotiations with Champ executives are ongoing.
"Right now, there isn't much to say other than that we are in discussions with Champ about coming here in 2006," Guinn said.
Joe Chrnelich, the executive vice president of Champ Car, said the group intends to release its 2006 schedule Saturday. Chrnelich indicated there is a good chance the schedule will include a return to Houston.
Houston Chronicle story (http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3307401)
For completely selfish reasons, PLEASE make this happen. :D
Here is a map of the area.
http://www.reliantpark.com/images/sitemap1_large.gif
Wheel-Nut
08-12-05, 11:11 AM
Looks like the rumor has some legs.
Houston Chronicle story (http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3307401)
For completely selfish reasons, PLEASE make this happen. :D
I'll second that thought!!
Here is a map of the area.
MetroRail station? Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout. :D
pfc_m_drake
08-12-05, 11:24 AM
MetroRail station? Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout. :D
Don't start....
Wheel-Nut
08-12-05, 11:24 AM
MetroRail station? Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout. :D
That's right, we have a rail line!!
I'm not familiar with the area but that curved road around the Astrodome looks pretty cool.
Wonder if they still have all the stuff from the previous track in storage somewhere?
edit:
An early May date would sure help plug that hole in the spring schedule. :thumbup:
CART T. Katz
08-12-05, 12:14 PM
/off topic
what events are held in the reliant arena?
/off topic
what events are held in the reliant arena?
http://www.reliantpark.com/calendar/Calendar.asp
Looks like concerts.
Crossing the light rail tracks in Houston is a bad idea. Not because of the tracks - because of the trains! For some reason, it hits cars more often than any other light rail system: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-03-07-houston-rail_x.htm
These light rail critics have a pretty funny website (WARNING - political content): The Wham Bam Tram (http://www.actionamerica.org/houston/index.shtml)
Crossing the light rail tracks in Houston is a bad idea. Not because of the tracks - because of the trains! For some reason, it hits cars more often than any other light rail system:
It's because of the way so many of the idiots drive here. :shakehead It seems to many the lane markings and signs are just for decoration.
Wheel-Nut
08-12-05, 12:48 PM
It's crazy down there JB. Almost 100 accidents to date. I've driven in the areas with the light rail. Some places you share the lane with the trains, other places you don't.
Metro Rail Station? Great place for "The Station Chicane"! (AVOIDING the tracks, of course! :D )...Special "Station" seating, "Station" Burgers, "Station" Fries, "The Station Babes" (serving drinks, of course) and so and so on, and...never too early to start PLANNING tradition! :) Was SO hoping it wouldn't be another 1.5 mi. of 90's, ugh...a natural "carrousel" to a hairpin, wide lots to get layout creative, provide paddock spaces, and...PARK CARS!? :eek: Night race? I now give permission for CC to return to Houston. "Houston? We have SOLVED a problem!"...PS...CC WANTS to run downtown, I hope they reconsider.
Recent aerial photos, anyone? Who used to do prospective layouts, was that Dataguy?? :) After San Jose CC needs our help! Someone get down there (if it's safe :p ) and start taking pictures! Philly, too!
Wheel-Nut
08-12-05, 01:47 PM
Seriously, Metro Rail moves thousands of people during the Rodeo in early Spring every year in and out of the Reliant Park area. The rail line runs from the northend of downtown Houston, through the midtown, med center and on out to its southern most stop, the Reliant Park area. It would be a great asset to tie in downtown Houston to the race.
MetroRail station? Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout. :D
Nah, we've already done the light rail thing. They need to try a new challenge. How about running the track through the Astrodome? :)
How about running the track through the Astrodome? :)Seriously, how tough would that be to do? You could have the pits and paddock all right there, fill the stands with fans, a throw the race up on the jumbotron.
MetroRail station? Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout. :D
dont get too excited, it only goes straight to downtown and nowhere else...
Seriously, how tough would that be to do? You could have the pits and paddock all right there, fill the stands with fans, a throw the race up on the jumbotron.
If I'm not mistaken there's only one entrance to the stadium floor which used to be center field, and supposedly it's an easy opening to the outside... :D
the streets around there SUCK ASS, so there'd be major upgrades going on...
http://www.reliantpark.com/calendar/Calendar.asp
Looks like concerts.
and don't forget the Livestock Show & Rodeo... the bowl game, the odd Rice or Houston vs. major program football game, high school state playoffs, etc etc
theunions
08-12-05, 04:37 PM
What's the Astrodome being used for these days, anyway?
And which of the above buildings replaced the adjacent AstroHall?
(Where I first met Mikey Waltrip and Sterling Marlin, back when they were still actually relatively cool) :gomer:
Wheel-Nut
08-12-05, 05:49 PM
I believe the Astrodome is sitting and rotting . . . most of the events are held in the new Reliant Park buildings. The politicians talk about doing something with it but in the end its going to be bulldozed when no one is looking.
The Astoarena was replaced by the Reliant Arena and the Astrohall was replaced by the Reliant Center . ..
Nah, we've already done the light rail thing. They need to try a new challenge. How about running the track through the Astrodome? :)
They've done the stadium thing with Mexico City. Unless, of course, they tear the seats out of one end of the Astrodome and turn it into a super-high banked turn for the cars. Now *that* would be a challenge. :D
What's the Astrodome being used for these days, anyway?
And which of the above buildings replaced the adjacent AstroHall?
(Where I first met Mikey Waltrip and Sterling Marlin, back when they were still actually relatively cool) :gomer:
astrohall == reliant arena i believe, i saw the f00s play there 2 years ago...
isnt the astrodome still used for the rodeo?
Sean O'Gorman
08-12-05, 08:19 PM
Crossing the light rail tracks in Houston is a bad idea. Not because of the tracks - because of the trains! For some reason, it hits cars more often than any other light rail system: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-03-07-houston-rail_x.htm
These light rail critics have a pretty funny website (WARNING - political content): The Wham Bam Tram (http://www.actionamerica.org/houston/index.shtml)
Did they rename the train after Roger Clemens or something? :saywhat:
Jervis Tetch 1
08-13-05, 01:55 AM
Houston would be cool. Again.
As an ex-TKG floppy hat wearer... I always liked Houston the race. :)
Hate the city though... got my suitcase and laptop stolen from my rental car there many yahren ago. :mad:
theunions
08-13-05, 02:01 PM
As an ex-TKG floppy hat wearer... I always liked Houston the race. :)
Even after the '98 love-fest? :D
theunions
08-13-05, 02:31 PM
My "home" race is back and I couldn't be happier...even though it means missing Pole Day at the place so many of you love to hate for the second year in a row (at least it will not be by force this time)... :cool:
Very good, can't wait to see what the track looks like. :thumbup:
I'm actually less excited about the race being at night. Guess we'll probably get a hotel in town for the weekend.
Even after the '98 love-fest? :D
:rofl: Yeah, I black out the year when PT and Dario took themselves out.
'99 was interesting as they let Paul win the race. If "team orders" had been carried out, Dario might've won the championship.
Very good, can't wait to see what the track looks like. :thumbup:
I'm actually less excited about the race being at night. Guess we'll probably get a hotel in town for the weekend.
**** that, go watch the race, then hop on the rail to med center and grab a cab straight to Rice Village and Baker St. Pub & the Gingerman.
Hoegaarden and Chimay for everyone! http://www2.hornfans.com/wwwthreads/images/icons/bounce.gif
theunions
08-13-05, 06:43 PM
:rofl: Yeah, I black out the year when PT and Dario took themselves out.
Of course, Dario didn't exactly take HIMSELF out... ;)
That was the first race I'd ever done with media credentials, but I opted to pay for a race day front stretch grandstand seat nonetheless (not close enough to the TKG pits to actually see the shoving with my own two eyes though, but there was a jumbotron very close by). I should've reconsidered after having lunch at the TKG media tent and hearing on the TV that storm clouds were approaching...
I still feel thoroughly gypped out of a proper race I'd been waiting some eight years for that day. It did teach me never to hit the track without carrying plastic bags in which to stash my gear in an emergency. Seeing Dario, Alex and Toucan in the media center thereafter, each no less thoroughly soaked than I was, didn't make me feel any better.
I found a cool tool for tracing routes on Google Maps that gives distances. Perfect for tinkering with street course layouts.
http://www.sueandpaul.com/gmapPedometer/
Here's Houston...
http://tinyurl.com/d27k8
Both the satellite and map are out of date, but you can get a feel for the area. Is the building between the Arena and the Astro dome really all parking lot now?
I doodled a couple of nice layouts but I have no idea how practical they are. I'm guessing with the constraints of a night race they'll spend a lot of time in the parking lots around the Astrodome.
This story (http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3309488) made the front page of the sports section today.
Mi-Jack is the promoter.
Wheel-Nut
08-14-05, 12:28 PM
Is the building between the Arena and the Astro dome really all parking lot now?
.
Yes, all parking lots. They have a "clean slate" to come up with a good course.
Current Photo
http://www.fas.org/irp/imint/reliant.jpg
Sean O'Gorman
08-14-05, 01:21 PM
Anyone else notice the tire tracks from Mazda Rev It Up in the parking lot? :D
TurboTodd
08-14-05, 01:34 PM
Anyone else notice the tire tracks from Mazda Rev It Up in the parking lot? :D
Yep, noticed it right away.. When I lookup stuff on google maps, I always notice braking zones on street courses, etc when I'm playing around..
Todd
And before anybody starts sniveling about there not being any elevation changes, get over it. The nearest elevation change is 60 miles to the north save the overpasses on the freeways.
If you've been here, you know what I mean, if you haven't, you are clueless and probably cant fathom how flat the area is.
Secondly, this location will lend itself to a much better designed track than before yet, it will still have the unique indoor air conditioned paddock with the newly built Reliant Center. That center has 1.2 million s.f. of floor space to offer which is slightly smaller than the Geo. Brown center downtown, 1.8 million s.f. but, so are the fields. So, even the support series should be able to be housed inside.
I'm think this is the best for a return to the city. MiJack officials promoting the event is another good thing due to the large port complex that Houston has. I am sure some suites will be filled with local container ship/ port businesses.
I think the night race is a bit of a stretch to undertake on the first year of its return but, other than that, no complaints from me.
:thumbsup:
**** that, go watch the race, then hop on the rail to med center and grab a cab straight to Rice Village and Baker St. Pub & the Gingerman.
Hoegaarden and Chimay for everyone! http://www2.hornfans.com/wwwthreads/images/icons/bounce.gif
You stay at the Gingerman (please). I'll be at Brian O'Neills.
http://www.brianoneills.com/index.shtml
Think O'neill's has an age limit ;) :p Baker St. has better tail...
Sean O'Gorman
08-14-05, 06:55 PM
I'm actually considering going to this race. Hotwire has hotel/flight/rental car from $400, and I don't even need the rental car if I can hitch a ride from someone.
Me, at a street race? :saywhat:
coolhand
08-15-05, 12:18 AM
those roads are very wide around that complex and KK siad in the race interveiw that houston will be a wide track. I also see two perminent pedesdrian bridges west of reliant stadium.
there is some good infastructure already in place. Sounds like Lanigan could make it work.
I'm actually considering going to this race. Hotwire has hotel/flight/rental car from $400, and I don't even need the rental car if I can hitch a ride from someone.
Me, at a street race? :saywhat:
You can probably find a ride here. :D (http://www.houstongayguide.com/bars/bar_list.asp)
Sean O'Gorman
08-15-05, 09:43 AM
You can probably find a ride here. :D (http://www.houstongayguide.com/bars/bar_list.asp)
Hey, this one might not be that bad:
G-Spot Lesbian Bar Disco/Dance Club for women.
:laugh:
Though a bit LARGE! :D ...that's an awesome photo! Anybody know someone who lives next to one of those pools at the right? That'd be a nice place to WALK from. Just think, with some imagination and hard effort Houston could be a ChampCar "Worst To First"! :)
Hey, this one might not be that bad:
:laugh:
Since you're such a p...., they'd eat you up in a joint like that! :laugh:
Though a bit LARGE! :D ...that's an awesome photo! Anybody know someone who lives next to one of those pools at the right? That'd be a nice place to WALK from. Just think, with some imagination and hard effort Houston could be a ChampCar "Worst To First"! :)
There does seem to be a lot of potential using both the roads and stretches through the parking lots in some places.
This is the best venue for a race in the city that has access to an area that would be suitable for a paddock area.
Hermann Park or the Galleria area may offer a little better location for course design but, the logistical problems could never be overcome for those areas.
And before anybody starts sniveling about there not being any elevation changes, get over it. The nearest elevation change is 60 miles to the north save the overpasses on the freeways.
San Jose managed to get some elevation changes...
:gomer:
This is where I wish the race could be held.
http://tinyurl.com/8xetv
Hermann Park. It would be in a park setting, be 2.66 miles in length and offer a setting that could showcase some of the cities statues and fountains.
Problem is it is adjacent to the Medical center, the building complex in the lower left of this link. Also, no indoor paddock and the zoo animals would have to put up with PETA protesters parading to let everyone know that the animals don't like racing. :cry: :saywhat:
:rofl:
Though a bit LARGE! :D ...that's an awesome photo! Anybody know someone who lives next to one of those pools at the right? That'd be a nice place to WALK from. Just think, with some imagination and hard effort Houston could be a ChampCar "Worst To First"! :)
at the bottom is Six Flags Astroworld/Water World
also, I say we give OGorman directions to Montrose or the 3rd Ward and see if he survives :D
How about this - just under two miles and stays inside the parking lots except for a monster straight down Kirby.
http://tinyurl.com/9v5qb
coolhand
08-15-05, 11:24 PM
How about this - just under two miles and stays inside the parking lots except for a monster straight down Kirby.
http://tinyurl.com/9v5qb
looks pretty good, but where would the paddock and pit lane be?
Goning counter clockwise, cross Kirby and make a left onto Lantern Point Drive. Down Lantern point to Munworth. Left on Munworth to Kirby. Hang a right onto Kirby. This is S/F and Pit Straight. Down Kirby to the parking lot entrance with the road going straight to the Astroarena. Left and to the arena, rejoining nrc's track on the road in front of the Astroarena. Alternately, go into the parking lot and do a barrier lined but wide technical bit with a grandstand complex around it and head to the arena and nrc's track. At Naomi, put in the Jersey barriers again and make your own sweeper with a techinical bit to slow them down (more grandstands as well) and go back up to McKnee.
This is not running well on my Mac or I would draw it myself. Anbody care to try this route?
looks pretty good, but where would the paddock and pit lane be?
Whereever they'll fit. :) Best case in front of the Reliant Center. Second choice along Kirby. Third choce the straight south of Reliant stadium.
I did a 2.6 mile version that ran over to Latern Point drive, but given that they have to light the whole thing that seemed overly optimistic.
I did a 2.6 mile version that ran over to Latern Point drive, but given that they have to light the whole thing that seemed overly optimistic.
2.6 is close to what I was figuring building off your layout. That would be a real course!
As for the lighting, we'll get the Texas Champ Car fans to illuminate the way with their headlights. ;)
my track (http://tinyurl.com/aq2jp)
Wheel-Nut
08-16-05, 10:34 AM
I would think one major problem with using the surface streets in the area would be the transitions from the streets to the parking lots. We have a flooding problem here in Houston and the rain gutters can be deep in places. I don't know how it is in the Reliant Park area but I would guess they are substantial.
2.6 is close to what I was figuring building off your layout. That would be a real course!
As for the lighting, we'll get the Texas Champ Car fans to illuminate the way with their headlights. ;)
my track (http://tinyurl.com/aq2jp)
PCH,
The design you laid out incorporates the AstroWorld Parking area. Being that it will be May, the amusement park should be operational and the area of the lot that I have marked probably won't be available to incorporate in the track design. I circled that lot in this link.
http://tinyurl.com/ahl8q
There is a hint in Miller's new gearbox column at Champ Car:
"It's going to be unique because not only will the course run between the AstroDome and Reliant Park, it's going to be at night," said Mike Lanigan, the co-owner of MiJack/Conquest Racing who is promoting the Houston race.
Not sure what would be Reliant Park. The map I posted earlier doesn't have any thing labeled that way.
Edit. Maybe not much of a hint after all. http://www.reliantpark.com/ They call the entire area Reliant Park.
Reliant Park consist of what used to be known as the "Astrodomain". It is the entire complex of buildings that comprise of:
Reliant Stadium
Astrodome
Reliant Center
Reliant Hall
and all associated parking lots.
It may include the practice facility as well????
Wheel-Nut
08-16-05, 12:42 PM
How do we get in on the planning?
PCH,
The design you laid out incorporates the AstroWorld Parking area. Being that it will be May, the amusement park should be operational and the area of the lot that I have marked probably won't be available to incorporate in the track design. I circled that lot in this link.
http://tinyurl.com/ahl8q
Well, poop on that. I was enjoying laying down lengths of slot car track and trying not to be Tilke.
It was fun while it lasted.
I think Robin may have made a slight error in the "hint" you cite. I believe he meant to say "... between the Astrodome and Reliant STADIUM." (Remember Gordon's faux pas, saying "Wrigley Stadium instead of "Field?" Maybe Robin misspoke, also? How 'bout a layout using THAT side of the 'dome BETWEEN it and the Stadium? That looks tougher to do, too!
Don't forget the BIG question...With the night race, will the Drifters run neon lights?
http://www.the-gadget-store.co.uk/customise-car-part-accessories/neon14.jpg
F@#%, I better get to pimpin' my ride fo' next yizzile.
coolhand
08-17-05, 02:43 AM
Don't forget the BIG question...With the night race, will the Drifters run neon lights?
http://www.the-gadget-store.co.uk/customise-car-part-accessories/neon14.jpg
I hope the lighting is good enought to wash out those things
Wheel-Nut
08-18-05, 09:51 AM
Someone asked earlier inthis thread what was planned for the Astrodome? Here's whats on the table for now.
http://images.chron.com/content/news/photos/05/08/18/astrodome.jpg
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/3315636
THE ASTRODOME
• Opened: 1965
Home field
• Houston Astros: 1965-1999
• Houston Oilers: 1968-1996
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: 1966-2002
Dimensions
• Ceiling height: 208 feet.
• Outside stadium diameter: 710 feet.
A 'village' plan for the Astrodome
Investors want to turn landmark into a luxury hotel, complete with trees and a waterway
By BILL MURPHY
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
RESOURCES
An investment company has obtained financing for a $450 million project that would transform the Reliant Astrodome into a 1,200-room convention hotel with a winding indoor waterway, county officials said Wednesday.
The county, which owns the 40-year-old landmark that once was called the Eighth Wonder of the World, has yet to greenlight the project. But by obtaining financing and providing renderings and economic studies , the investment company convinced the Harris County Sports & Convention Corp. that its plan is viable.
"If they can get it financed, that goes a long way toward saying that it can work," said Willie Loston, director of the Sports and Convention Corp., which oversees Reliant Park.
The developer's proposal calls for nine acres of the Astrodome's interior to be reserved for trees, walkways, mill wheels and the waterway, which would be plied by tourist boats similar to the ones on San Antonio's River Walk.
Astrodome Redevelopment Corp., the investment company, said the project's theme would be the Best of Texas, and it would feature buildings that evoked the state's past. A building designed to look like a historic Texas courthouse would be at the interior's center.
"It literally would be a village under glass," Loston said.
It won't happen unless Astrodome Redevelopment signs a letter of intent and Commissioners Court approves the project, said Mike Surface, chair of the Sports & Convention Corp. The company and the Sports and Convention Corp., he said, would be unlikely to work out a letter of intent before late this year or next year.
Scott Hanson, president of Astrodome Redevelopment, couldn't be reached Wednesday.
The question of what to do with the Astrodome has lingered since the Astros relocated to Minute Maid Park five years ago.
Many Houstonians are sentimentally attached to the building and took pride in its being the world's first domed stadium. Because of those sentiments, county officials, especially elected ones, are reluctant to become known as the bureaucrats who razed the Dome.
"It just has too much historical significance and emotional ties for the community," Surface has said.
But the building is expensive to maintain and has become a bit of an albatross. The county has been spending about $1.5 million annually to host a few events there.
Even if it were mothballed, the county still would spend $500,000 annually on basic operations.
The county still is paying off bonds issued to pay for Astrodome renovations in the 1980s.
Reinventing the Dome would be extraordinarily expensive. Building from scratch is typically much cheaper than doing a massive renovation, especially of an oddly shaped structure like a domed stadium.
Astrodome Redevelopment's convention hotel would be four times more expensive than the city-owned convention hotel, the Hilton Americas, which opened next to the George R. Brown Convention Center downtown in late 2003.
A number of large, well-known and well-heeled companies are investors in Astrodome Redevelopment. They include Oceaneering International Inc., a publicly traded firm working in engineering, science and technology; URS, a large architectural and design firm; NBGS International, a theme park developer; and Falcon's Treehouse, a Florida-based design firm.
Loston said the hotel would be a boon to Reliant Center, the convention hall next to Reliant Stadium, helping draw conventions and meetings whose planners want a nearby hotel.
The convention hotel would try to mimic the success of Gaylord's luxury convention hotels in Nashville, Tenn., Orlando, Fla., and the Dallas suburb of Grapevine.
Astrodome Redevelopment's renderings show banks of buildings, some rising eight to 12 stories, along the walls of the Dome. The interior would include retail stores, nightclubs, restaurants and possibly a performing arts stage, Surface said.
Astrodome Redevelopment Corp. initially considered building a space-themed amusement park, but rejected that idea for the convention hotel concept.
Surface emphasized that at this stage, there's always the risk a huge project like this could founder.
"While I'm optimistic and excited about the concept, you have to realize there are a lot of moving parts," he said.
bill.murphy@chron.com
what the heck ever happened to that "riverwalk" they were going to install in downtown?
It's there. You just have to close your eyes and believe.
Some of it actually got built.....http://www.buffalobayou.org/allenslanding.html
Mike Lawler
08-18-05, 05:38 PM
So here is a quick question for someone in the Houston area.
I have located and locked an excellent price on a hotel on McNee Road that seems very close, if not on top of the track. Flying into HOU and forking out the shuttle money to and from seems to be the best way .
My concern is of the hotel location area. Safe? Or shall I pack " ol betsy".
So here is a quick question for someone in the Houston area.
I have located and locked an excellent price on a hotel on McNee Road that seems very close, if not on top of the track. Flying into HOU and forking out the shuttle money to and from seems to be the best way .
My concern is of the hotel location area. Safe? Or shall I pack " ol betsy".
Always bring ol'betsy. You'll be in Texas for cripes sake. Don't want to stick out like a tourist and not be packin' heat.
Seriously, I would be careful. It can get rough quick around that area. Just a little west of the stadium is South Main/Old Spanish Trail (OST). That is an old US Hwy that has some of the very old 50ish Motels that are still in operation. Many rent rooms by the hour if you get my drift. If you stick with a big name place, you should be ok but, I would steer clear of places with names like Shady Palms Court, Pokies Bungaloes and Lei Mi Sista Hotelaria.
Mike Lawler
08-19-05, 08:44 AM
[QUOTE=Turn7]Always bring ol'betsy. You'll be in Texas for cripes sake. Don't want to stick out like a tourist and not be packin' heat.
Seriously, I would be careful.
Thanks.
Sounds that a change in reservations to the Galleria area or any other recommended area, might be order.
[QUOTE=Turn7]Always bring ol'betsy. You'll be in Texas for cripes sake. Don't want to stick out like a tourist and not be packin' heat.
Seriously, I would be careful.
Thanks.
Sounds that a change in reservations to the Galleria area or any other recommended area, might be order.
If you'll have a rent car then that is what I would do. If not, you could probably get a very good rate on a nice hotel downtown since it is the weekend and jump on the train to get to Reliant for a buck.
2 places that Trip Advisor recommends in the area are
Holiday Inn on Kirby
La Quinta on Buffalo Speedway
Since I live in town but, an hour away from there, I can't tell you a good hotel/motel with a personal recommendation.
Wheel-Nut
08-19-05, 09:46 AM
I would agree with T7's assesment of the area.
The Galleria would be nice, a bit onthe high side $$. Another option would be to stay downtown and ride to and from the track on the Metrorail.
Downtown Houston Entertainment (http://deda.org/)
I dunno, I go up around there all the time but I don't exactly have the need for a hotel room :) I know there's a hotel right across the street from the complex on 610 and Kirby, and I'm sure there's a few others b/c of Astroworld too, but I wouldn't venture west or east of there too far, just north towards Rice!
You can stay downtown and go that route, you could also stay at a hotel by the Med Center/Rice University area by Herman Park. That place has light rail access as well; Rice, Herman Park, and the Med Center all border each other and the train runs right through along the park/Rice border (I think the street is Main). West University is the name of the neighborhood by Rice as a point of reference for more hotel names... Plus in that area you could walk a mile or two to the light rail with only a fear or getting egged by some Rice or med school dweebs ;) That's also the museum district and has the zoo so there's PLENTY to keep you occupied if the need arises... and beneath one of the buildings on Rice campus there's a non-profit grad student operated bierhaus which specializes in 12 oz cups of Shiner for $1, w00t!
Galleria's expensive and out of the way, you'd have to rent a car and you don't want to hang out with all those yuppies anyways :D Plus for the same cost as galleria, staying downtown you'd have more fun, and Rice has a fun drag you can hit up at night too...
Med Center Marriot (http://www.hotels.com/property.do?mtnHotelID=281020&page=info&numadults=2&numchildren=0&numrooms=1&CIDay=9&CIMonth=9&CIYear=2005&CODay=11&COMonth=9&COYear=2005&z_property=&gds=3&thisPageNumber=1&roomOccupancyString=1||2|0|0&qKey=null&roomTypeCode=53252)
Med Center Hilton (http://www.hotels.com/property.do?mtnHotelID=279923&page=info&numadults=2&numchildren=0&numrooms=1&CIDay=9&CIMonth=9&CIYear=2005&CODay=11&COMonth=9&COYear=2005&z_property=&gds=3&thisPageNumber=1&roomOccupancyString=1||2|0|0&qKey=null&roomTypeCode=33885)
West U Courtyard by Marriot (http://www.hotels.com/property.do?mtnHotelID=295040&page=info&numadults=2&numchildren=0&numrooms=1&CIDay=9&CIMonth=9&CIYear=2005&CODay=11&COMonth=9&COYear=2005&z_property=&gds=3&thisPageNumber=1&roomOccupancyString=1||2|0|0&qKey=null&roomTypeCode=38075)
West U Residence Inn (http://www.hotels.com/property.do?mtnHotelID=296538&page=info&numadults=2&numchildren=0&numrooms=1&CIDay=9&CIMonth=9&CIYear=2005&CODay=11&COMonth=9&COYear=2005&z_property=&gds=3&thisPageNumber=1&roomOccupancyString=1||2|0|0&qKey=null&roomTypeCode=53226)
I'm thinking of staying downtown and doing the train thing. I just wonder how bad the crowds will be trying to get back downtown after the race.
Always bring ol'betsy. You'll be in Texas for cripes sake. Don't want to stick out like a tourist and not be packin' heat.
Hey, the sound of gunfire as I drove back and forth from work was a large part of why I only stayed one year at Lamar. Are you Texicans still fighting your war with the Mexicans or something? ;)
Are you Texicans still fighting your war with the Mexicans or something?
Nah, we're outnumbered now. ;)
Nah, we're outnumbered now. ;)
That don't matter. They are still all pilled into the same car.
pc police see the following statement.
It's a joke. pull 'em out of your crack and lighten up.
Wheel-Nut
08-19-05, 12:31 PM
Nah, we're outnumbered now. ;)
He's not kidding either!!
According to the population estimates based on the 2000 Census, about 50.2 percent of Texans are now minorities. In the 2000 Census, minorities made up about 47 percent of the population in the second-largest state.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,165395,00.html
Sean O'Gorman
08-19-05, 12:37 PM
That don't matter. They are still all pilled into the same car.
pc police see the following statement.
It's a joke. pull 'em out of your crack and lighten up.
"A recent survey shows that 40% of Mexicans would prefer to live in the U.S. The number would be higher, but the other 60% already live there." -Conan O'Brien
about 50.2 percent of Texans are now minorities.
:laugh:
http://www.strangevehicles.com/images/content/5666.jpg :thumbup: :thumbup:
Jervis Tetch 1
08-20-05, 01:07 AM
:thumbup:
Nah, we're outnumbered now. ;)
yea, whitey betta watch out ;) tubing this year Jer and I were chilling on one bank with our straw hats and a couple of beers waiting for our peeps, mexican sheriff on opposite bank is checking ppl's coolers for glass bottles, points to us... "HEY, YOU TWO!!! OVER THERE!!! YOU SURE YOU'RE ON THE RIGHT RIVER?"
yea, whitey betta watch out ;) tubing this year Jer and I were chilling on one bank with our straw hats and a couple of beers waiting for our peeps, mexican sheriff on opposite bank is checking ppl's coolers for glass bottles, points to us... "HEY, YOU TWO!!! OVER THERE!!! YOU SURE YOU'RE ON THE RIGHT RIVER?"
¿Qué?
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