HOUSTON Houston Texans fans noticed a festive, yet subdued atmosphere at Reliant Park on Sunday as they dealt with new rules implemented by the team meant to change game day culture.
Twenty percent of the crowd is not here today, said season ticket holder Pat Patterson.
For the first time, fans used to tailgating at Reliant Park without a game day ticket were turned away at the entrance.
The team implemented the new rule after some 20,000 fans without tickets crowded Reliant Park parking lots during the first two games of the season.
Season ticket holders have paid their money up front, Patterson said. So they deserve to have the opportunity to be able to park, enjoy their friends.
The new rule is designed to cut back on the number of fans without game day tickets taking up parking spaces. It s also meant to reduce traffic congestion and what the team calls a drain on resources at Reliant Park.
Fans now must have game day tickets or special $10 tailgate tickets to enter Reliant Park.
Berry Madden, president of Pitt s and Spitt s, said the contrast between the last home game and Sunday s game was stark.
It was like a Mardi Gras crowd, he said. After the game, it was wild and crazy, and a few people had too much to drink. It got a little out of hand.
Die-hard fans weren t deterred. Many found a new game-day home within walking distance on the lot of the former Astro World.
We welcome everyone here, said Kent Maree of Front Row Ticket Company, who holds the lease to the lot. $20, load your car up. Bring your grill. The average guy can come out here and bring his family and just relax.
At Reliant Park, season ticket holder Pat Patterson said he supported the change in the rules.
I stood in line to get a season ticket, he said. Those outside need to stand in line to get season tickets themselves.
