austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Houston

 kick off a new season tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder

! Since 1971, Houstonians have been cheering on our beloved basketball team. So, how did the Rockets get started? Here’s more history on our favorite team 🏀

You might think the Houston Rockets got their name because of the city’s proximity to NASA. However, 

 in 1967. Basketball fans chose the name the Rockets for the San Diego team because of the city’s space-age industries. The team’s owner, Robert Breitbard, began searching for a new home for the team after fan attendance slowed down. In August 1971, Texas Sports Investments paid $5.6 million to bring the team to Houston, which was 

the most ever paid for a Houston sports franchise

. The team kept their name and kicked off their inaugural season the same year.

During their first season in Houston, the Rockets did not have a permanent stadium, so they used different venues within the city and other cities such as Waco, San Antonio, and even San Diego. Finally, in 1975, the team began playing all of their home games 

 which had just opened and now is home to Lakewood Church. In 1981, the Rockets went to their first NBA finals against the Boston Celtics, but lost. However, their luck would turn around.  In 1984, they signed the 7-foot powerhouse Hakeem Olujawon. Olujawon, who was originally born in Nigeria, 

led the Rockets to back-to-back championships

 in 1994 and 1995. The Rockets would later sign Yao Ming in 2002, who is 

considered one of the franchise’s greatest players

The Houston Rockets had a killer season last year, 

winning more than 50 games during the regular season

. This season, many are psyched to see star player Kevin Durant, 

who just signed a $90 million contract extension

, take the basketball court. The Rockets acquired the NBA star earlier this summer. So, could Durant joining the team 

lead the Rockets to snagging another NBA Championship

Since 1971, Houstonians have been cheering on the Houston Rockets. So, how did our beloved basketball team get started?

How The Rockets Came To Houston 

People, places, and scenes from Houston's past.

Houston History

One thing about Houstonians, we love the Houston Astros! As we push through the dog days of summer, 

it’s a great time to cheer on our favorite team

. Here’s more on the rich history of the ‘Stros in Houston.

has always been a popular sport in Houston

 — even before the Astros became our official hometown team. When the Texas League was created in 1888, several baseball teams were born. Out of the league, the Houston Buffaloes were the most renowned team, winning multiple Texas League and Dixie Series championships.

George Kirksey, a local sportswriter and public relations executive, and Craig Cullinan, a businessman and heir to Texaco, formed the Houston Sports Association in hopes of bringing major league baseball to the city. R.E. "Bob" Smith, businessman and landowner, and Roy Hofheinz, former Houston mayor, were also brought into the association. Hofheinz also was working on bringing the world’s first domed stadium to the city. Their dreams came true. The city was granted expansion into Major League Baseball in October 1960, and Houston’s first team became the Houston Colt .45s, named after the “Gun that won the West.”

That name didn’t last long; it was retired after the 1964 season. Shortly after, Hofheinz, the team president, said the new team would be named the Astros and the domed stadium would be called the Astrodome, in honor of the NASA Space Center and local astronauts. On April 9, 1965, the Astros played their first game against the New York Yankees, beating them 2 -1.

Over the years, the Astros have had standout players and seasons. In the 1980s, some of their best pitchers graced the stadium, including Nolan Ryan and Mike Scott. Craig Biggio joined the team in 1988 and 

played a record 20 seasons with the Astros

 – becoming the first player to be elected into the Hall of Fame. In 2011, Jim Crane led a group of investors who bought the team. Crane then began to build a staff that led to one of the Astros’ most successful teams. Standout players Jose Altuve, George Springer, Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman helped lead the Astros to their first-ever World Series victory in 2017, right after the city was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. The Astros 

also dealt with a sign stealing scandal in 2017

 that Houstonians would all like to forget about.

A few years later, the Astros won another World Series, and 

 from Yordan Alvarez will stay etched in baseball fan’s minds for years to come. The Astros 

recently brought back fan favorite Carlos Correa

Houston fans made the trek to Boston to see the star player

 take on the Red Sox this past weekend, including Mayor Whitmire. The Astros are currently 

holding the top spot in the American League West

Relive the last Astros World Series win 

So, how did the Houston Astros rise to baseball fame? 

How The Houston Astros Rose to Baseball Fame

Maybe you’ve seen NRG Stadium pop up in headlines recently and are wondering what’s going on? The popular stadium, known for hosting concerts, Texans games, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, is in dire need of repairs. Right now, NRG Park, which includes NRG Stadium, NRG Center, the arena, and the vacant Astrodome is in 

need of $2 billion in maintenance repairs

. However, it’s been unclear who will foot the bill. Let’s break it down!

Back in December, the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation said in a new report that NRG’s repairs would cost $2 billion. The facility, which opened in 2002, would need a 30-year capital expense project to cover all the repairs. Some of the costly items in the report include 

$105 million for security systems, video, audio, and other technology

. The stadium also needs a new roof to the tune of $116 million. So, who’s going to pay for this?

. The original arena was built by the Rodeo in 1974, but then later donated to Harris County. The county now owns the land, but the Rodeo and Houston Texans lease out the facilities. It is still the county’s responsibility to keep the facilities in “first-class” condition. However, some county officials in the past felt the Houston Rodeo should pitch into help with the cost of a brand new stadium. Rodeo officials say they are willing to help out. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans 

floated the possibility of building a new stadium

 in February. Now, Texans officials are saying 

 alongside county and Rodeo officials. So, long story short:     Houston officials are still figuring it out. 

Last week, I asked Hey Houston readers to 

share thoughts on if taxpayers should help fund a new NRG stadium

Hadi is not in favor of Houstonians paying for a new stadium: 

Honestly, if the Texans want a new stadium, they should earn it. Make some real progress in the NFL, get to the Super Bowl, and then maybe there’s a conversation to be had. Right now, asking Houstonians to foot the bill—especially when support for the team is already split—is ridiculous. Most people in the city wouldn’t even be directly affected by a new stadium. The ones who would are hardcore fans and eventgoers, and even they should question if it’s worth it. Bottom line: Houston doesn’t need a new stadium. The current one should be repaired, not replaced.”

Doris also doesn’t think Houstonians should foot the bill: 

“I do not want to pay more in taxes for wealthy team owners or team members, all of whom make more in one year than I will ever earn in a lifetime.”

City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is also not a fan of the Houston Texans

 floating the idea of building a new stadium and 

Who is going to cover the costs of repairs at NRG Park? 

Who Will Pay For Repairs at NRG Park?

What's Going On With NRG Stadium?

What Houstonians have been wondering. We break down why things in Houston are the way they are and how they work.

Houston, Explained

The City Cast Houston team is doing the unthinkable, 

they’re selecting the ‘Most Houston’ thing ever

 with the help of Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston at KHOU Channel 11. Host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee are making a case for their favorites, and Deborah is making the final call as our celebrity judge.

? Then help us out, and vote for what YOU think is the most iconic Houston thing ever. We’ll update the results every week until a champion is crowned!

What's the 'Most Houston' Thing Ever? 

Find the best of everything that Houston has to offer.

Houston’s Best

Houston's Best

Growing up in Hawaii, Brian Ching had dreams of becoming a professional surfer but as he began playing soccer his love for the sport quickly blossomed. He made a name for himself in our city, leading the 

 to back-to-back MLS Cup Championships in 2006 and 2007. Now, Ching’s successful downtown soccer bar Pitch 25 

is set to open a second location in Katy next spring

“The way I really got into soccer, my mom came home one day and was like, ‘Hey, I want you guys to play organized sports’ I have two brothers and I was kind of a shy kid. I was like, ‘If you coach, I’ll play.” She agreed to coach. I just started playing at the age of seven and fell in love with the sport over the years. I was always kind of an athletic kid, so I picked it up pretty quickly and was pretty good at it.”

You are originally from Hawaii. What was your impression of Houston when you moved here?

“I didn’t really know a ton about Houston, but one of the things that really struck me the most right off the bat was how friendly everybody was. The diversity as well. Growing up in Hawaii, there’s a lot of similarities between the diversity in Hawaii and the diversity here in Houston. The people made me feel at home. I always say there’s a similarity between the Southern hospitality and the Aloha spirit. That’s one of the things that I continuously love about the city is its people and how everybody’s willing to work and help each other out.”

“The idea sprung about because everybody would go to Lucky’s for the big soccer games. I realized if I created something and tried to use my branding, I was hopeful that people would come. I partnered with the Kirby Group and they helped me bring my Pitch 25 to life. One of things I love about Pitch is the way it brings people together for sports. As we look to grow the concept, I want to bring that community and passion to different areas of the city and the country eventually.”

how Houston has become a major destination for sports

Brian Ching, former Houston Dynamo player, recently announced his plans to open a second location of his successful soccer bar Pitch 25. 

Meet Houston Soccer Star Brian Ching

What Houston celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Houston Public Figures

3 Questions With

The Houston Texans are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. The football franchise has been through many ups and downs 

ever since their inaugural season in 2002.

To the dismay of many football fans, Houston’s original team

. However, the void for football was eventually filled, when the Houston Texans were established in 2002. The team was given the first overall pick in the NFL Draft and selected David Carr as their quarterback. The Texans kicked off their inaugural season with a win against the Dallas Cowboys. It was the first time a team had won their expansion debut in 41 years. Carr finished his first season with 2,592 passing yards, which set the franchise record for passing yards completed 

Over the years, some Texans became household names. Some of the favorites include Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt. In 2003, Johnson was selected to play for the Texans as the number three pick during the NFL draft. He 

, leading the team to their first non-losing season in 2007. During his 12 seasons with the Texans, he led the team franchise in receptions, career receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. When J.J. Watt joined the Texans in 2011, 

. During his eleven seasons with the franchise, he set the record for sacks, quarterback hits, forced fumbles, and more.

More recently, the Texans have faced controversy over their former quarterback Deshaun Watson. In 2021, he was sued by multiple female massage therapists for sexual harrassment and sexual assault. Watson 

denied the accusations and settled the majority of the lawsuits

, but was traded to the Cleveland Browns last year. Now, the Texans have a new quarterback C.J. Stroud, who hails from Ohio State, and a new head coach, DeMeco Ryans. Stroud’s skills and 

 throughout the season, turning over a new tide for the team. Over the weekend, the Texans were named AFC South Division Champs. They will 

 on Saturday in their first round playoff game.

Are you a diehard Texans fan? Have a favorite memory from a game? 

The Highs And Lows Of The Houston Texans 

Parts of this interview have been edited for clarity.

Fitness instructor Yuri Amor Perez says she doesn’t necessarily have a passion for fitness, but instead for fun, sexiness, and being strong. Her non-profit FitMix Communities, which originally began as a studio in 2013, hosts free group classes across the city targeting all Houstonians, including seniors and those with disabilities.

How did you get your idea for FitMix communities?

“It came out of depression. It came out of sadness. I was living in Angola with my ex-husband. The only thing that kept my brain together was training everyday and focusing on that. That’s how I understood the power of fitness, not as a weight loss (I was super skinny, I was bony. It’s nothing to do with weight loss.) It has everything to do with mental health and loneliness and having something that physically helps you feel better.”

So, how did that idea evolve into a fitness community?

“My mom — she’s legally blind. I had the money to pay for gym, for a personal trainer, for a driver. The personal trainer wouldn’t care about her, the gym was too packed. I can’t fix the gym, but I can dedicate my life to creating places that are inclusive, family-oriented, fun, and respectful of everyone.”

What is the biggest misconception about health and fitness?

“That it’s to lose weight. I think that’s the worst thing we can do to a workout, to put it into the category of losing weight. You take away a thousand amazing things that a workout does. Tell me how you want to feel. Then, let’s go from there. Losing weight is a thing that might feel good, but having energy, having community, feeling sexy, doing a crazy yoga pose, or ten burpees in a row, feeling super strong and unstoppable, that will feel so much better than thinking about losing a pound or two.”

sports

How The Rockets Came To Houston

How The Houston Astros Rose to Baseball Fame

What's Going On With NRG Stadium?

Latest articles

How The Rockets Came To Houston

How The Houston Astros Rose to Baseball Fame

What's Going On With NRG Stadium?

What's the 'Most Houston' Thing Ever?

Meet Houston Soccer Star Brian Ching

The Highs And Lows Of The Houston Texans

3 Questions About Health and Fitness with Yuri Amor Perez

Latest articles

What's the 'Most Houston' Thing Ever?

Meet Houston Soccer Star Brian Ching

The Highs And Lows Of The Houston Texans

3 Questions About Health and Fitness with Yuri Amor Perez