16020076407_85c1de0687_zThere’s no doubt that Razorback fans were hungry for a bowl game as the city of Houston, Texas, welcomed tens of thousands of fans for the renewed rivalry between Arkansas and Texas in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 29. Each team quickly sold its allotment of 10,500 tickets.

In the days leading up to the game, Razorback fans, the football team and their families took over the Westin Hotels at the Galleria in downtown Houston. On Sunday night, about 500 fans proudly wearing their Razorback red packed Dave & Buster’s for a Razorback Rally with the spirit squads and mascots hosted by the Arkansas Alumni Association and the Razorback Foundation. Fans could be heard Calling the Hogs throughout the restaurant.

The Houston Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association also held a drawing for Arkansas alumni living in the city for tickets to the Texas Bowl and tickets to the Texas Tech vs. Arkansas football game in Fayetteville this fall.

On Monday morning, Chancellor G. David and Jane Gearhart hosted a brunch at the Westin Oaks Hotel. Both the chancellor and University of Arkansas Athletics Director Jeff Long spoke to the crowd. Meanwhile, other Razorback fans gathered at Arcodoro restaurant across from the Galleria, where those donning Razorback gear were offered a discount on their pre-game meals.

The events led to a sold-out NRG Stadium, where the Hogs dominated the Longhorns, resulting in a 31-7 victory in front of a crowd of 71,115.