The Texans' 2009 Draft Party presented by Miller Lite is coming up on April 25 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at Reliant Stadium. **Click here to print your free ticket** (required for admission).
**Almost 5,000 fans attended** last year's party, which annually features Texans players signing autographs, Texans Cheerleaders performing, a live SportsRadio 610 draft show and tons of TV coverage. The 2008 cheerleaders debuted at the party last April, and fans will have a chance to help choose the 2009 cheerleaders this time around.
From e-mails and message board feedback, there seems to be two primary concerns about the draft party:
1) Which players will be there to sign autographs?
2) Will tailgating will be encouraged as it was last year?
After speaking with the powers that be, here are the best answers that I can give:
1) The players are still to be determined, but it's a certainty that several players will be there. Last year, cornerback Fred Bennett, kicker Kris Brown, defensive end Tim Bulman and left tackle Ephraim Salaam were some of the Texans who signed autographs and chatted with fans at the party.
2) Free parking will be available beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Teal Lot (**map**). Tailgating will be allowed, but no cooking or fires will be permitted**as there are no ash dispensers in the Teal Lot. Fans interested in tailgating are encouraged to bring pre-prepared food or coolers with cold food and beverages.
For more on the particulars of the 2009 Texans Draft Party, **click here**.
