If there's one thing Houstonians love, it's competition-especially when it's on the field. And that makes H-Town a sports-lovers' mecca. Whether you're looking for the big game or want to be in the middle of the action, you can find it all in the Bayou City.

Go Pro

In terms of professional sports, few cities in the country have as much to offer as Houston. Whatever time of year, there's sure to be team playing! The MLB Houston Astros light up the skyline at Minute Maid Park with action-packed baseball. The two-time MLS champion Dynamo will soon have a new stadium to kick it in. When things cool off the NBA Rockets heat up the court at Toyota Center. Of course this being football country the NFL Texans are a hometown favorite (especially for tailgaters!). Finally of course there's live thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse racing at Sam Houston Race Park.

Behind the Scenes

Houston has long been known as a great sports city with great sports venues--ever since the day it unveiled the "eighth wonder of the world," the Astrodome. Today you can explore the behind the scenes workings of the city's great sports complexes.

Start at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. Located in Downtown Houston at Union Station, Minute Maid Park was built to reflect Houston's historical relationship with the railroads and features a vintage, full-sized locomotive that runs along 800 feet of track on the left-field wall. Minute Maid Park beautifully incorporates modern conveniences like a retractable roof, yet exudes a truly classic atmosphere complete with red brick masonry and natural grass.

Tours give guests a behind-the-scenes look at Minute Maid Park. Fans may visit such places as Historic Union Station, broadcasting booth or press boxes, Astros' or visitors' dugout, luxury suites and more.

Public Tours are offered year-round Monday-Saturday at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. Schedule subject to change, please call the TourLine at (713) 259-TOUR prior to coming to the ballpark to confirm that tours will be offered.

Since opening in 2002, Reliant Stadium has hosted a Super Bowl, the largest rodeo in the world, five of the largest soccer crowds in the history of Texas, the NCAA Final Four and many other world-class sports and entertainment events.

Tour highlights include:

• Field side view of NFL's first retractable roof

• Field side view of NFL's first removable natural grass field

• NFL visiting team locker room

• Houston Texans Weight Room

• Stadium Press Box

• Premium seating areas - Club Level and a party suite

Tours are offered Monday-Thursday 10:15 a.m., Noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.