The Spirit of Houston Band kicked off Cage Rage at TDECU Stadium with the UH Fight Song. | Jenae Sitzes/The Cougar
The Student Government Association hosted its first student pep rally — Cage Rage — on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 5:30 p.m. A large pep rally celebrating the grand opening of TDECU stadium, Cage Rage gave students a chance to meet Cougar football players and coaches and the opportunity to win $1000 by being the first to kick a 40-yard field goal. Free food and T-shirts were available, and students were invited to explore the stadium.
The Spirit of Houston Band kicked off the evening’s event at 6 p.m. and tours were available to those interested. At 7 p.m. free dinner was served.
Facing the rain and heat, students lined up to enter the new stadium waiting to partake in the event’s festivities. The event spurred a mixture of impressions from excitement to slight disappointment.
Architecture freshman Joshua Garcia said he enjoyed Cage Rage but had higher expectations.
“The hype was big, however, I expected a little more of what the event portrayed itself to be,” Garcia said. “I also feel we should have been put in the shade, but I did enjoy myself.”
Sports administration junior Andre Lurhuma said he looks forward to the new stadium but will be better prepared for the heat.
“After being able to see the stadium, I am excited for the game on Friday,” Lurhuma said. “I’ll be wearing a dri-fit shirt though since it’s going to be so hot.”
Nutrition junior Arianna Menendez said she thinks the new stadium is a big improvement and looks forward to the first football game on Friday.
“The stadium is a huge improvement from the previous one,” Menendez said. “I can’t wait to sit in the TDECU Stadium with my friends and enjoy a game! I have been looking forward to Friday this whole first week of school. I am beyond excited.”
While students explored the new stadium, a select few bravely tried to kick the 40-yard field goal.
Architecture sophomore Joaquin Buitrago was one of those students.
“It was a little nerve-racking to kick in front of an audience, but it’s great they let students onto the field,” Buitrago said. “It just sucks I didn’t get to kick the 40-yard field goal first.”
Tyler Grant was the first to kick the 40-yard field goal and win the $1000 prize.
