Owl fans of all ages flocked to Rice Stadium last weekend for Owl Fest ’25, turning the annual celebration into a lively kickoff to the new athletics season.
Families and students filled the concourse to enjoy an afternoon packed with games, food trucks, music, face painting and plenty of Rice spirit. Kids bounced between the inflatable zone, balloon artist and photo booth, while the crowd kept the energy high with help from a live DJ and free treats from vendors like Ben & Jerry’s and Monster Energy.
“We are excited to have our student-athletes back on campus, and having our fans and the local community come out to Owl Fest to watch our football team, get autographs and meet some of our other incredible fall sport athletes helps get things started on a high note,” said Eric George, assistant vice president and deputy athletic director. “We have added some fun new improvements to the game day experience, and we can’t wait for our fans to enjoy them this fall.”
One of the highlights of the day came when Rice student-athletes from fall sports met fans for autograph sessions, giving young Owls a chance to connect with their role models. The football team capped the evening with an open scrimmage, showing off its progress under Dunlevie Family Head Coach Scott Abell and giving fans a first glimpse of the season ahead.
Players and coaches then joined the crowd for an autograph session on the field, wrapping up the night on a high note.
The Owls will kick off the 2025 season at the University of Louisiana Lafayette Aug. 30, followed by their first home game of the season Sept. 6 against the University of Houston.
Single-game tickets for all seven of Rice’s 2025 home football games are now on sale starting at $22 online here or by calling 713-348-OWLS (6957). Owl fans also have the option to secure their same seats for all seven games by purchasing season tickets, or they can create their own customized two or three-game miniplans.