36 Years Ago Today, Rice Stadium: They Don't Make Super Bowls Like That Anymore

Categories: Football, Sports
A tweet from Rice University reminds us that today is the 36th anniversary of Super Bowl VIII, played at Rice Stadium.

That's right -- Super Bowl madness in the middle of that cushy neighborhood. Hard to believe.

But check out the first two minutes or so of the above video to get a taste of what the Super Bowl was like back then: Players getting off non-luxury buses in the middle of fans, a pregame ceremony that seems to consist chiefly of releasing some balloons, and the godawful Astroturf of the time, which looks like a cheap floormat.

The game itself was an incredibly boring 24-7 Miami win over Minnesota.

The big controversy of the week came from the practice facilities. Minnesota was assigned to HISD's Delmar Stadium, and head coach Bud Grant labeled it a "junior high" facility with only three working showerheads. The NFL fined him for his remarks.

Anyway, it's hard to imagine the bloated circus that is today's Super Bowl being played at Rice, although it'd be nice to stroll from the Ginger Man to the stadium.

My Voice Nation Help
2 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
Longhorn289
Longhorn289

Wasn't this the Super Bowl Hunter Thompson covered from a hotel suite in the Hyatt, watching the game on television while he got baked?

Rexster314
Rexster314

Uhhh, wouldn't that be 37 years ago??

From the Vault

 

General

©2013 Houston Press, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Houston

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city