Rice Owls saddled up for a double dose of spirit Feb. 28, sporting their signature blue for Rice Blue Friday while donning their best western getups for Go Texan Day.
The Academic Quad turned into a full-blown hoedown as folks moseyed in to flaunt their cowboy finery and rustle up some grub. The High Order of Owl Tailgating Society (HOOTS) was slingin’ $2 breakfast tacos with every last dime going toward the HOOTS scholarship fund.
Meanwhile, Rice Staff Council members wrangled up a prime photo op with none other than Rice’s own Sammy The Owl, who was sporting a jaunty cowboy hat. Attendees were encouraged to donate to Rice’s United Way campaign and also scored free Rice-branded bandanas — courtesy of the Office of Public Affairs — to complete their cowboy ’fits.
The rip-roarin’ morning festivities marked the official kickoff of the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, setting the stage for weeks of boot-stompin’ fun in the Bayou City.
Rice will be back for more rodeo revelry at Rice Night at the Rodeo March 11.
