As Houston prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026, Rice University is making it easier than ever for prospective students, alumni, visitors and soccer fans to experience campus — no matter where they are.
Rice has launched an updated, immersive virtual campus tour designed to showcase the university’s iconic landmarks, rich history and vibrant campus community. The new experience offers users an engaging way to explore the university from anywhere in the world while helping international and out-of-town visitors prepare for trips to Houston during one of the city’s most anticipated global events.
“As Houston prepares to welcome visitors from across the globe for FIFA World Cup 2026, we wanted to refresh our virtual campus tour with features that make Rice easier to discover and navigate,” said Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, vice president for public affairs. “Enhanced mapping tools, multilingual accessibility and FIFA-related points of interest allow users anywhere in the world to explore our campus and learn more about Rice’s role in Houston’s international community.”
The enhanced tour features panoramic views of campus, detailed information about key locations and an intuitive navigation experience that allows users to move through Rice’s distinctive spaces at their own pace. Visitors can learn about the university’s traditions, discover notable academic and residential buildings and gain a deeper understanding of what makes Rice one of the nation’s leading research universities.
A major addition to the new platform is expanded language accessibility. The tour includes multiple language options, allowing users from a wide range of countries and backgrounds to engage with Rice in a more meaningful and welcoming way. The multilingual experience reflects the university’s commitment to accessibility and global engagement as Houston prepares to host hundreds of thousands of international visitors during the World Cup.
The updated tour also integrates Google Maps functionality, making it easier for visitors to locate campus, navigate key destinations and plan future visits. Whether users are exploring from another continent or preparing for an in-person trip to Houston, the new tools help connect the virtual and physical campus experience.
The launch is part of Rice’s broader efforts surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026. As an official Houston World Cup Host City Supporter, Rice is playing an active role in helping welcome visitors to the region and showcase the university as a destination for learning, discovery and community engagement.
The virtual tour serves multiple audiences, from prospective students researching colleges to alumni reconnecting with familiar campus spaces. By combining immersive technology, multilingual access and enhanced navigation tools, the new virtual tour provides a gateway to Rice for a global audience at a moment when international attention will be focused on Houston.
Experience Rice’s campus from anywhere in an innovative new lens.
For Rice experts available to discuss FIFA World Cup topics, click here.