official syracuse final four tour booklet
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Dear ‘Cuse Fan,
Welcome to Houston for the Offi cial Syracuse Final Four® Tour! We appreciate you traveling with us and are here to help you in any way we can. This travel booklet features important details regarding your Final Four® Tour, as well as destination information to make your trip more enjoyable.
For the most up-to-date travel information, please visit the Anthony Travel Information Desk located in the lobby of your hotel.
GO ‘CUSE!The Anthony Travel Team
CONTENTS3 Travel Package
On-site assistance Hotel information Packet pick-up
5 Bus Transportation
7 NRG Stadium
9 Final Four Events
11 Welcome to Houston
13 Hottest Restaurants
15 A Taste of Houston Downtown Uptown | Galleria
17 Area Attractions
21 Maps
Dear ‘Cuse Fan,
Welcome to Houston for the Offi cial
2WELCOME
ON-SITE ASSISTANCEAnthony Travel will have sports travel experts on site for the Offi cial Syracuse Final Four® Tour. Should you need any assistance during your stay, please contact the numbers listed below.
214-641-2335 | 972-971-4010
The phones will be active 24 hours a day from Friday, April 1 to Tuesday, April 5.
INFORMATION DESK HOURS & LOCATION
HOTEL INFORMATION
Friday, April 1 Noon – 8 p.m.Saturday, April 2 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, April 3 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Monday, April 4 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Anthony Travel Information Desk will be located in the Sam Houston Room at the JW Marriott, and the Venice I at the DoubleTree Hotel Galleria.
OFFICIAL SYRACUSE TEAM HOTELJW Marriott Houston
Check-In: 4 p.m. | Check-Out: Noon
5150 Westheimer RdHouston, TX 77056713-961-1500
SYRACUSE FAN HOTELDoubleTree Hotel Galleria
Check-In: 3 p.m. | Check-Out: Noon
5353 Westheimer RdHouston, TX 77056713-961-9000
3 TRAVEL PACKAGE
JW Marriott DoubleTree
APRIL 2 & 4, 2016 | HOUSTON
FINAL FOUR® TOUR
FIRST NAMELAST NAME
CREDENTIALYour credential identifi es you as an Offi cial UNC Final Four® Tour guest and it is your ticket for all bus transportation as well as select tour package events. Please wear it at all times. Credentials are non-transferable and each guest must have their own.
PACKET PICK-UPAll travel packets must be picked up from the Anthony Travel Information Desk prior to gameday. A photo ID is required for travel packet pick-up.
TEXT MESSAGE ALERTS
Receive travel updates and transportation information directly on your mobile device during your Syracuse Final Four® Tour. Standard message and data rates may apply.
4TRAVEL PACKAGE
apply.
BUS TRANSPORTATIONGameday transportation is included in your travel package. Round-trip transportation will be provided from your hotel to all gameday events. Please visit the Anthony Travel Information Desks frequently during your stay or sign up for text messages to receive the most up-to-date transportation information. Your credential is required to board all travel package transfers.
Please note: Buses will leave each destination when they are full.
JW Marriott Pick-Up – Front of hotel on Westheimer DoubleTree Pick-Up – Entrance on Quarters Court NRG Stadium Pick-Up/Drop-Off – Yellow Lot
WHAT TO LOOK FORLook for these items that will guide you back to your bus after the game.
SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATIONShuttle transportation will be available for fans wishing to visit the Final Four Fan Fest and March Madness Music Festival in Downtown Houston. All shuttles will depart the Syracuse team and fan hotels on the half hour and will depart the downtown location on the hour.
FRI. 12:30 – 11 p.m. (Last bus will depart downtown at 11 p.m.) SAT. No Shuttles SUN. 10:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Last bus will depart downtown at 11 p.m.) MON. 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last bus will depart downtown at 5 p.m.) Downtown Pick-Up/Drop-Off – corner of Crawford and Capitol
OFFICIALTOUR
5 BUS TRANSPORTATION
6NRG PARK MAP
NRG STADIUMNRG Stadium is part of a group of venues collectively called NRG Park. It is home to both the Houston Texans and the world-famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Opened in 2002 with a construction cost of $352 million, it was the fi rst NFL facility to have a retractable, fabric roof. NRG Stadium has served as host to Super Bowl® XXXVIII, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Final Four 2011, WrestleMania® events, and it will be the home of
Super Bowl® LI.
FINAL FOUR HISTORYWhat began in 1939 as an eight-team tournament has morphed into one of the most highly regarded annual sporting events in the nation. This year, the NCAA® celebrates 78 years of March Madness® with 68 teams having vied for a coveted spot in the Final Four.
Defying all odds and expectations, Syracuse has proven their worth to Houston after their groundbreaking win against Virginia in the Midwest Regional and making history as the fi rst No.10 seed in the Final Four. The Orange will have their sixth appearance in the tournament, with the fi rst game against the remaining No. 1 seed Tar Heels. A true Cinderella story, Syracuse will continue their journey throughout the Final Four in hopes to fi nd a happy ending with a second championship win since 2003.
7 NRG STADIUM
NFL STADIUMBAG POLICYEach fan may use one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. The provided Anthony Travel clear bag is approved
for use in NRG Stadium.
PROHIBITED ITEMS• Weapons or fi reworks• Any objects that can be
used as a missile• Poles/sticks of any kind• Containers• Bottles, cans, or coolers• Liquid containers• Objects that obstruct a
fan’s view• Noisemakers• Animals (except assistive animals for
guests with disabilities)
8POLICIES
FINAL FOUR FAN FEST PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE®
George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida De Las Americas
Friday, April 1 | Noon – 8 p.m.Saturday, April 2 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.Sunday, April 3 | Noon – 8 p.m.Monday, April 4 | Noon – 7 p.m.
The Fan Fest is a festival jam packed with youth clinics, giveaways, concerts, interactive games, special appearances, autograph signings and much more.
REESE’S® FINAL FOUR FRIDAY®
NRG Stadium Reliant Parkway
Friday, April 1 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Syracuse Open Team Practice | 2 - 2:50 p.m.
Watch the 2016 Men’s NCAA Final Four teams participate in their fi nal open practices before the national Semifi nal games at this free event. Fans will hear from each head coach after their sessions and engage in on-court promotions. The day concludes with the Reese’s College All-Star Game, tipping off at 4:30 p.m.
TIP-OFF TAILGATE PRESENTED BY INFINITINRG Stadium Reliant Parkway
Friday, April 1 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.Saturday, April 2 | 1:30 – 4 p.m.Monday, April 4 | 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Come down early and experience Tip-Off Tailgate steps away from the on-court action featuring music, fans and fun! This event is FREE and open to the public April 1 and entry is included with your Final Four ticket on April 2 & 4.
9 FINAL FOUR EVENTS
MARCH MADNESS MUSIC FESTIVALDiscovery Green | 1500 McKinney Street
AT&T Block Party Friday, April 1 | 4 – 10 p.m.Coca-Cola Music Saturday, April 2 | Noon – 9 p.m.Capital One JamFest Sunday, April 3 | 3 – 10 p.m.
This free, three-day outdoor music festival is fi lled with music, food and fun, featuring national and regionally known musical acts. Special music guests include Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, Jason Derulo, Maroon 5, Pitbull and Flo Rida!
FINAL FOUR 4 MILERHermann Square at City Hall | 900 Smith Street
Saturday, April 2 | 8:30 a.m.
Fans and families are invited to participate in the Houston Final Four 4 Miler in downtown Houston. Proceeds benefi t the Lone Star Veterans Association, a large network of veterans in the state of Texas that represent and advocate for the post 9/11 generation of service members.
NCAA FINAL FOUR DRIBBLE FUELED BY POWERADEHouston City Hall | 901 Bagby Street
Sunday, April 3 | 10 a.m.
Youth ages 18 and under are invited to participate in this FREE event, joining thousands of fans dribbling their way through the heart of downtown Houston. The Dribble course begins at City Hall and ends at Final Four Fan Fest.
NATIONAL SEMIFINAL GAMESNRG Stadium Reliant ParkwaySaturday, April 2 Game One - 5:09 p.m. Game Two - 7:49 p.m.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMENRG Stadium Reliant ParkwayMonday, April 4 TBD
10FINAL FOUR EVENTS
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCEEnjoying Houston? Share your experience with us on social media! Click the icons below to visit Anthony Travel and use the hashtag to share your memories!
#CUSEMODE
HOUSTON, WE HAVE LIFT-OFF!Houston is a sprawling metropolis in Texas and the fourth largest city in the United States, with a mix of cultures that has made the city a celebrated destination for world-class cuisine and entertainment. Combine that with a strong theater scene, world-class museums and the popular NASA Space Center Houston and you’ve got a city that has struck the perfect balance between big city attractions and small town ideals.
The city is made up of diverse residential neighborhoods and enclaves of restaurants and shops far and wide. Downtown Houston is easy to navigate and bustling with events year-round; the Museum District is the city’s cultural center; upscale shopping and cuisine can be found in Upper Kirby and River Oaks; Montrose is known for its quirky shops and cafes; Washington Ave is nightlife central and the Heights has historic homes and stunning architecture.
Add to that Houston’s four stadiums all being less than 15 years old, some of the newest expansion teams in the NFL and MLS and success in hosting the 2011 NCAA Men’s Final Four and it’s clear to see how Houston has repositioned itself as a cultural and athletics destination!
HOUSTON, WE HAVE LIFT-OFF!
12WELCOME TO HOUSTON
13 HOTTEST RESTAURANTS
Steak and Oyster Carpet BaggerB&B Butchers
B & B Butchers1814 Washington Avenue713-862-1814
B&B features old-fashioned steakhouse menu items with a unique twist, as well as contemporary favorites paired with rotating, seasonal sides.
Beckrew Wine House2409 W Alabama Street713-526-2242
Sip wine fl ights and snack on truffl e frites, warm brie, and Jamón Ibérico. It’ll only take one taste to see why it’s been named one of the Top 20 Wine Bars in America by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana1000 West Gray Street832-742-5200
One of Houston’s best pizza joint slings hot-and-blistered Neapolitan-style pies baked inside a colossal wood-fi red oven.
Les Ba’get1717 Montrose Boulevard832-548-1080
This haute Vietnamese eatery-on-wheels took their excellent menu of duck-pate-loaded banh mi, egg rolls, and noodles to the next level in their brick and mortar spot.
Karbach Brewing Co.2032 Karbach Street713-680-2739
This fan favorite Houston brewer pumps out staggeringly good eats to match the brewery’s solid lineup of suds. Share plates of Korean-fried chicken, malted ricotta gnocchi, and Weisse Versa-battered fi sh & chips.
B & B Butchers
14HOTTEST RESTAURANTS
DOWNTOWN$$ Batanga Tapas | Latin American 908 Congress Avenue 713-224-9500
$$ Guadalajara Del Centro | Mexican 1201 San Jacinto Street 713-650-0101
$$ Jackson Street BBQ | American 209 Jackson Street 713-224-2400
$$ Little Napoli Italian Cuisine | Italian 540 Texas Avenue 713-225-3900
$ Frank’s Pizza | Italian 417 Travis Street 713-225-5656
$$$$ Spindletop | Seafood 1200 Louisiana Street 713-375-4775
$ The Lake House | American 1600 McKinney Street 713-337-7320
$$ Azuma Sushi & Robata Bar | Japanese 909 Texas Avenue 713-223-0909
DOWNTOWN
15 A TASTE OF HOUSTON
UPTOWN | GALLERIA$$$$ Arcodoro Ristorante Italiano | Italian 5000 Westheimer Road 713-621-6888
$ Kenny and Ziggy’s | NYC Deli 2327 Post Oak Boulevard 713-871-8883
$$ Caracol | Mexican 2200 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 160 713-622-9996
$$$ Masraff ’s | American Steakhouse 1753 Post Oak Boulevard 713-355-1975
$$ Canyon Cafe | Southwestern 5000 Westheimer, Suite 250 713-629-5565
$ Berryhill’s Baja Grill | Mexican 1717 Post Oak Boulevard 713-871-8226
UPTOWN | GALLERIA
16A TASTE OF HOUSTON
SPACE CENTER HOUSTON1601 NASA Parkway
Phone: 281-244-2100
M – F | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat – Sun | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Space Center Houston opened its doors in 1992, welcoming 1 million visitors annually in its 183,000-square-foot educational entertainment complex. This No.1 international attraction features over 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits, activities and theatres related to NASA’s human space-fl ight program. Known around the world as the home of NASA Mission Control and astronaut training, fans and families of all ages are taken behind the scenes to see NASA Johnson Space Center.
PRICINGChildren (0-3) - Free Kids (4-11) - $19.95Adults (12-64) - $24.95 Seniors (65+) - $22.95
17 HOUSTON ATTRACTIONS
Houston Zoo5555 Hermann Circle Drive 713-533-6500Sun – Sat | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
American Cowboy Museum11822 Alameda Road | Taylor Stevenson Ranch 713-478-9677M – Sat | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Downtown Aquarium410 Bagby Street at Memorial Drive713-223-3474 Sun – Th | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.F – Sat | 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston1001 Bissonnet713-639-7300Tue & Wed | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Th | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.F & Sat | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Sun | 12:15 to 7 p.m.
The Galleria Houston5085 Westheimer Road713-966-3500M – Sat | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Houston Zoo
18HOUSTON ATTRACTIONS
19 HOUSTON ATTRACTIONS
Rothko Chapel3900 Yupon at Sul Ross | 713-524-9839Check for daily hours
Designed by celebrated American artist Mark Rothko, the Rothko Chapel earned a spot on National Geographic’s Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations.
Orange Show Monument2402 Munger Street | 713-926-6368Sat – Sun | Noon to 5 p.m.
Experience this unique 300 square ft. architectural maze of walkways, balconies, arenas and exhibits decorated with mosaics and brightly painted iron fi gures.
San Jacinto MonumentOne Monument Circle, La Porte, Texas 77571 | 281-479-2421Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Just twenty minutes from downtown, uncover the origins of the Lone Star State and the battle that empowered a young nation.
Bayou Bend Gardens6003 Memorial Drive at Westcott Street | 713-639-7300Tue – Sat | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sun | 1 to 5 p.m.
The 14 acres refl ect the Country Place era in American landscape design with formal garden “rooms” and natural woodlands highlighting classical muses as themes.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir1150 Brand Lane, Staff ord TX 77477 USA | 281-765-2277Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Mandir is comprised of more than 33,000 individual pieces hand-carved in India, shipped to the US and assembled like a giant 3-D puzzle that utilized 1.3 million volunteer hours.
Rothko Chapel
20HOUSTON ATTRACTIONS
21 GALLERIA / UPTOWN MAP
22DOWNTOWN HOUSTON MAP
ENJOY YOUR TRIP IN
2016 TOUR GUIDE
2 4 - H O U R O N - S I T E A S S I S T A N C E
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TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS COORDINATED BY
APRIL 2 & 4, 2016 | HOUSTON
FINAL FOUR® TOUR