Houston Texans frenzy heating up for playoff game

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We're just a day away from the big game at Reliant Stadium and the city is in full support of their Houston Texans.

Saturday's wild card playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals is sold out and from loading up on Texans gear to securing tickets, the biggest die-hard Texans supporters are pumped for this game and looking forward to a big win.

On Friday afternoon, workers used some 600 gallons of paint to coat the blades of grass on the football field at Reliant Stadium, and the fresh trays of Bermuda grass took a team of workers eight hours to install. White Power Towels were placed in the seats and wild card signs were hung around the field. But even away from the stadium, you can't escape this city's Texans' pride.

At Saint Pius X Catholic school, teachers, students and staff were all decked out in their red white and blue Texans gear on Friday morning. This might be the most spirited school in the city; after all, it's Texans head coach Gary Kubiak's alma mater.

Everywhere you go around Houston, football fans are fired up for arguably the hottest game they've ever played -- the Texans first-ever post season playoff appearance. Even 14,000 Kroger employees are wearing their support for the team.

For those who still need something to wear, the Go Texans store is ready for you with the latest Texans playoff gear. Sales are up 20 percent compared with this time last year.

We also spotted banners bearing Texans players with the words 'Go Texans' hanging on light poles all the way down South Post Oak Blvd. in the Galleria area.

Bee's Creek Grill in the Sienna Plantation area is offering customers its "Cushing Crusher" burger, named after Texans star linebacker and team MVP Brian Cushing. The burger includes buffalo wing sauce, provolone cheese and a fried egg. The burger comes in a single or double serving of certified Angus beef.

This may save you some time and trouble if you are heading out to the game on Saturday -- METRO is offering free light rail rides for the playoff game. The free fares start at 5:30am Saturday all the way until midnight. All you have to do is ride, exit Reliant Park station, and walk over to the stadium. You may even catch a ride on a special train wrapped with an image of Texans WR Andre Johnson.

If you plan on heading out to Reliant Stadium on Saturday, here are a couple of notes from officials: Fans should arrive early and allow yourself an extra 15 minutes to get through heightened security Parking -- all non-premium lots open at 11:30am and because of the later start time, you will not be allowed to park along Kirby or Main Gates open at 2pm Try to be in your seats by 3pm Kickoff is set at 3:30pm

Special festivities at the game

Houston Oilers coaching legend Bum Phillips will lead the team out of the tunnel for introductions, serving as honorary team captain. Actor Dennis Quaid, a Houston native, will join the team captains for the coin toss.

Another Houston native, Grammy-award winning singer Yolanda Adams, will sing the National Anthem. And Texan Clay Walker will perform both at pregame and halftime. Before the game, the country superstar will break out a special playoff-inspired rendition of "Football Time in Houston."

There will be exclusive giveaways at every gate for all fans who make it out to the game and if your tickets are in sections 121-132, the team urges you to be in your seats by 3pm to take part in a card stunt that will spell out "Go Texans" across the East side lower level when the Texans take the field for introductions.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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