University of Houston Athletics
Cougars Unveil ‘Built By Houston’ Motto, 80-Day Celebration Campaign
4/8/2026 9:00:00 AM | General
Houston launches motto, campaign to boost community engagement, grow fan base, build pride
HOUSTON – Houston Athletics unveiled the motto, Built By Houston, and a coinciding 80-day celebration campaign focused on growing the department's fan base, creating brand awareness, connecting with the community and building a common sense of pride in the Cougars.
Over 80 days from April 8–June 26, Houston Athletics will target 80 local alumni owned or operated businesses that are currently not connected with our brand to continue to build community engagement and partnership. Houston has always been built by its people, its local businesses, it's culture and community. Houston Athletics strives to be Built by Houston, because this great City has always been built by you.
"This is a key initiative for Houston Athletics," Chief Revenue Officer Alvin Franklin said. "We look forward to getting out in the Houston community and throughout the state to share our message and interact with people that love the Coogs! Our athletic department is growing by the day, and we want to be loud and proud while telling people why we need their support. This is not a check the box initiative as we will be intentional about each conversation and interaction."
Houston Athletics representatives will go door-to-door over the 80-day campaign to 80 alumni owned and operated businesses and 80 local bars with swag including flags, koozies, pennants, coasters and more. The goal of these street teams is to engage with Houston alumni that are not already supporting Houston Athletics and continue to grow the Houston Athletics brand. If you are a local business, restaurant or bar that would like our team to stop by click here.
The Cougars have many more goals over the 80-day celebration campaign including receiving 80 new Nantz Leadership Society commitments, Houston's major gifts society, as well as filling 80 tables at the Hall of Honor gala in October 2026, and welcoming 800 new Cougar Pride members whose financial support directly impacts Houston's ability to compete for championships.
Returning in 2026, Houston will host six Coaches Caravan events across the state of Texas. Football head coach Willie Fritz and Men's Basketball head coach Kelvin Sampston will attend all six dates with Vice President for Athletics Eddie Nuñez. Exact locations for the Coaches Caravan events will be announced later.
Houston is committed to providing athletics programs and game day experiences that are Built by You.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by requesting information about Built By Houston, providing NIL opportunities and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
Over 80 days from April 8–June 26, Houston Athletics will target 80 local alumni owned or operated businesses that are currently not connected with our brand to continue to build community engagement and partnership. Houston has always been built by its people, its local businesses, it's culture and community. Houston Athletics strives to be Built by Houston, because this great City has always been built by you.
"This is a key initiative for Houston Athletics," Chief Revenue Officer Alvin Franklin said. "We look forward to getting out in the Houston community and throughout the state to share our message and interact with people that love the Coogs! Our athletic department is growing by the day, and we want to be loud and proud while telling people why we need their support. This is not a check the box initiative as we will be intentional about each conversation and interaction."
Houston Athletics representatives will go door-to-door over the 80-day campaign to 80 alumni owned and operated businesses and 80 local bars with swag including flags, koozies, pennants, coasters and more. The goal of these street teams is to engage with Houston alumni that are not already supporting Houston Athletics and continue to grow the Houston Athletics brand. If you are a local business, restaurant or bar that would like our team to stop by click here.
The Cougars have many more goals over the 80-day celebration campaign including receiving 80 new Nantz Leadership Society commitments, Houston's major gifts society, as well as filling 80 tables at the Hall of Honor gala in October 2026, and welcoming 800 new Cougar Pride members whose financial support directly impacts Houston's ability to compete for championships.
Returning in 2026, Houston will host six Coaches Caravan events across the state of Texas. Football head coach Willie Fritz and Men's Basketball head coach Kelvin Sampston will attend all six dates with Vice President for Athletics Eddie Nuñez. Exact locations for the Coaches Caravan events will be announced later.
Houston is committed to providing athletics programs and game day experiences that are Built by You.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by requesting information about Built By Houston, providing NIL opportunities and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
– UHCougars.com –
Introducing Houston Blue
Friday, November 01
AD Eddie Nuñez Interview
Thursday, August 22
VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Eddie Nuñez Introductory Press Conference
Wednesday, August 21
Hall of Honor
Thursday, September 14