Rice University became a sea of orange Saturday morning as an estimated 10,000 Dutch supporters and Houstonians gathered just west of Rice Stadium for one of international soccer’s most colorful traditions: the Oranje Fanwalk.
Serving as the official starting point for the June 20 fan celebration ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match between the Netherlands and Sweden, Rice welcomed fans from around the world to campus in a high-energy display of music, movement, community and international pride.
As an Official Houston World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, Rice helped bring one of the tournament’s signature fan experiences to the heart of Houston, reflecting the university’s growing role as a global convener and its commitment to creating impact that reaches far beyond campus.
The morning celebration unfolded along Greenbriar Drive by Rice Stadium, where Dutch fans dressed head to toe in orange pulsated around the iconic orange double-decker bus that arrived in the United States through Galveston in mid-May. Amid the sea of orange were lively splashes of Rice blue as students, alumni, staff and supporters waved Rice flags, held Sammy the Owl cutouts and joined fans in celebrating the world’s game.
Rice’s beloved owl mascot quickly became one of the stars of the morning, dancing with fans on the ground and atop the bus as live entertainment from the Orange Fan Team — featuring Yuki, FeestDJRuud, Yves Berendse and DJ NOA — energized the crowd. Some fans waved Texas flags, while others sported cowboy hats, orange suits, and red, white and blue costumes inspired by their visit.
For Rosella Passier van Haver, a member of the marketing team for the Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond, or KNVB, the Royal Dutch Football Association, Rice proved to be the right partner for the fan celebration.
“Immediately we felt that Rice University wanted to collaborate with us and make sure this would be a great party, so we’re super thankful that we can be here,” she said. “It’s a terrific atmosphere and it couldn’t be better.”
The defining moment of the morning came when thousands of fans locked arms and danced in unison to “Links Rechts,” the unofficial anthem of the Netherlands national team by Snollebollekes. The song’s title translates to “Left Right,” and the crowd moved as one — jumping left, then right — in a joyful wave that reverberated through campus.
The pregame celebration was organized by Rice’s Office of Special Events Services in partnership with the Houston Host Committee, city of Houston, KNVB and other partners. Coca-Cola provided beverages, and food options included Kolache Factory offerings, Texas barbecue and more.
More than 100 Rice volunteers helped welcome the crowds, including students who saw the event as a reflection of the university’s international reach.
“This is a great event Rice is hosting, it’ll make us known more internationally,” said Angela Hu, a Rice senior.
Master’s student Adam Vuong attended with friends to experience the energy firsthand.
“This is electric — a sea of orange supporting the team,” Vuong said. “It’s a very welcoming, and supportive environment around here, and I think that’s what Rice is dedicated to doing.”
That sense of welcome resonated well beyond campus. Victoria Garza, with the Houston Dynamo, said the gathering showed the world what Houston and Rice can offer.
“I think it’s beautiful,” she said. “It shows people from all over the world that Houston has a welcoming environment, and I think it speaks a lot about Rice to welcome so many people into the area.”
Houstonian Sebastian Rodriguez, draped in a Texas flag and wearing an orange shirt, said the experience captured the spirit of the World Cup.
“Great to experience a new culture,” Rodriguez said. “I love Rice University and they did an amazing job hosting it.”
For Rice alumni, the moment was both festive and meaningful. Maria-Elisa Heg, a 2009 Rice graduate from Martel College, described the atmosphere as “mayhem” in the best possible way.
“This is amazing,” Heg said. “We just came as tourists, basically, and I just love that Rice has such an international connection.”
Dutch fans embraced the Houston setting with enthusiasm. Two men from the Netherlands wore cowboy hats in honor of their visit to Texas.
“You gotta be here to experience the whole thing. Dress up in Orange and party like an Orangeman,” one fan said.
“This only happens once every four years, this is our Super Bowl, this is all the big sporting events together,” another said. “It’s amazing. I love Rice too.”
Others leaned fully into the host-country theme. Two Netherlands natives dressed as the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam — calling themselves Ruth Liberty and Uncle Frank — said they make a point of celebrating the countries they visit.
“I always try to connect to the host countries,” Frank said. “Soccer is the most popular sport in the Netherlands. It’s a way of life and we travel all over the world. The hospitality here in Houston is amazing.”
At 8:45 a.m., with the crowd fully energized, the Oranje Fanwalk began its 2.5-mile journey south on Greenbriar Drive toward Houston Stadium at NRG Park. The march carried the color, music and spirit that started on Rice’s campus into the city, connecting the university, Houston and the global soccer community in a moment many will not soon forget. By the end of the day, the Netherlands had secured its first win of the World Cup with a decisive 5-1 victory over Sweden.
“Before the first goal was scored, Rice had already helped deliver something bigger than a pregame party: an international global celebration rooted in hospitality, community and the power of bringing people together,” said Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, the university’s vice president for public affairs. “We are grateful for the wonderful partnerships that made this historic event happen.”