Roughnecks kick off 2024 season at Rice Stadium

The Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL) began their inaugural season at Rice Stadium March 31 with a game against the Memphis Showboats.

Rice was represented well at the game as the Marching Owl Band (The MOB) performed a number for the crowd. The Showboats took down the Roughnecks 18-12 in the season opener.

Rice Stadium is the only university-based venue to host a UFL team this season.

The historic stadium has served as the home field for the Rice Owls since it opened in 1950 and has a rich history in professional football as well. The Houston Oilers played their home games on campus from 1966-68, and six years later, the stadium hosted Super Bowl VIII between the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, becoming one of only four on-campus venues to host the NFL's championship game. The facility also served as a practice facility for the Atlanta Falcons before Super Bowl LI in 2017.

The Roughnecks' next home game will be April 21 at 1 p.m. against the Arlington Renegades.

Rice students and faculty can purchase discounted tickets for all four remaining home games at shorturl.at/fgozV.