Rice Roll Call!

[Diehard Pony]

RGV, you could fork out $9.95 and watch the game on Owl Vision since the renegade Owls are still violating the WAC ESPN contract by streaming their games.

DieHard,

Can you tell us more about this service?

Gracias

SoCal, this is the program we were trying to get up and running for SMU until I spoke with the Assoc. Commissioner of the WAC for media (Jeff Hurd) who told me the new ESPN contract specifically prohibits internet video streaming of games, since they hold all the rights to national broadcasts. Rice started streaming last year before the new contract was signed in June 2004, but they are nonetheless violating the contract. From my viewpoint, good for them.

Here is the link to their site.
http://www.msbn.tv/owlvision/index.aspx
They offered PPV last year, but I have to admit my inspection of the site only showed Season Passes this year. I will inspect further and report back.

[RGV Pony]

Diehard et al: I created an account, then selected the SMU-Rice game, and it looks like you can buy just this game for ten bucks. Now, are we sure that this is a video stream we're buying, and not just an audio subscription (like some other schools have w/ the Yahoo Broadcast setup)?

[Diehard Pony]

Diehard et al: I created an account, then selected the SMU-Rice game, and it looks like you can buy just this game for ten bucks. Now, are we sure that this is a video stream we're buying, and not just an audio subscription (like some other schools have w/ the Yahoo Broadcast setup)?

RGV, yes this is a video stream. I have previously watched us play Rice in both basketball and football. You can even select your capacity to view (e.g., dial up on up to T-1). They synch the radio broadcast with a seperate video stream. It's very slick, just in violation of the ESPN contract. Nonetheless, I will be watching via Owl Vision Saturday night.

[GUNPERUNA]

I'll go if BIG HORSE is going!

[ClassOf81]

Mrs. ClassOf81 (who actually is in the Class of '82) and I will be making the trip.

Go Ponies!

[MrMustang1965]

The band's going to Rice. Should be a fun trip. Here's to a win!

Also, we are staying over night, so if any of you Houston natives know a good place to entertain ourselves after the game please chime in.

Since I just moved back to Big D from Gargantuan H, let me first ask: where will the MB be staying? That will help me with my recommendations.

[ALEX LIFESON]

Big Al is packed and ready to go!!!!

[MustangSally]

MBand is staying in a Holiday Inn near Medical City apparently, whereever that is. Any 'must-visit' restaurants or anything around there?

[MrMustang1965]

It's not Medical City (that's in Dallas)...it's the MEDICAL CENTER, which is in the shadow of Rice University, just off of Main Street/Fannin Street and Holcombe Street. The Medical Center is comprised of Hermann Hospital, Ben Taub Hospital, Methodist Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and several other medical facilities. The world's first heart transplant took place at the Medical Center under the direction of Dr. Michael DeBakey. Dr. Red Duke still practices in the Medical Center. Many dignitaries and celebrities come to the Medical Center to be treated.

As for restaurants in the vicinity, well...that's a crap shoot. The best restaurants aren't necessarily in a medical center setting.

There are some really good restaurants a short drive away in the Montrose area (Westheimer @ Montrose). Rice Village (Kirby Drive), just to the west of Rice Stadium, also has some good eateries. There are also some good restaurants in downtown Houston which is about a 10 minute drive down Main Street.

Avoid South Main Street around Reliant Stadium and the Astrodome as well as the south Loop 610 area. Nothing really good in that area unless you want to try Joe's Crab Shack, Pappacito's or Pappadeaux's.