How UH decided on a SLAB entrance for the Cougars' football team. 'We needed to be Houston'

The University of Houston (UH) football team has taken a unique approach to their pregame entrance, drawing inspiration from the city's custom-car culture. In a move to differentiate themselves from other programs across the nation, UH's associate athletics director for fan engagement, Alundis Pledge, led a two-month brainstorming effort to find a memorable entrance that also embodied their connection to Houston.

The result was a SLAB entrance, a reference to the city's tradition of custom cars described as "slow, loud and bangin."

The entrance involves a red Cadillac rolling down the tunnel, followed by the UH football team, accompanied by Lil Flip's "The Way We Ball" on the soundtrack. The 1979 Cadillac LeCab features 15-inch G20 wheels with signature 30-spoke chrome swangas, a symbol of Houston culture that was sourced from Texan Wire Wheels, a local rim maker.

Logistical aspects such as player safety and turf protection were considered, with three extra patches of turf placed to the left of the tunnel for the Cadillac to briefly park. Head coach Willie Fritz gave the project the green light after ensuring everything was in order. The SLAB entrance was a resounding success, generating buzz across social media and being hailed as a standout moment by sports commentators.

The UH team has committed to using the SLAB entrance for the remaining five home games, with potential for minor variations depending on jersey colors.