Where can I buy official Elite Eight tickets?

Elite Eight tickets for Houston’s NCAA Tournament game can be purchased through trusted ticketing platforms like Gametime, which offers last-minute deals, mobile tickets, and seat maps. Make sure to select the correct game and location when purchasing tickets for Lucas Oil Stadium.

What time do the doors open?

Doors usually open 90 minutes to 2 hours prior to tip-off for Elite Eight games. Arriving early allows fans to beat the lines, find their seats, and enjoy the electric pre-game atmosphere.

Is there a clear bag policy or size limit?

Yes, Lucas Oil Stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy. Bags must be clear and no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”. Small clutch purses under 4.5” x 6.5” are typically permitted. Be sure to check the stadium’s official website for the latest updates before arriving.

Where’s the best place to park near the arena?

Lucas Oil Stadium is surrounded by many parking lots and garages, including the South Lot and nearby Circle Centre Mall garage. Reserving parking in advance is highly recommended, or you can use IndyGo public transit or rideshare services for added convenience.

How early should I get there to avoid traffic or lines?

Plan to arrive 60–90 minutes before tip-off to account for traffic, parking, and security procedures. Getting there early also gives you time to check out concessions and fan activities before the game starts.

Are there fan zones or pre-game festivities?

Yes, NCAA Tournament games at Lucas Oil Stadium often feature fan zones or pre-game festivities with music, giveaways, photo ops, and more. These are typically set up around the stadium or in nearby fan plazas—check the NCAA or stadium website for exact times and locations.

Where is Houston playing in the Elite Eight?

Houston is playing the Tennessee Vols at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana with Final Four implications on the line.

More about Houston Basketball

It’s hard for college basketball teams that play in pro cities, but the Houston Cougars have found a way to make it work. They don’t play in a major conference, which means cheap Houston basketball tickets are sometimes available. But that doesn’t mean the Cougars aren’t a team worth watching. They have a proud history of success and have had a resurgence in recent years that once again has made last-minute Houston basketball tickets a wanted commodity in the Space City.

Phi Slama Jama

Houston basketball had plenty of good seasons during the 1960s and 70s under longtime head coach Guy Lewis, including back-to-back Final Four appearances in 1967 and 1968, but the Cougars didn’t make their mark on the national stage until the early 80s. Between 1982 to 1984, Houston was the biggest program in the country, earning the nickname Phi Slama Jama because of their up-tempo style and amazing dunks. The Cougars were led during that time by Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon, a pair of future Hall of Famers. That duo led the Cougars to the Final Four in three straight seasons from 1982 to 1984. Alas, Houston fell short in the national championship game in both 1983 and 1984, depriving the program of a well-deserved championship.

A New Conference, A New Era

The Cougars caught a break in 2013 when they were invited to join the American Athletic Conference after the Big East was forced to realign. A year later, head coach Kelvin Sampson came to Houston and turned the Cougars into an AAC powerhouse. In 2019, Houston won its first conference title since 1992 and made the NCAA Tournament for just the second time since 1992, a strong indication that brighter days are ahead for the Cougars.