It will be a busy weekend in Houston. Here’s a guide to navigating the city as a trio of sports worlds collides.
HOUSTON — Houston sports fans won’t have to look far for action this week. Beginning Thursday, the city will host a full slate of marquee events — from the Astros’ season opener at Daikin Park, to the first round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course, to a pair of NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchups (and an Elite 8 matchup) lighting up Toyota Center that night. It’s a rare sports trifecta that promises to keep Houston buzzing from the first pitch to the final buzzer.
With three major events overlapping, city officials and transportation crews are preparing for one of the busiest days of the spring. Downtown will see increased traffic and limited parking beginning early Thursday, with lane closures expected around Toyota Center and nearby convention facilities. METRORail and park‑and‑ride service will run on expanded schedules through the weekend, and fans are encouraged to use public transit or rideshare drop‑off zones near Avenida de las Americas.
Memorial Park is also expected to be congested as golf fans arrive for the opening round of the Houston Open, which tees off Thursday morning. The tournament’s shuttle system from nearby lots will be in effect, and Houston police will direct traffic at major intersections surrounding Memorial Drive.
The Astros open their season Thursday afternoon against a division rival, giving baseball fans an early start before basketball tips off downtown that evening.
Between the crowds at Daikin Park, Memorial Park, and Toyota Center, Houston’s hospitality and public safety teams will be in full game‑day mode — a sign that spring sports season has officially arrived in the Bayou City.
Astros opening day
The Houston Astros are taking on the Los Angeles Angels to kick off their seasons.
Thursday’s game is scheduled to begin at 3:10 p.m. at Daikin Park.
RELATED: Can you handle the 9‑9‑9 challenge at Daikin Park this year?
Hunter Brown is taking the mound for Houston, while Jose Soriano will be toeing the hill for Los Angeles.
How to get there
The METRORail Red Line runs down Main Street, and getting off at the Preston stop or Central Station Main will leave you with only a handful of city blocks to walk.
The Green and Purple lines also run within blocks of Daikin Park.
Rideshare dropoff spots are also an option, with dedicated pickup and dropoff locations around the stadium.
Parking
In addition to the lots dedicated to fan parking, there are also street parking and public parking lots available in the blocks surrounding the stadium.
The team also recommends that you use SpotHero to book a parking spot.
Click here for more information on parking near Daikin Park.
UH in NCAA Tournament
It will be a busy day downtown at La Branch Street and Polk Street, just a handful of blocks away from Daikin Park.
That’s where the University of Houston Cougars are taking on the Illinois Fighting Illini in the NCAA men’s basketball Tournament.
RELATED: How much will it cost to see the Houston Cougars play at the Toyota Center in the Sweet 16?
It’s a Sweet 16 matchup at Toyota Center on Thursday night.
But, before the Coogs look to advance to the Elite 8, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers will battle it out for a chance to advance in the Tourney.
Iowa vs. Nebraska is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m., while the UH vs. Illinois game is scheduled to start at 9:05 p.m.
How to get there
Options to get downtown to see the college basketball games are similar to those to get to the Astros game.
Rideshares will drop you off and pick you up near the arena.
The METRORail lines also run within blocks of the Toyota Center.
If you’re on the Red Line, you’ll want to get off at Bell Station. If you ride the Green or Purple lines, Central Station Rusk or the Convention District stops will be where you’d want to get off. Both would leave you with only a handful of blocks to walk to get to the game.
Parking
Toyota Center has its own parking garage, and there are other paid lots around the arena.
There is also street parking available within blocks of the entrances to Toyota Center.
Street closures
Polk Street is closed to all traffic between Chartres Street and Avenida de las Americas.
People coming to downtown from northbound I-59 are encouraged to take the West Gray exit and then take Pease Street or St. Joseph Parkway into downtown.
Motorists coming from EaDo and the East End should take Pease or St. Joseph.
Click here for more information on parking and traffic.
Texas Children’s Houston Open
Memorial Park will be packed with golf fans as the Houston Open gets underway on Thursday morning.
RELATED: Scottie Scheffler withdraws from the Houston Open with a baby on the way
The four-day tournament kicks off with early-morning tee times beginning at 7:20 a.m.
Parking
Public parking is available at several lots around Memorial Park.
A shuttle system will be in place at most lots to get patrons to the course.
Click here for more parking information.
How to get there
Depending on where you’re parking, there are plenty of ways to make it to Memorial Park.
Check the traffic map to find a route that makes the most sense for you.
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