Fertitta Center 

Capacity: 7,100

Home Teams: Houston Cougars (NCAA College Basketball)

Fertitta Center Events

Fertitta Center, home to the Houston Cougars men’s and women’s basketball teams, originally opened on the University of Houston (UH) campus in 1967 under the name of the Hofheinz Pavilion, but received its new name after a major renovation was funded in 2016 by billionaire local businessman Tilman Fertitta, who owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets (who actually played some of their home games in the venue between 1971-1975) and once attended UH as as a student. During the renovation, Hurricane Harvey hit the area, filling Fertitta Center with water until its main bowl resembled a swimming pool (the highest level that the waters reached is still marked on the wall in the visitors’ entry tunnel). The renovations seem to have spurred on the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team, however, who have been on a tear in the years since under head coach Kelvin Sampson, winning four conference championships and qualifying for five straight NCAA postseason March Madness tournaments in the past seven seasons (there was no tournament held in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic). The team also reached the Sweet 16 twice, the Elite 8 once, and the Final Four in 2021, where they were blown out 78-59 by the upstart Baylor Bears. This was the sixth appearance the Final Four for the Cougars, giving the unenviable record of the most Final Four appearances by any team that has never won a championship (they came agonizingly close in 1983, losing 54-52 to the NC State Wolfpack on a last-minute dunk off a Hail Mary long shot, and in 1984, falling 84-75 to Patrick Ewing’s Georgetown Hoyas. Over the decades, the Cougars have produced many fine players who have gone on to star in the NBA (and acquire some sweet nicknames), including Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, Cadillac Anderson, and Bo Outlaw (real name). The atmosphere in the Fertitta Center can be intimidating for visiting players, with fans decked out in scarlet red and white jingling their keys at opposition teams when the Cougars are ahead late in the game as a sign to go start the bus for the ride home. As well as Cougars basketball games, Fertitta Center has long been a venue for large-scale concerts, with past performances by Madonna, Elvis Presley, Prince, the Rolling Stones, and the Grateful Dead. Hungry visitors to Fertitta Center will find all kinds of tasty treats at the concessions, including from well known chains like Chick-fil-A, Papa John's and Fuddruckers, along with plenty of cold beer. If you’d like to purchase Cougars merchandise, head to the shops and kiosks at Fertitta Center or around campus.

How can I find the cheapest tickets to games and events at Fertitta Center?

Along with occasional big concerts and shows, Cougars basketball games are the big draw at the Fertitta Center, pulling in loyal fans from around the city of Houston and beyond. Heavy demand for seats at big games such as key conference deciders or finals can make it difficult to land tickets. But don’t give up! All you’ve got to do is flick through the TicketX listings on this page and search for the cheapest tickets to Cougars basketball games or other big events at Fertitta Center and use our trusty TicketX seating chart to compare different seating options in terms of price and location. You can then purchase your tickets with the lowest commission fees from TicketX with just one click!

Fertitta Center Seating Chart

Fertitta Center is a large venue that provides visitors with a good range of different seating options. Those looking for a more comfortable game day experience can opt for premium seating areas such as the Legends Club, Sideline Club, Terrace Seating or Loge Seating. Courtside seats or Hollywood Chairs are two other popular premium options. General admission seating fills the rest of the arena, with prices generally falling the further up you go from the floor. 

Getting to Fertitta Center (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access Fertitta Center via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to Fertitta Center via public transportation

Several city buses stop right next to Fertitta Center and the closest Light Rail station is just a 15 minute walk away, so it is definitely possible to get to the venue using public transportation. A taxi or ride-share is an easier and more convenient option. If staying near campus, it is possible to walk to the venue.

Getting to Fertitta Center by car

Driving to Fertitta Center in your own vehicle is fairly straightforward, but keep in mind Houston’s notorious traffic, which is bad on the best of days and worse when there are big games or events on. Make sure to budget plenty of time to ensure that you arrive early and get parked. The Houston Cougars website has basic driving directions.

Does Fertitta Center have on-site parking?

Yes, there is parking around Fertitta Center, but most of the closest lots are allocated to donors, priority members, and season ticket holders. Public parking is not too much further away, however, at just a short walk to and from the stadium. Head to the Houston Cougars website for full parking details and color-coded maps.

How much does Fertitta Center parking cost?

Parking in the public lots on campus near Fertitta Center costs $30-40 during basketball games. Cheaper options might be available off campus. Check the Houston Cougars website for parking maps and more information on parking prices.